United Way and Herb Philipson's Donation Warms More Than Just Hearts

Herb Philipson’s donated 100 pairs of winter coats to United Way for the third consecutive year. This year, however, they upped the ante on their donation by add 100 pairs of winter boots to the list. This amazing display of generosity ensures that we can help keep local children warm throughout the long winter months.

“We are always looking for new ways to reach out a helping hand in our community,” United Way Executive Director Brenda Episcopo said. “Expanding our relationship with Herb Philipson’s has allowed us to better outfit local children for the inevitably chilly Central New York winter.”

Six area programs and schools received coat and boot donations from United Way this winter. Among the recipients is Principal Pearl Bowker at Columbus Elementary School in Utica.

"The students and staff at our school are extremely grateful for the donation of boots and coats from United Way," Principal Bowker said. "Such a generous donation will be very helpful in keeping our students happy, healthy and warm this winter."

Other donation recipients include the Town of Webb School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Thea Bowman House, Catholic Charities After-School Program at Kernan Elementary, and the Herkimer Area Resource Center.

The donations were broken up into two rounds. Coats were distributed in November and boots in December.

“Our first round of coat donations this fall was a huge success,” United Way Community Engagement Manager Adam Lawless said. “Roser Communications liked the idea so much they decided to donate and extra five new coats for us to distribute to local children in need. We were thrilled to be able to help fill the need at Columbus Elementary and all our other donation sites.”

A Campaign Thank You

United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area is busy processing all of the pledges gifted to our 2011 Community Campaign, which raises funds to support the critical needs of our community in the areas of health, income, education and community safety net.

The campaign began in September with our kick-off event held at the Saranac Brewery in conjunction with Saranac Thursdays. At the event we recognized our Pacesetter Companies who raised over $150,000 for our community – great job! On October 19^th we presented our mid-campaign report at Remington Arms in Ilion, NY and because of your generosity; had reached the $400,000 mark.

While final campaign numbers will not be available until March, we thank YOU for your time, effort, talent, and charity to help your fellow neighbors. We have experienced tremendous support across all sectors of our community including big businesses, small businesses, elected officials, non-profits, academia, the faith community, the labor movement, the media, parents and neighbors. Thirty-two community volunteers worked tirelessly to contact individuals and businesses, deliver materials, make employee presentations and pick up campaign final reports. Leading efforts in the workplace were 221 employee campaign coordinators, who gave their time to organize, educate and run their workplace campaigns.

It takes cooperation from an entire community to make a difference and YOU have played a vital role in building a stronger community today, tomorrow and for the future.

On February 7^th and 8^th United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area has dedicated “Days of Thanks – HEARTS UNITED” to honor our volunteers, donors and advocates who carry out the United Way mission. Our United Way board, staff and campaign volunteers will thank workplace campaigns, employee campaign coordinators, contributors, and volunteers for their selfless service to our community. We may visit you!

As we end another great community campaign we THANK YOU and appreciate all your hard work, which contributed to a successful campaign.

Success Story: CASA Program - Funded by United Way

Sasha (fictional name to protect confidentiality) was born in 1994, addicted to heroin. Her mother gave her up for adoption at birth. Over the next 12 years, Sasha would live in three different foster homes, each with the goal of adopting her and being her permanent family. Eventually, every one of these families turned away from adopting Sasha due to the emotional and disciplinary issues that she presented due to her addicted birth, abandonment and subsequent continued ‘loss of family’ – All of which happened through no fault of her own.

In 2006, at the age of 12, Sasha was placed with her fourth potential adoptive family and assigned a CASA volunteer. Her volunteer, Jacquie (real name), advocated for Sasha with caseworkers, care providers, adoptive family and the court system for five years. With a life in turmoil since birth, Sasha had a myriad of disciplinary problems both in her foster home and in school. These issues led to her running away from her foster home and being placed in residential facilities several times.

Through all of this, the foster family and CASA advocate remained steadfast in their support of this child - consistently placing the needs of this child in the forefront and keeping the court informed of what this child truly needed.

On November 1^st, 2011, her fourth set of foster parents adopted Sasha at the age of 17 years and 6 months. Sasha finally got her permanent family just six months before it would have been too late. The legal ruling came just before Thanksgiving: a true example of Home for the Holidays.

Had it not been for the CASA, Sasha would have “aged out” of the foster care system, alone in this world. A new adult, with no family, no support system and no hope. This likely would have lead to dependence on the social service system and a plethora of negative outcomes that are predicted for kids like Sasha. Our entire community is better when kids like Sasha have stable families and quality of life.

The first community-wide Back-to-School Supply Drive held by United Way collected more than one-half ton of school supplies for local children in need.

The idea to hold this month-long drive was sparked by the annual efforts of one local company. BNY Mellon has held an internal drive for school supplies for several years during which, the collected items have been donated to local children in need through United Way and its community partners.

This year, United Way staff decided to kick it up a notch and take this small, internal drive to the next level. With permission and much appreciative enthusiasm from BNY Mellon representatives, the first ever Back-to-School Supply Drive began in late August.

United Way partnered with area businesses like Herb Philipson’s, Target, Sangertown Square, Birnie Bus, and the F.X. Matt Brewing Company to collect the school supplies. Continuing its annual drive, BNY Mellon collected and contributed a significant portion of the supplies raised. Extremely generous donations collected at the four drop-off zones in Herkimer and Oneida Counties, when combined with BNY Mellon’s donation, totaled more than 1,000 pounds of school supplies.

“It is amazing to see what one-half ton of school supplies adds up to,” United Way Executive Director Brenda Episcopo said. “The more than 10 programs receiving the school supplies are able to get them into the hands of hundreds of local children. School supplies are an expense many families in our community are unable to afford. We are grateful to everyone who donated materials helping to fill an ever-growing need and giving local children the opportunity to start off on the right foot for academic achievement.”

The wonderful feedback received during this first local drive gives United Way great hope for growing the event in the future. Plans to continue the Back-to-School Supply Drive in 2012 are already underway. With the help of community members, volunteers, area businesses, and partner programs within the community, this drive is sure to be a continued success.

Working 11 years at the same organization seems like a rarity in today’s marketplace, but for Lucille Humphreys it just feels right. When asked about why she chose to work for United Way 11 years ago, Humphreys admits that, at the time, she was merely looking for a job that would challenge her and best utilize her skills. At first, like many community members, Humphreys was aware of United Way’s existence but was unsure of its role in the community. Little did she know, but 11 years later, Humphreys would look back and see the crucial part she has played in bringing about change in the Mohawk Valley.

As she became more involved with United Way, Humphreys soon realized the vital role the organization plays in funding the many programs and services provided by local non-profit agencies to improve lives and enrich the community. “There are so many people who need help getting their lives back on track,” Humphreys said. “Our funding helps agencies shelter the homeless and battered, keep kids in school, bring families together, and provide the basic necessities many struggle to get for themselves.”

Humphreys knows first-hand how United Way’s funding has helped members of the community. During her early years at United Way, Humphreys’ first granddaughter was born bringing great joy to she and her family. By the time the child was 18 months old, Humphreys’ sister, an elementary school teacher, recognized some autistic traits the young girl displayed. The family had her tested and she was later diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. Since the diagnosis was made early, the family enrolled her in a United Way funded program that assists young autistic children to lead better lives.

“They were able to help her overcome her disability,” Humphreys said. “The program was intense, but it was a life saver.” Her granddaughter was taught valuable lessons to help her adjust to school and everyday life. She learned how to communicate effectively and use appropriate classroom behavior. Humphreys looked surprised and caught off guard when we talked about how quickly time has passed. “She’s just entered Jr. High school!” she said laughing. “I can’t believe it! But she is doing very well both in school and overall. I’m very proud of her.”

With more than a decade of service experience, Humphreys has witnessed the ups and downs United Way has endured. One of the recent lows is how the current economy has negatively affected its fundraising ability. It is not a secret that all non-profit organizations struggle to secure donations during hard economic times. If they themselves are in trouble, the people they serve are even more desperate for help. It is a battle that has to be fought no matter the circumstances. “If you think it’s affecting you badly, imagine how bad it is for others less fortunate,” Humphreys said.

A poor economy reinforces the bottom line; United Way is needed in this community and must continue to raise money to help offset the increasing expenses incurred by partner programs in the Mohawk Valley. “There are a lot of small agencies that rely heavily on our funding,” Humphreys said, “some get half of their yearly budget solely from our organization. Most people don’t realize the money we raise stays in this community benefiting so many agencies and ultimately the people who need it most.”

Humphreys knows she made the right choice more than a decade ago when she chose to work for United Way. She feels her job is rewarding because she is part of a movement to overcome the many hardships this community faces on a daily basis. “I love my job because I know I’m making a difference in someone’s life that could have been forgotten,” Humphreys said. “United Way isn’t just about fundraising. It’s about implementing a positive and lasting change in the community. We want to make it a better place for future generations.”