The United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area, in coordination with the Mohawk Valley Asset Building Coalition, is excited to once again be bringing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to Oneida and Herkimer counties! In order to run a successful program, we need volunteers to help make it happen. If you'd like to learn more about the program please visit our Free Tax Prep page.
If you are interested in volunteering, or if you would like to have a conversation about the program please go to our Registration page.
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Put on your best or worst flannel, get ready to win terrific prizes and pre-game with us for the Thursday Night NFL Steelers vs Panthers game!
Each year, Channel Your Flannel is hosted by
Emerging Leaders United
and 100% of the proceeds benefit United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area.
In coordination with United Way's Hygiene Supply Drive, bring a personal-care item to be entered into a door prize. Other prizes include gifts from The Fitness Mill, Adirondack Distillery, Utica College Hockey, Nutrishop, Pizza Boys, & CNY Apparel.
Pre-Registering will save you $5 but ends this Thursday, November 1st.
Learn more about Channel Your Flannel today:
Event Info & Registration
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Think of all of the items you use while getting ready for your day: toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, washcloths, soap, etc. Many of us take our morning routine for granted. For others right here in Oneida & Herkimer counties, it's not so easy.
You can improve the health, dignity, and self-esteem of local individuals in need by donating personal hygiene items. Learn more about how you can contribute today to our Hygiene Supply Drive.
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2-1-1 Is Getting a New Website & Texting Services
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2-1-1 is making it easier to find answers and solve life's problems than ever before.
United Way's basic needs telephone service will be launching texting capabilities that will allow users to still stay anonymous while receiving aid from the resources they need.
2-1-1 is also delivering an updated website that will help streamline users to a comprehensive listing of health & human services in Madison, Oneida & Herkimer counties. The website will also feature information on disaster relief help as well as a disability-related database.
The new 2-1-1 capabilities will be taking effect soon. Keep a look-out on social media and United Way's News page for 2-1-1's launching dates!
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United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area has joined NY Gives Day (also known as Giving Tuesday) to encourage philanthropy and to kick off the holiday giving season. NY Gives Day is inspiring people to collaborate on improving our local community and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes you support. We're counting down the days to November 27th!
We need your help to make our campaign a success, and we've included a few easy ways that you can support us including monetary contributions, fundraising, social media interaction and volunteer projects!
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United Way committees are a great opportunity to meet and work with area professionals, learn more about United Way and the work being accomplished, and help make the Valley and Greater Utica Area a better place for all to work and live.
We are currently looking for new committee members for the following:
- Emerging Leaders United (Formerly Young Leaders United)
- Community Engagement & Events Committee
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United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area's 'Ready For Kindergarten' (R4K) program has been awarded $161,577 from three local grants, which helps the program further its objective of better preparing local children for success in education.
Erin Gutierrez Matt, UWVGUA CEO, added, "It might sound obvious to suggest a child's barriers are established long before they step into a classroom, but this program is the first and only of its kind in our state. United Way is committed to innovation that improves long-term outcomes."
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Volunteer & Event Highlights
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United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area hosted its first ever .5k (half-kilometer) running event.
The event was held in Utica's Brewery District. The course began in the back parking lot of the Saranac Brewery and finished a little over a block away at The Celtic Harp. A mid-run coffee and donut station was provided by Dippin' Donuts.
The after-party was held at The Celtic Harp. Non-runners were able to attend the after-party with a minimum contribution of $5. A total of 65 runners braved the bad weather and contributed over $4,600 to United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area.
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The Mohawk Valley & Greater Utica Area is full of amazing people who make contributions of all kinds.
On September 4th, we officially kicked off our 97th year of mobilizing their caring power, of connecting advocates together, their resources and ideas to create a thriving community.
We thank all of the donors, attendees, volunteers, board & committee members, staff, and musicians for helping us kick off the new fundraising year! We're proud of this community and look forward to working with you all throughout the entire campaign year!
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Country Pantry Filling the Gap
Sometimes we take for granted how second-nature it might be to run errands for ourselves but that's not the case for everyone. That's why 4 volunteers contributed just a few hours of their time on September 25th, to help carry groceries up stairs for those who cannot do it themselves.
A big THANK YOU to them all. #LIVEUNITED
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After two great nights with the band moe. and the inaugural Octoberfest, the Saranac season, sadly, officially came to close.
Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped make Saranac Thursdays, the Summer Concert Series, & Octoberfest a tremendous success. We couldn't do it without you and we wouldn't want to!
We can't wait until next year!
#DontTellMeThisTownAintGotNoHeart
#LIVEUNITED
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United Way is pleased to introduce our new staff members:
- Ashley Rose, Family School Navigator for Vernon-Verona-Sherrill
- Kristen Synakowski, Financial Services Administrator
Ashley and Kristen have jumped right into the swing of things and are dedicated to making a positive difference in our community!
Resource Development Coordinator
Director of Community Impact and 211 Mid-York
Director of Finance
Office Manager
Volunteer & Event Coordinator
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Community Impact and 211 Mid-York Coordinator
Utica ESPRI Administrator
Beth Meeusen
Family School Navigator, Remsen and Town of Webb
Administrator of Initiatives and Grants
Family School Navigator, CVA
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Family School Navigator, VVS and Holland Patent
Campaign Coordinator
Financial Services Administrator
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Your contribution helps 1 in 4 people in the Valley & Greater Utica Area.
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