MONTGOMERY & POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – United Way of Dutchess and Orange Counties is forging a new vision for itself in the community. United Way is opening up new avenues for community involvement in its grant distribution process. This year, United Way will be distributing $1,357,560 for programs and projects that impact Education, Income, and Health in Dutchess and Orange Counties.
Education, Income, and Health are the building blocks for creating a stronger community. The priorities set forth by the newly merged United Way require a deep level of participation from the community. United Way’s priorities are: to make sure children reach the benchmarks for graduation, to help individuals and families achieve financial independence and/or raise their standard of living, and to provide access to quality, affordable medical, dental and behavioral healthcare for everyone.
To further these priorities:
- $382,692 from the Community Fund will be used for programs that will make a measurable impact on Education in Dutchess and Orange Counties.
- $555,401 from the Community Fund will be used for programs that will make a measurable impact on Income in Dutchess and Orange Counties.
- $419,467 from the Community Fund will be used for programs that will make a measurable impact on Health in Dutchess and Orange Counties.
United Way’s Community Fund is comprised of undesignated donor dollars. United Way always respects our donors’ right to choose how their donations are used. The Community Impact Council, which is comprised of volunteers from all walks of life in Dutchess and Orange Counties, decides how the Community Fund dollars are best utilized.
“United Way is grateful to have the support of an amazing group of community volunteers who help make the key decisions about what programs receive funding,” said Martin Harnick, Volunteer Community Impact Council Chair. “I myself have been a member of United Way’s Community Impact Council for over ten years now, so I am well aware of the intensive time commitment and responsibility our volunteers are charged with. They take their roles very seriously and we commend them for all their hard work.”
Additionally, a pool of $93,690 in undesignated donor dollars will be used to fund projects and/or programs that the community deems important in furthering these priorities for Education, Income and Health. United Way of Dutchess and Orange Counties recently began hosting a series of Community Education Conversations, which bring together people from all sectors in the community.
Our first Education Conversation held on June 9th was led by Jay Connor the Founder/CEO of the Collaboratory for Community Solutions. Jay has extensive leadership experience in the art of linking sectors of the community, initiatives, technologies, and systems in achieving community solutions. The first Education Conversation was met with a positive reception and generated a lot of interest in forming community-wide collaborations to help children achieve their full potential in school and in life. A second Conversation is being planned for mid September.
“United Way is taking a brand new approach to creating community solutions,” said Dr. Donald N. Hammond, President and CEO. “We are looking to set priorities that engage our community to develop solutions together. I believe that we all have unique ideas and perspectives that can be used to build a stronger community for us all.”
United Way is a nonprofit organization that funds programs and projects that help children and youth succeed, promote financial stability, and promote health and well-being. United Way makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community. For more information about ways to help your community through United Way or for a list of the programs United Way funds, call our Poughkeepsie office at (845) 471-1900 or our Montgomery office at (845) 457-4774.
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