Michael Ramos

President and CEO

I would like to thank the staff, board, funded partners, donors, community partners and community-based organizations for your welcome as I have come to UWTC! Your hospitality, genuine caring, generosity and concern for justice are seeds of what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the Beloved Community. I see my role as President/CEO as one of service to the wider community. Together, we can expand capacity and embrace audacity to grow the “living unity” of Tompkins County such that all people thrive.

Many years ago, my first experiences coming alongside people experiencing homelessness were at the great St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City and the streets of Skid Row in Tacoma, Washington. In these spaces, I could see in the brokenness of the lived experiences of people without homes that structures and systems contributed greatly to the challenges that they were facing. The shortage of affordable housing is one of these systemic issues. I wanted to contribute to the restoration of wholeness for the people I was accompanying. This began with listening.

As I listen to ways to collaborate and come alongside the wonderful community of our county, I hope that UW can continue – as it has done for more than a century – to add value to the concept of a society where each and all enjoy a sufficient, sustainable livelihood. At root, our greatest strength is our shared humanity: when each person has the opportunity to thrive, we all flourish. Coming alongside you to resource efforts that put impacted community members at the center of our priorities and decision-making is a sacred trust that United Way and I take seriously. Let’s live into a future full of hope and encourage each other as we walk together in the coming days, months, and years.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramos

President and CEO

Join us for our annual Celebration!

Location: We will be at the YMCA's outdoor pavilion. We will have picnic tables but we also encourage you to bring lawn chairs or a nice blanket. There's plenty of room to spread out.

Parking: Please park in the small lot closest to the pavilion to allow YMCA patrons use of the main parking lot.

Dress: Be comfortable! We all have to dress up for enough events the rest of the year. Have a favorite t-shirt from your agency or place of business? Perfect!

Food: UWTC will be providing an assortment of picnic foods and beverages. Please also feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic beverage of choice.

Cost and Registration: This event is free for everyone. We just ask you to please register by Monday, June 5th so that we have enough food.

Items to collect are:

Bar soap & dish soap

Laundry detergent

Toilet paper & facial tissue

Deodorant (men’s & women’s)

Feminine Hygiene Products

Shaving Supplies

Toothbrushes & Toothpaste

Moisturizing Lotion

Shampoo

DIAPERS

Hand Sanitizer

Cleaning Supplies

We are collecting donations for the annual SOAP FOR HOPE personal care products drive to benefit The Samaritan Center of Catholic Charities. Stop by the UWTC office during business hours at 313 N. Aurora St, Ithaca, to drop off items in our lobby through June 11th.

Donations can also be made directly to The Samaritan Center @ 324 W. Buffalo Street, Ithaca.