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Watertown Savings Bank Continues Tradition of Philanthropy

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.

United Way Supports Renewal House in Transforming Lives

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.

Distributing Shoes to Students in Need at Edwards-Knox

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.

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Annual Meeting – January 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM

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!

Brief Review of 2024: Thanks for your help!

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!

Empowering Workplace Teams to Make a Meaningful Impact

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.

Celebrating Our 2025 Community Impact Partners

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.

Discover How United Way Transforms Lives

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

Strengthen Your Workforce and Build Retention

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.

Community Impact Partner Spotlight: Meals on Wheels

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