Author: Rachel Burt

United Way of Northern New York is proud to announce a $15,000 Community Impact Grant to the Salvation Army of Watertown to support the organization’s Emergency Assistance Feeding Programs, addressing food insecurity and other emergent needs in Jefferson County.

With the rising cost of living and groceries, this grant will help the Salvation Army continue to provide vital food programs, including its soup kitchen, food pantry, and free food giveaways. These programs serve individuals facing food insecurity while also connecting them with additional resources, such as the Code Blue Warming Center, youth programs, seasonal assistance initiatives, and case management services aimed at combatting poverty.

For 140 years, The Salvation Army of Watertown has been a steadfast pillar of support for the community, upholding the mission of founder William Booth: Soup, Soap, and Salvation. Today, the organization continues to meet evolving needs while maintaining its commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.

Recently appointed officers Captain Joshua Morales and Lieutenant Christine Morales, who arrived in the area last summer, are dedicated to learning more about the needs of Watertown and Jefferson County, ensuring the Salvation Army remains responsive and effective in its outreach efforts. The organization has also strengthened its partnerships with key stakeholders, city officials, and other community resources.

“The Salvation Army in Watertown has been serving for 140 years, and we wouldn’t be able to do any of it without United Way and the other contributors who keep us going,” said Cpt. Morales. “They are the life blood of who we are, and we are an extension, the hands, of their generosity. Thank you to the United Way, and to all those who help us help others.”

Recent assessments from The Salvation Army’s board and staff indicate a growing need for food assistance in the region. The organization now serves upwards of 200 meals per day and distributes food to up to 400 people during its Thursday giveaways. With this grant, The Salvation Army aims to serve an estimated 7,000 duplicated individuals through its feeding programs, and we are honored to be able to help the Salvation Army continue its mission.

This Community Impact Grant and others like it are made possible through the generosity of donors supporting the UWNNY campaign, which is conducted in more than 80 workplaces across the North Country. Employees contribute through payroll deductions, funding critical programs that create lasting impact in our community. We want to offer our sincere thanks to all of our wonderful donors who help make these Community Impact Grants possible through generous donations – we truly couldn’t do it without you.

United, we make Community Impact happen across the North Country!

If you would like to bring a campaign to your workplace, contact us by email or phone (315) 788-5631.  It’s an easy way to support the community, strengthen your Corporate Social Responsibility agenda, and build team morale! 

We are excited to invite nonprofit leaders, board members, and community stakeholders to a special Lunch & Learn UNITED session on March 6 from 11:45 AM to 1 PM. This free virtual event will feature a presentation facilitated by representatives of the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which oversees the Charities Bureau—New York’s primary regulator of nonprofit organizations.

The Charities Bureau plays a critical role in ensuring compliance and protecting donors while also serving as a valuable resource, providing guidance and support to help nonprofits operate transparently and effectively.

Featured Presenters:

• Deanna R. Nelson, Assistant Attorney General in Charge, has led the Watertown Regional Office of the Attorney General since 2008. She has extensive experience overseeing charitable organizations in the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence region and has served on multiple nonprofit boards.
• C. Michelle McKenzie, Assistant Attorney General, has been leading the charitable organizations practice at the Watertown Regional Office since 2021. A lifelong resident of Jefferson County, she understands the vital role nonprofits play in strengthening local communities.

What to Expect:
The program will center around key questions that every nonprofit should consider:

• Do you know your organization’s origin story?
• How can your organization expand its mission responsibly while staying within legal boundaries?
• What are the fiduciary obligations and potential liabilities that nonprofit leaders should
  understand?

As nonprofits continuously evolve to meet community needs and diversify revenue, mission shifts and organizational updates have become more common. This discussion will offer valuable insights on how to navigate these changes while staying compliant with state regulations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and access helpful resources from the Attorney General’s Office.

Who Should Attend?
This event is highly relevant for:

• Nonprofit executive directors, CEOs, and leadership staff
• Board members overseeing governance and compliance
• Fundraising professionals managing charitable contributions
• Anyone interested in nonprofit accountability and best practices

Registration Information:
Participation is free, but registration is required. To sign up, visit: https://unitedway-nny.org/lunch-learn-united/
Join us on March 6 for this informative session and ensure your nonprofit is positioned for success while staying true to its mission!

It’s time again to dust off your derby hats and bow ties! The Kentucky Derby Social is just around the corner, and this year promises to be the most spectacular celebration yet. Join us for an unforgettable evening where the thrill of the ‘most exciting two minutes in sports’ collides with elegance, Southern charm, and the chance to make a real impact in our community.

This year’s Kentucky Derby Social, generously sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, is an evening you won’t want to miss. Prepare to be immersed in the energy of the Derby while enjoying a carefully curated experience, featuring:

🐎 Delicious Cuisine: Savor curated food stations by Embellished Catering, followed by an indulgent dessert and coffee/tea service

🌹 Dynamic Entertainment: Enjoy the evening with the sports man himself, emcee Mel Busler, who will keep the energy high, and live music by the immensely talented Joe and Shannon Foy

🐎 Signature Drinks: Sip on specialty themed cocktails from a cash bar by O’Brien’s, along with a full selection of beer, wine, and spirits

🌹 Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and unique experiences in our exciting silent auction

🐎 Fun Keepsakes: Create lasting memories with personalized mementos from Snapshots NNY

🌹 Prizes for Derby Elegance: Show off your style and compete for prizes in categories like Best Dressed Individual, Best Dressed Couple, and Best Hat!

Make your evening even more special by securing a Winner’s Circle table! For $600 (seating for eight), your group will enjoy perks like glasses of bubbly upon arrival, VIP balcony seating during the race, and exclusive mementos to commemorate the night. If a table isn’t your thing, individual tickets are available for $75 per person, so grab your friend or significant other for a night out to support a great cause!

The Kentucky Derby Social is more than just an evening of entertainment. Proceeds from the event directly support United Way of Northern New York in our mission to unite communities, resources, and partners to address local needs, foster impactful programs, and enhance quality of life. This is your chance to revel in Derby Day spirit while contributing to meaningful change in your own backyard.

Don’t let this premier Derby celebration pass you by – gather your group, don your Derby best, and join us at the event of the season! We can’t wait to see you there!

Click here to view the event site and purchase tickets

If you’re unable to attend the event but would still like to support us, please consider donating through the ‘Donate & Tickets’ button at the top of the event page – every donation truly helps in our mission to build a better tomorrow! 

United Way of Northern New York is honored to continue a longstanding partnership with Watertown Savings Bank, an institution dedicated to philanthropy whose commitment to the North Country stretches back more than a century. Recently, the UWNNY team accepted a check on behalf of the many who will be served by WSB’s generosity not only through their annual UWNNY campaigns, but also corporate gifts.

These contributions directly support UWNNY’s mission to build a better tomorrow for thousands of individuals and families across the region. Through name and leadership changes, office moves and more, for as long as anyone can remember, Watertown Savings Bank has been a steadfast supporter of United Way of Northern New York, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.

“Watertown Savings Bank’s unwavering dedication to our community is nothing short of inspiring,” said Dawn Cole, CEO of United Way of Northern New York. “Their continued partnership ensures that we can provide critical support and resources to the individuals and families who need it most. On behalf of the entire UWNNY team and the people we serve, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”

Founded in 1893 by a visionary group seeking to create a financial institution that prioritized the best interests of the community, 132 years later WSB continues to do just that. The bank’s Vision Statement articulates its dedication to being “the best Bank in Jefferson County; excelling in service to our customers, rewarding opportunities for our employees, and philanthropic giving to our community.”

This vision is a testament to its founders’ ideals and a legacy of generosity that has endured through the decades and is echoed in a recent statement from the institution’s President, Mark Lavarnway: “As a philanthropic leader in the community, Watertown Savings Bank is committed to supporting United Way of NNY to help ensure essential funding for the services they provide to so many in the North Country.”

In 1919, WSB Treasurer H.W. Steele wrote that while some corporations may exist solely to make money for their stockholders, the directors of WSB had a dream of a greater community, a better world, and a future of larger opportunities for their children. These words remain as true today as they were over a century ago.

United Way of Northern New York is deeply grateful for WSB’s continued support. Each year, UWNNY positively impacts over 30,000 individuals in the North Country, including thousands of children. Contributions like this one from WSB enable UWNNY to sustain vital programs and expand its reach, driving positive change and creating opportunities for those in need.

WSB’s legacy of giving is a shining example of how community-focused businesses can drive meaningful change. United Way of Northern New York celebrates this enduring partnership and looks forward to continued collaboration in building a brighter future for the North Country.’

If you would like to support our community through a workplace campaign, please give us a call at (315) 788-5631 to get started. Your support goes beyond just a donation – it’s an investment in the future of our community. Together, we create a ripple effect. Every gift combines with others to maximize impact and reach even more people, ensuring vital services and programs are available for those who need them most.

Shoes, hats, cookies, hot chocolate, coloring pages and goodie bags – oh my! Our shoe distribution at Edwards-Knox the evening of January 15th was nothing short of amazing, with over 100 students receiving a brand-new pair of shoes. This wonderful community event, which was also opened up to neighboring Hermon-Dekalb School District, was thanks to a continued partnership between UWNNY, Fuccillo Subaru and Operation Warm.

The Edwards-Knox School District remained an ideal choice for a distribution site due to its commitment to students and the prevalent need within its rural setting. Given the collaborative nature of the event and organizations involved, opening it up to neighboring Hermon-Dekalb was a no brainer – another opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families.

From 5 to 7pm, 117 children and their families filled the elementary lunchroom of Edwards-Knox, sizing their feet on the mat to figure out what might fit best, finding their corresponding shoe size on the table with the lovely Ashley from Fuccillo Subaru, and trying the tester shoes on just to make sure before the most important part: choosing what color pair of shoes to take home.

Once this often-tough decision had been made, it was time to move on to the hot chocolate and cookie station for a snack, taking some time for the coloring sheets and signing the Subaru sign, and picking up a UWNNY goodie bag – not to mention mingling with their peers and showing off their new kicks. There was even the chance to be regionally famous with our friend Gage from Channel 7 News, who stayed with us through the evening working on a segment featuring the event and attendees! We are so grateful for the wonderful local coverage and look forward to continuing our partnership with Channel 7 in the future.

In 2025, Subaru and its retailers are visiting local shelters and support agencies to provide more than 150,000 children with brand-new necessities as part of the Subaru Love Promise, Subaru’s commitment to improving lives in the communities where its employees live and work. These items can mean the difference between going to school or not; between participating in activities or sitting out. Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats and shoes for children in need. Through partnerships with individuals, community organizations, and corporations across North America, Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope for a brighter future by using the gift as a catalyst for community connection.

With about 100 or so pairs of shoes left over from the event, the school districts will be distributing them to other students, and United Way is sharing a number of pairs with other community partners to spread the love and continue to work to make a lasting impact through this gift. This event highlights the power of community collaboration and demonstrates how we can make a tangible difference in the lives of children. It is always such a fun and impactful time, and nothing beats the smiles on the faces of the children when they get their new items to take home.

This is what it is all about, and United Way is truly grateful for this continued partnership, allowing us to strengthen our community connections in St. Lawrence County. It is an honor to live and work united with Subaru, Operation Warm and Edwards-Knox.

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS!

What a year it’s been!

We developed a partnership with Operation Warm and Fuccillo Subaru to provide winter gear to children and families in need, launched a virtual monthly learning series entitled “Lunch & Learn UNITED” where we offer a number of topics facilitated by local experts and open it up to the community with no cost to attend, facilitated a handful of Bridges Out of Poverty trainings across the North Country, received grant funding and entered into a new partnership with Morristown Central School District to offer SACC programming for children, assisted a number of ALICE families in need, and made meaningful connections across the area through a variety of events like the Community Food Drive, which brought in the most donations to date this past year – just to name a few of the things we accomplished in 2024 thanks to your support!

Together, we touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals across the North Country, including many children who now have brighter futures. Single parents are able to keep their jobs and provide for their children thanks to transportation assistance and childcare services, students and families are provided with cleaning and personal care items, victims of domestic violence are brought to safety, children make connections with positive role models during afterschool programming, and homebound seniors receive healthy meals delivered to their homes – and these are just a few examples of the power of our collective giving!

We will be sharing our annual report with everyone in the new year, but in the meantime, we wanted to share with you a few of the many instances in which lives were impacted by UWNNY thanks to the generosity of the communities we serve, putting some faces to the numbers, if you will, to demonstrate the impact we can achieve when we work united toward a better tomorrow. Below are two ALICE (Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) cases and snippets of impact from two of our partner agencies that were able to assist individuals thanks to some help from United Way:

ALICE: A young mom was working part-time and really struggling to keep up.  When offered a full-time job in a nearby community, with higher pay and benefits, she didn’t think that she would be able to accept it because she could not afford the gas to and from while she waited for her first paycheck.  United Way provided coaching (she needed to hear that she could do this!) and gas cards, which took the pressure off.  We are happy to report that she loves her new job and is quickly gaining stability and confidence!

In another instance, a single mother working at a local college, is doing her best to raise her special needs son. Starting over after a bad marriage, mom was so proud that her car is almost paid off.  Lo and behold, it was in need of repairs, and she was beside herself trying to figure it out.  When told that United Way could help, you could hear a pin drop … and then a little sniffle followed by words of gratitude.

Partner Organizations: WCTA, Inc. is more than just transportation to seniors and disabled persons in the Carthage area. For most riders, the staff are the only family they have. According to Executive Director Heather Tanner, one of the ladies has no family in the area, so Heather is her health care proxy. Another lady is also completely alone here, so Heather has gone with her for her medical procedures. “Our riders do not have a means to get out of their homes to shop, socialize or access personal care,” she said. “Our mission has been to make it possible for those in impossible situations. We go to their door if they need that extra help. We carry their bags. Due to the personal care, we have developed close relationships with our riders. We are often referred to as their closest friends because of the level of personal care and concern that each rider receives.”

Recently, Renewal House received an after-hours call and assisted a client who reached out after experiencing several years of abuse in her home. Through the immediate access to services, safe housing, and emotional support, she found the stability to rebuild her life— receiving assistance to continue her education, securing a stable job, and eventually moving into a safe, independent living situation. In another instance, a mother and her children were in a crisis situation, but she was not yet ready to leave. A week later, she was. An advocate met the family in a safe location and wound up being able to provide safe housing immediately, along with food and supplies to assist them. The survivor had a full-time job and was juggling that while trying to find a rental in an area that accommodated her, her three children, their school schedules and her work schedule. With assistance from Renewal House, this survivor now as stable housing for herself and her children, and they are out of their situation and safe.

We are incredibly proud and humbled to be able to play a role in such amazing work being done in the North Country through our strong network of nonprofit partner organizations. None of this work would be possible without the incredible generosity and support we receive from businesses and individuals like you. Thank you for believing in our mission to unite communities, resources and partners to collaboratively address local needs, foster impactful programming, and enhance quality of life. Here’s to the new year and continuing to work toward a brighter tomorrow for all!

With the help of a group of dedicated volunteers and spearheaded by Donna White, Meals on Wheels is vital service that delivers prepared meals and much-needed social interaction to homebound individuals in the Watertown area five days a week come rain, snow and shine. From January 1 to September 30 this year, a whopping 20,669 meals were served by a truly awesome army of Meals on Wheels volunteers!

For several years, beginning soon after retirement, Donna had a very committed couple who delivered meals every Friday, and very often would come as needed when she was in a jam.  This couple, Lee and Shirley Clary, were devoted to each other, their family, the community, and to Meals on Wheels, she said.  So much so, that Lee was a member of the MOW Board of Directors for many years before it merged with the Watertown Urban Mission. Sadly, Lee Clary passed away recently, a huge loss to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, and his family chose Meals on Wheels as a memorial site following his passing. “Each time we receive a donation in Lee’s memory, I feel his impact and his commitment,” Donna said.  “The fact that, even in death, Lee is still supporting a program that was near and dear to his heart, still touching the lives of people he cared so deeply for – still making a difference.”

One such individual whose life has recently been changed by MOW is a young man afflicted with Cerebral Palsy and presently battling cancer. Although his parents would like him to move back home so they could care for him, this young man wants to remain independent for as long as he possibly can. He started receiving MOW in late June, and it has made a huge difference not only for himself, but for his family as well.

The young man is now eating healthier on a more regular schedule and doesn’t have to exert precious energy to prepare a meal, especially when he isn’t having a “good day.”  Someone is checking in at a certain time daily and along with the delivery, can assess how he is doing. If there are any concerns, the volunteer delivering will let Donna know and she will contact the young man’s family.

As the holidays approach, it is important to remember that the need for Meals on Wheels is as strong as ever, and that local support is essential to the program’s success. United, we can build stronger, more caring communities that support vulnerable individuals throughout their lives.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels or to become involved with the program, call (315) 782-8440 ext. 231.

The individuals pictured are all past or present Meals on Wheels Volunteers, aside from the gentleman receiving a meal in the last photo. In order of appearance: The Roberts Family, James Youngs from DPAO, and Rick Ingham

This year’s Race Against Poverty, proudly presented by SeaComm, truly exemplified the Live United motto with 36 teams, 14 local businesses, and dozens of volunteers and generous donors coming together to raise more than $12,000 in support of programs that address poverty – wow!

Race Against Poverty is an exciting opportunity to support the community as participants compete in an event loosely based on the Amazing Race TV show. Teams of two work together to solve clues leading them to businesses in and around Public Square and must then complete a challenge before racing to the next stop in an adventure-filled event that highlights the incredible support of our local businesses and organizations.

This event is more than just a fun competition – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbors. All proceeds from the Race Against Poverty go directly to programs that address poverty, which provide essential support to individuals and families in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Last year, programming sponsored by UWNNY impacted over 32,000 individuals across the North Country – more than half of whom were assisted with basic needs such as food, personal care items, and transportation. This impact is only possible thanks to the generosity of the local communities we serve, and fundraisers such as the Race Against Poverty.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to thank each and every donor, racer, volunteer and sponsor for helping us to pull off such a great and impactful event – we truly appreciate it and couldn’t do what we do with you! Mark your calendars for the last Saturday of September in 2025 as we once again Race Against Poverty, we’d love to have you!

Thank you to all our generous 2024 sponsors: SeaComm, Citizen Advocates, Samaritan Medical Center, Bridgeview Real Estate, Morgia Wealth Management, Watertown Local Development Corporation, Barrett Paving, Purcell Construction, Victory Promotions, Tunes 92.5, ABC 50, Watertown Daily Times, 7 News, Price Chopper and Key Bank.