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Make a Difference in Children’s Lives!

United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY), in partnership with Morristown Central School (MCS), is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced School-Age Child Care (SACC) Program Director to lead the LEAPS extended day and summer program. This is a rewarding opportunity to create a safe, enriching, and engaging environment for school-aged children while managing program operations, staff, and community partnerships.

As the LEAPS SACC Program Director, you will:

• Oversee daily operations of the afterschool and summer program.
• Ensure compliance with Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations.
• Supervise and support staff, providing ongoing professional development.
• Develop and implement engaging activities that promote literacy, recreation, and social-emotional learning.
• Maintain communication with school personnel, families, and community partners.

Qualifications include:

• Associate’s degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.

OR

• NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential or School-Age Child Care Credential.

OR

• Two years of college (minimum of 18 credits in relevant coursework).

AND

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children under 13.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience in a child care or education setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Location:          Morristown Central School, 408 Gouverneur St, Morristown, NY
Hours:              25-30 hours per week, 45 weeks per year
Pay Rate:          $35-$40 per hour
Benefits:           Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Employee Assistance Program

Click here for a job description.

Join us in shaping brighter futures for children in our community!

Send your resume and cover letter to dawn.cole@unitedway-nny.org. Review of applicants will begin on March 18. 

The St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House for Victims of Domestic Violence provides residential and non-residential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Its mission is to respond immediately to the needs of victims through empowering services and community awareness. A Community Impact grant from United Way ensures access to a 24-hour hotline outside normal business hours and on weekends and holidays. With our help, Renewal House continues to be a lifeline for individuals and families facing domestic violence.

In one recent instance, an individual who reached out via the afterhours hotline was connected to support after enduring years of abuse. Thanks to immediate access to a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) who was able to facilitate wrap-around services, safe housing, and compassionate advocacy, the individual in need was able to regain stability. Over time, she rebuilt her life—continuing her education, securing a stable job, and ultimately moving into a safe, independent living situation.

In another case, the afterhours hotline connected Renewal House to a mother and her three children who were in crisis and needed to leave their home immediately. An advocate met the family at a safe location, providing emergency housing, food, and essential supplies. Despite juggling a full-time job and school schedules, the mother worked tirelessly to secure stable housing. With Renewal House’s ongoing support, the family is now in a safe environment and on the path to healing and stability.

We are honored to support Renewal House and the life-changing work they do every day. Together, we are building a safer and stronger community.

Join Us for the United Way of Northern New York’s Annual Meeting

Mark your calendars! The United Way of Northern New York will hold its Annual Meeting on Monday, January 13th, at 3:30 PM via Zoom.

This brief but important meeting is an opportunity to:

• Reflect on our accomplishments in 2024.
• Gear up for an exciting and impactful 2025.
• Officially install our officers for the year ahead:
  • Robert Saidel, Chair
  • Pam Hebert, Vice-Chair
  • Michelle Patenaude, Treasurer
  • Kristen Roberts, Secretary

Members of the community are cordially invited to attend and learn more about the important work of the United Way and our plans for the future.

If you’re interested in joining us, please reach out to Dawn Cole at dawn.cole@unitedway-nny.org or 315-788-5631 to request the Zoom link.

We look forward to connecting with you and sharing our vision for 2025!

United Way continues to champion its mission of addressing critical community issues—from food insecurity and generational poverty to domestic violence and substance abuse—by emphasizing the power of workplace giving campaigns.

Last year alone, United Way programs touched the lives of over 32,000 individuals across the North Country, providing vital support to families and individuals in need. Workplace campaigns play a crucial role in making this impact possible. By enabling employees to contribute through payroll deduction, businesses provide their teams with a meaningful way to give back while fostering morale and building team spirit.

“We are so grateful for the employers who offer their staff the opportunity to support their community through workplace campaigns,” said Dawn Cole, President and CEO of UWNNY. “These campaigns are the cornerstone of our ability to address the most pressing challenges in our region.”

Natalie Burnham, Chief of Behavioral Health and United Way Campaign Coordinator at Thrive Wellness and Recovery, echoes this sentiment. “Leading a workplace campaign is not just about giving back—it’s an incredible opportunity for rising professionals to shine, build confidence, and make a tangible difference in their community,” said Burnham.

For those employers who conduct a workplace campaign before the end March 31, United Way is offering a special incentive.  Qualifying workplace donors will be entered into a prize drawing for a beautiful living room set, generously donated by Massey’s Furniture Barn.

For more information about how to start a workplace campaign, contribute to United Way, or learn about the furniture prize incentive, call (315) 788-5631. For those who do not have access to a workplace campaign, donations can still be made directly to United Way, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to make an impact and help build a better tomorrow.

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Community Impact partners—programs dedicated to addressing critical needs and creating lasting change across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. These grants are the result of a robust and inclusive Community Review Process, where dedicated volunteers evaluated proposals to ensure resources are allocated where they are needed most.

The heart of this process lies in its inclusivity. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds came together to thoroughly review and discuss each proposal, considering the unique challenges and opportunities within our region. Their thoughtful deliberation ensures that the grants awarded reflect the priorities of our community and address the gaps that matter most.

None of this would be possible without you—our donors. Your generosity fuels the Community Impact Fund, empowering local nonprofits to deliver meals to seniors, provide after-school care to children, offer critical resources like mental health services, ensure access to food and other essential supplies, provide transportation and support those in crisis.

Thank you for believing in the power of collaboration and for making this important work possible, impacting tens of thousands of lives across the North Country.

2025 Community Impact Partners

• ACR Health (Q Center): $15,000
• Cape Vincent Community Food Pantry (Cleaning and Hygiene Products): $3,250
• Children’s Home of Jefferson County (SoZo Teen Center): $5,000
• Encompass Recreation (Tinker Club): $3,500
• Family Counseling Service of NNY (Client Assistance Fund Program): $5,000
• GardenShare (Farmers Market Token Program): $4,800
• Holistic Life Foundation (Mindful Moment Program): $10,850
• Jefferson County Toys for Tots (Holiday Toys for Children): $3,250
• Lewis County Opportunities (Transportation Assistance): $10,000
• Literacy of Northern New York (Tutoring Program): $15,000
• Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club (Food Program for Families): $5,000
• Police Activities League of Massena (Afterschool Programming): $10,850
• Renewal House for Victims of Family Violence (Crisis Hotline): $15,000
• Salvation Army of Massena (Emergency Feeding Programs): $12,000
• Salvation Army of Watertown (Emergency Assistance / Feeding Programs): $15,000
• Samaritan Medical Center (Behavioral Health Trainings to Address Youth Bullying): $6,000
• Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation (Charitable Mileage Reimbursement): $25,000
• Watertown Family YMCA (Gateway Financial Assistance): $25,000
• Watertown Urban Mission (Meals on Wheels): $25,000
• Wilna-Champion Transportation Association (Senior and Disabled Transportation): $5,000

Thank you for being the driving force behind these transformative programs. Together, we are United for a Better Tomorrow.

At United Way of Northern New York, we’re all about creating brighter tomorrows. But what does that really mean? How do we take your generosity and transform it into meaningful change for individuals and families across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties?

We’re excited to share a short video, produced by our friends at NBC Watertown, that beautifully captures the heart of what we do. From feeding seniors to supporting working families and helping children thrive, this video showcases the power of community and the impact of your support.

Watch the Video

In just 90 seconds, you will see how United Way connects people to resources, builds partnerships that strengthen our region, and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Here’s a Snapshot of What We Accomplish Together:

• 32,000 lives impacted annually, including 10,400 children.
• Support for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families working hard to make ends meet.
• Access to vital programs, such as after-school care for children, transportation assistance, meals for homebound seniors, food and critical supplies for those in need, mental health services, and crisis intervention.
• Connections to vital resources through the 211 Referral Network.
• Increased awareness and understanding of generational poverty through Bridges out of Poverty and related workshops.
• Professional development and networking opportunities for nonprofit professionals.

This is more than just a story about us—it’s about you, our donors, volunteers, and partners. Your involvement makes everything possible.

We invite you to watch the video, share it with your network, and join us in making a difference. Together, we can continue to be United for a Better Tomorrow.

Watch Now

In today’s evolving job market, maintaining a stable workforce is a challenge for many employers. High turnover and retention issues, particularly in entry-level roles, can impact productivity and drive up costs. To address these challenges, United Way of Northern New York offers Workplace Stability workshops, designed to equip leaders with practical tools to reduce turnover, improve retention, and build stronger teams.

What Are Workplace Stability Workshops?

Part of the nationally recognized Bridges out of Poverty framework, these workshops help employers understand the barriers that employees face—both inside and outside of work—that can impact their stability and job performance.

Workshops are tailored to meet your needs, with options for varying lengths and formats, making them ideal for C-suite executives, managers, and HR professionals.

Why Participate?

“Even in a strong job market, life happens,” says Dawn Cole, CEO of United Way of Northern New York and a certified Workplace Stability trainer. “A car repair, childcare disruption, or unexpected medical bill can derail someone’s stability and their ability to stay employed. These workshops help employers support their workforce effectively.”

What You’ll Learn

Participants will explore:

• The true cost of turnover and strategies to reduce it.
• How economic instability affects job performance.
• Ways to build trust and reduce turnover in entry-level roles.
• Practical steps to support employees during personal crises.

Flexible and Impactful

Workplace Stability workshops are customizable and particularly valuable for industries with high turnover rates. Employers who implement these strategies often see stronger team relationships, increased loyalty, and cost savings.

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to create a more resilient workforce, contact United Way of Northern New York at (315) 788-5631 to learn more or schedule a workshop for your organization.

Earlier this year, Literacy of NNY, a Community Impact partner, hosted a special event during which ESL students presented displays about their homelands at Calcium Primary School. Dressed in traditional clothing, they shared stories about their native countries’ food, history, and customs with local students and staff. This experience fostered understanding and cultural appreciation while also allowing ESL students to showcase their research and presentation skills, further building their confidence and community connections.

We are proud to support the work of Literacy of NNY and excited to highlight a few outcomes for the first six months of 2024 as a result of their outstanding work:

• 123 students participated in intake, assessment, and case management, with 69% of those post-tested showing educational gains.

• 30 students gained employment.

• 105 students gained valuable workforce skills.

• 65 students achieved personal health goals.

• 77 students improved their consumer skills.

• 14 students enhanced their computer literacy.

Your support of United Way of Northern New York ensures that programs like Literacy of NNY continue to make a lasting difference—just one example of community impact at work. By giving, you help create stronger, more vibrant communities, and together, we are “UNITED for a Better Tomorrow” where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.  Thank you for being part of the LIVE UNITED movement and helping to ensure that vital programs are available to North Country residents.

At United Way of Northern New York, we believe that meaningful change begins with community-driven solutions. Our approach to grantmaking isn’t just about distributing funds. It’s about empowering the people who know our community best to guide where support is needed most. Through our community review process, we set the gold standard in engagement and collaboration, ensuring that every dollar we invest has a lasting impact.

The core of our grantmaking model lies in the hands of local volunteers—everyday people who are passionate about making a difference. These community members bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the table, helping us evaluate the organizations and programs seeking funding. They ask critical questions, identify the most pressing needs, and ensure that our investments align with the priorities of the communities we serve.

This process isn’t just transparent, it’s deeply inclusive. By involving a broad range of voices, we ensure that our funding decisions reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of our region. Whether it’s addressing gaps in education, supporting families in crisis, or fostering economic mobility, our community review teams play an integral role in shaping the future of our local nonprofits and the people they serve.

Our model goes beyond traditional philanthropy by fostering partnerships between nonprofits, donors, and community members. We believe that lasting change happens when we work together toward common goals. The organizations that receive our funding are not just grantees; they’re collaborators in our shared mission to create a better tomorrow.

This approach holds each funded program accountable and maximizes the impact of every contribution made through our Community Impact Fund. By engaging the community at every step, we ensure that the resources entrusted to us by our generous donors are used efficiently and effectively.

At United Way, we’re proud to set a high standard in grantmaking—one where community engagement, accountability, and transparency come together to create real, lasting change. Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.

The power of our grantmaking process is simple: we trust the wisdom of the people we serve.

If you’re interested in becoming part of this collaborative process or learning more about how we drive impact in our community, reach out and join us in making a difference.

As we embark on this year’s United Way campaign, with the theme “United for a Better Tomorrow,” I’m filled with immense gratitude for everyone who makes this effort possible. Our campaign’s success is not just the result of one organization or one person—it’s a collective achievement, powered by the dedicated campaign coordinators in each workplace, the generous donors, and the volunteers who give their time and energy to make a difference. To all of you who step up each year to support our mission: thank you. You are the heart of this campaign, and your commitment fuels positive change in our community.

Our campaign coordinators in particular deserve special recognition. They take on the role of rallying their colleagues—on top of their daily responsibilities—and work tirelessly to inspire those around them to give. Through their efforts, they’re not just helping United Way; they’re building stronger teams, boosting morale, and creating a shared sense of purpose within their workplaces.

For those organizations that aren’t yet involved, I encourage you to consider joining us. The campaign isn’t just about raising funds—it’s a powerful tool for strengthening your workplace. Conducting a campaign within your organization builds camaraderie, fosters teamwork, and provides an opportunity for employees to come together around a common goal: creating a better tomorrow for all. It’s a chance to show your team that they can be part of something bigger than their day-to-day tasks. By participating, you’re not only supporting the community, but you’re also making a statement about the values your organization stands for.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or considering running a campaign for the first time, I invite you to be part of this movement. When we come together, we are united in the belief that we can create lasting change. Every donation, every conversation, and every volunteer hour brings us one step closer to building a future where everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

This campaign is not just about giving—it’s about being united for a better tomorrow. Together, we can make that tomorrow a reality.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a part of this vital work.