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Meet our 2026 Community Impact Partners

United Way of Northern New York is proud to partner with local human service organizations working every day to improve the lives of individuals and families across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.

Through a competitive, community-led grant review process, UWNNY invests in local programs that address the region’s most pressing needs across three priority areas.

Social Determinants of Health

Cape Vincent Food Pantry
Community Health Center of the North Country
Family Counseling of NNY
GardenShare
Massena Meals on Wheels
Renewal House
Resolution Center of Jefferson / Lewis
Salvation Army of Massena
Salvation Army of Watertown
Samaritan Medical Center
Volunteer Transportation Center
Watertown Family YMCA
Watertown Urban Mission
Wilna Champion Transportation Association

Child / Youth Success

ACR Health
Children’s Home of Jefferson County
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County
Encompass Recreation
Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club
Police Activities League of Massena
St. Lawrence County People Project

Economic Stability

Lewis County Opportunities
Literacy of NNY
St. Lawrence County Community Development Program

Youth at the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club strike a pose and accept a check from UWNNY CEO Dawn Cole. A sign in the background promotes the Preston C. Carlisle Youth Athletic Center.

Beyond Community Impact Grants

In addition to investing in local programs through our Community Impact grant process, United Way of Northern New York also leads initiatives and develops strategic partnerships that address pressing community needs, strengthen financial stability, and support children and families across the North Country.

A group of seven adult graduates pose with black caps and gowns.

UWNNY Initiatives

ALICE
Connecting hardworking households facing financial hardship to resources that promote stability and long-term success.

Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-by World
A nationally recognized workshop that equips participants with the tools, relationships, and resources to build a more stable future.

Staying Ahead
An ongoing alumni network that provides continued learning, encouragement, and support as participants pursue their personal and financial goals.

Enhanced School Partnerships

  • Edwards Knox Central School
    Through a collaborative partnership, United Way supports the Community Schools Coordinator position, helping connect students and families with resources, coordinate services, and strengthen partnerships that remove barriers to learning.
  • Jeff-Lewis BOCES
    United Way serves as the fiscal sponsor for “Meals with a Mission,” an innovative program, where students collaborate to prepare nutritious frozen meals for local families experiencing food insecurity. Families are identified through school nurses, while students in hospitality and media programs work together to prepare, package, and label meals—building workforce skills while serving their community.
  • Morristown Central School
    Through a partnership with Morristown Central School and support from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) LEAPS grant, United Way operates a high-quality before- and after-school program that provides academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and a safe, supportive environment for children while helping working families.
  • Watertown City School District
    Through a partnership with the Watertown City School District and the City of Watertown, United Way helps ensure students and families experiencing food insecurity have access to nutritious weekend meals by supporting the Food 4 Families backpack program.

Together, our nonprofit partners, school districts, volunteers, donors, and community members are building a stronger Northern New York.