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.

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.

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.

United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY) is pleased to announce that the portal to apply for 2025 Community Impact grant funding is open to local nonprofit, human service organizations August 1 through August 31, 2024.  Completed applications and supporting documents will be reviewed by community volunteers who carefully evaluate proposals in alignment with community needs.  Community review panelists determine the grant allocations, forwarding their recommendations for funding to the UWNNY Board of Directors.

Grant applications are open to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations providing human service programming to residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and/or St. Lawrence Counties. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Request for Proposals before preparing an application.  Applications are submitted online via a special portal. Click here for complete details.

UWNNY expects to award a total of $225,000 in 2025 Community Impact funding.  The maximum amount of funding that can be requested from the Community Impact fund is $25,000. Proposals for capital projects are not eligible for Community Impact funding.  Submitted proposals must align with at least one of the primary areas of focus:

• Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) – interventions / strategies addressing SDoH, including but not limited to access to nutrition, housing, healthcare, literacy / language, education, and transportation.

• Child / Youth Success – programming that provides vital supplies and support necessary to academic success, growth and development, and a healthy successful transition into adulthood.

• Economic Stability – short- and long-term strategies to help people gain or maintain stability, including job skills training, soft skills development, and support to those at risk of falling into poverty.

Grant funds are made possible through the UWNNY campaign, conducted in more than 80 workplaces throughout the North Country.  Employees are invited to support their community – and a wide range of programs – through convenient payroll deductions.

“We truly appreciate the generosity of individuals and businesses throughout the North Country who make Community Impact grants possible,” said Dawn M. Cole, UWNNY President and CEO. “The collective effort of community members demonstrates what the United Way model, allowing us to enhance the important work of the non-profit sector, ensuring that services are available and accessible to the most vulnerable.”

UWNNY is a collaborative non-profit organization, mobilizing people and resources to address pressing human service needs in the tri-county region. The Community Impact fund supports programs and initiatives that align with community needs, foster measurable positive change, and help create thriving communities. Last year, UWNNY partnered with 28 programs across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, positively impacting 32,204 local adults and children, more than half of whom were assisted with basic needs to include food, personal care items, and transportation.

Click here for more information about the Community Impact application process or call our office at (315) 788-5631.

United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY) is pleased to announce a new event coming to the Lewis County Fair: Cow Kissing for ALICE, presented by Marks Farms and CDPHP.

A group of local personalities are ready in waiting to kiss a prize-winning cow at the Lewis County Fair, seeking votes from community members in the form of donations.  The individual who raises the most funds will smooch a cow on Saturday, July 20 at the Fair.  Event proceeds will be used to support under-resourced, working families in Lewis County, defined as ALICE.   

United Way partners with numerous organizations to provide support to ALICE families by connecting them to resources to address barriers and assisting with financial literacy, education, and workforce readiness.  But who is ALICE? ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is the term used to help us define and understand the struggles of households that earn more than the federal poverty level but less than what it takes to make ends meet.  ALICE represents hard-working members of the community dealing with the pressures of economic instability that can often jeopardize their ability to maintain employment, particularly when a hardship or unplanned expense arises.

“This initiative allows us to recognize – and contribute in some small way to – the progressive work being done in Lewis County around poverty.  We are committed to supporting the strong foundation established and are ready to support where we can,” said Dawn Cole, UWNNY President and CEO.  “This event also allows us to strengthen our connection to the Lewis County community and build greater awareness around ALICE, while giving a nod to the dairy industry, a key economic driver in the region.”

The cow kissers for this inaugural fundraising event are: Emily Griffin of Channel 7 News, Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli, Chris Peck of Marks Farms, Doug and Jennifer Premo, Superintendents for South Lewis and Carthage CSDs, Todd Green, Superintendent for Beaver River CSD, and Dawn Cole, UWNNY CEO. Throughout the fair, July 16 – 20, United Way will host a table in the pavilion promoting the event leading up to the big day on July 20 to find out who will do the honors. Click here to cast your vote and make a donation in support of under-resourced, working families.

United Way is monitoring the status of the Avian Influenza and is working with key stakeholders to ensure precautions are in place to protect the health and safety of those involved in this initiative.           

Click here to email us for more information or call (315) 788-5631.