For more than 100 years, United Way of Central New York has partnered with businesses and individuals to address local needs
By Mary Beth Roach
The wide range of programs offered through the United Way of Central New York and its partner agencies focuses on improving health and well-being, youth opportunity and education, financial stability and community resiliency.
Through these programs and new ones being launching, the United Way is working to meet increasing needs, according to United Way President Nan Eaton.
“More people have become homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. More people are struggling to pay their bills and cover the basic necessities. People are experiencing emotional and mental health challenges and kids are struggling in school,” she said. “We’re worried about people who won’t receive services if proposed federal changes take place.”
A snapshot of some of these programs, outlined on the United Way’s website, shows its extensive reach, from health and literacy initiatives to financial education.
The Central New York 211 hotline connects callers to essential services.
The United Way of CNY is committed to improving literacy and serves as the home of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, running the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. United Way’s Book Buddies program, a one-on-one tutoring program in six elementary schools in partnership with the Syracuse City School District, works to help kids in K-3 become stronger readers.
United Way is also home to the Lead Safe CNY Coalition, working to prevent lead poisoning through education, workforce development and advocacy. United Way’s Ride United Last Mile Delivery offers free delivery of essential goods to those in need.
In terms of financial stability, the United Way has several programs to assist ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. In Onondaga County, people in about 25% of households are employed but still have trouble affording basic needs.
“United Way of Central New York works to support ALICE households through a comprehensive framework that brings together partners, programs and collaborations,” Eaton said.
Resources include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Thrive at Work, which provides financial education, assistance and support to employees in the workplace.
This empowers “individuals to overcome short-term challenges and achieve long-term financial security,” Eaton added.
Other resources include Ride United, which together with Lyft, offers free rides to essential appointments; and the CNY CA$H Coalition, in which credit unions, colleges, the IRS, local nonprofits and volunteers offer free tax prep, financial education, and asset-building resources.
Eaton discussed a literacy project introduced last year and is excited about United Way’s expanded role in a financial counseling program.
The Full STEAM Ahead project provides STEAM-focused books to students in grades K-3. The Imagination Library, she explained, promotes families reading together by providing free books monthly from birth through the age of 5. Full STEAM Ahead was piloted at STEAM at Dr. King School last year and United Way hopes to bring it to more of Book Buddies schools this year.
The United Way is partnering with the City of Syracuse to run the Syracuse Financial Empowerment Center, which offers free intensive financial counseling focused on reducing debt, improving credit score and establishing savings.
“For more than 100 years, United Way of Central New York has partnered with businesses and individuals to address local needs,” Eaton explained.
While these are difficult times for many, Eaton said she remains optimistic about the area’s future.
“I think the most important message is that there’s so much opportunity on the horizon. We want every person in this community to be part of that brighter future,” she said.
