About VFV:
We exist to help people to see the unique gift they have to offer and to be unleashed to use it to serve the people of the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Meet Joseph Velarde
Founder of Vision for the Valley
Joe Velarde is a native of Atlanta, GA, and helped to start Riverbend Community Church in 2009 in Allentown, PA. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor there. Joe has been married 16 years to Amy and they have a 4-year-old son named Ray. He, along with the Riverbend team, has helped to start and walk alongside 6 new churches in the PA/NYC/NJ and Denmark through the Riverbend Church planting network, established in 2011. He has written blog pieces for Send Network and Exponential in addition to being featured as a contributor in two e-books. In addition to Vision for the Valley, he launched the Vision for the Valley Podcast in 2019. These exist to help people see the unique gift they have to offer and be unleashed to use it to serve the people of the Lehigh Valley and beyond. In 2020, Joe became the leader of Send Network PA/SJ, an organization that seeks to see new churches established through Pennsylvania and South Jersey, leaders encouraged and equipped, and meaningful partnerships created.
What we do:
Networking
Coaching and Consulting
Speaking, Writing, and Preaching
Partnership Development
Entrepreneurship Training
Vision for the Valley Values:
1. To encourage the encouragers.
Leaders often carry a heavy load and don't have safe places where others can help carry this load of leadership. We want to be able to speak life into the heart of the leader.
2. To help people learn how to process pain.
Life is full of pain, but what do we do with it? If we don't process it, it will process us. Pain, when it is processed, can lead to purpose for us and others.
3. To promote a leadership development culture.
Leaders aren't found, they are developed. We want to help you discover who they are, what they will do, and how you can help them become who they are intended to be.
4. To integrate life and leadership as modeled by Jesus.
Often times, we disconnect these two areas, but Jesus wants us to experience His ways in all areas of our lives.
5. To give clarity to creative callings.
We want to help you to be the best version of yourself. Not anybody else. Success is defined as discovering who you are, what you are created for and living that out.
6. To seek out Kingdom collaboration.
We are better together and aren't meant to do it alone. We do our best work with others. Instead of seeing others as competition, we want to celebrate and collaborate with others.
7. To examine the vitals of healthy living
It's said that as the leader gets better everyone gets better. We want to help you live an integrated life as a leader. When you are approaching your health in a holistic way, it helps you to lead at your best.
Our Team:
Tom and Bethann Miller
Supporting Leaders/ Soul Care/ Trauma-Informed Training Specialists
Bethann.safeplaceministry@gmail.com
Tom and Bethann have been close personal friends and have journeyed with me through many joys and sorrows. They have a gift to help leaders process the pain of both life and leadership. They established Safe Place ministries to be just that and have been doing incredible work. It’s an honor to serve as their Pastor and friend.
The Millers provide debriefings for those leading as well as trainings around areas like trauma, compassion fatigue, and de-escalating, just to name a few.
John Velarde
Business/ Marketing Strategy Specialist
John.Velarde@cfafranchisee.com
My twin brother John is one of my best friends and is the owner/operator of Chick-fil-a Whitehall. Beyond being a good looking guy (remember he is my twin!), he is very gifted in helping others think through strategy and how to be for their community through social media and community outreach opportunities.
John excels at being a raving fan of his employees, customers and community. In return, they have become a raving fan of him and his business. I believe he can help you do the same!
Erika and Travis Butler
HR Development Specialists
Erika.Butler@hohihr.com
I have been friends with the Butlers since 2010. They came to Riverbend as we turned one year old! They have been a huge encouragement to me and my family. They have brought that same energy to Higher International Human Resource.
Erika and Travis offer a people-centered approach to business growth. They’ll help you plan your business strategy around your team, providing you better employee retention, more team collaboration and productivity, greater customer satisfaction, and higher profits.
Shannon Varcoe
Design Thinking Specialist
Shannon.Varcoe@gmail.com
I have known Shannon for several years and she walked me through what is called ‘Designed Thinking.’ What impressed me about her (and this process) is how she had a focus on empathy that would lead to the best solutions. She has a gift of helping you to think like an entrepreneur even if you aren’t a business owner.
If you or your organization feels stuck and needs clarity with a path forward consider having Shannon come in and lead a Design Thinking Workshop.
Christopher Dean
Digital and Media Design Specialist
Chris@riverbendonline.org
I have worked with Chris since the inception of Riverbend. He has been an incredible teammate and has helped make our church what it is. He is gifted in several avenues of the creative arts like songwriting, singing, filming, production, and web and graphic design. He has helped me look good on more than one occasion, as well as to tell compelling stories.
If you are looking for someone to help tell your story through media Chris is the man for the job!
Jesse Velarde
Communication Specialist
Velardejesse075@gmail.com
Jesse is my older brother and has been a huge part in helping get Riverbend off the ground and established! He serves on the teaching team and is gifted at writing and public speaking.
If you are looking for someone to write and/or speak on behalf of your organization I would strongly encourage you to connect with Jesse.
Katie Casamassa
Executive Assistant
Katie@riverbendonline.org
Katie and I met when she joined the Riverbend staff as a resident in 2020. I knew early on that she would be a huge help to our church, and I was right! She has continued to exceed my expectations. She has real gift in creativity and organization. She will be helping me with creating content, website, social media management, as well as follow up with those who reach out to Vision For The Valley.