Press Releases

(White Plains, NY)  United Way of Westchester and Putnam announced that more than 400 participants have taken advantage of its Financial Education Program, designed to keep working individuals and families on track financially.  As part of United Way’s mission to increase financial stability in the community, the one-hour series of workshops are offered at no cost to Westchester and Putnam companies and their employees.  The convenient workshops, facilitated by United Way volunteers with financial expertise, teach workers how to budget, save and invest money wisely and avoid credit card debt, foreclosure and identity theft.  The on-site one-hour workshops are offered at times that are convenient to both employer and employee, such as lunch hour or after work.

A generous grant by JPMorgan Chase got the Financial Education program up and running.  Additional support came from Citizen’s Bank and Key Bank.  “We are profoundly grateful to JPMorgan Chase, as well as to Citizen’s Bank and Key Bank for supporting financial education, particularly critical in this economy,” said Naomi Adler, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam.  “United Way, its volunteers and sponsors are providing financial survival tools to individuals and their families to maximize their income during difficult times.”

Community Capital Resources and The Volunteer Center of United Way also provided expertise to the Financial Education Program. 

For more information on United Way’s Financial Education Program or how to bring it to your organization or company, please contact Mary Ann Luna at mluna@uwwp.org, 914-997-6700 ext 740 or Luz Barrera at lbarrera@uwwp.org, 914-997-6700 ext 738.Return to the top of the page

June 2010 – United Way of Northern Westchester is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Local Presence Program grant recipients. More than $5,500 in grants was awarded following the recommendations of United Way Local Presence Committee Members Robert Unger (Chair), Randi J. Brosterman, Sue Tansey, Rochelle Carrington, and Mike Berardino.

Grants awarded by United Way’s Local Presence Program help fund local human and health services across northern Westchester. Organizations that receive funding share with United Way the fundamental belief that education, income, and health are essential for a better life.  

2009-2010 Local Presence Grants were awarded to: Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry; Ossining Food Pantry: Peekskill Community Action Program (CAP); Student Assistance Services; Neighbors Link; and Career Closet – Welfare to Work Foundation.

The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry has seen a 28% increase in clients since December 2009 and now serves more than 160 households every week. This year’s grant will contribute towards purchasing additional food and alleviating the costs of delivery and handling, allowing for increased access to emergency food assistance for those in need. Similarly, the Ossining Food Pantry works with local child-care facilities to distribute bags of groceries to families in need, and also offers onsite delivery for those that require it. Grant funding will support this program and help provide food for over 200 families each week. With aid from United Way, Peekskill CAP will be able to enter its sixth year of providing fresh, nutritious lunches for children during the summer months; this year’s grant will ensure that more than 125 children are fed this summer.

Neighbors Link will receive continued grant funding this year to maintain its Learning Links After-School Enrichment Program. This program offers low-cost after-school tutorial and homework help in a secure and nurturing environment. Through its grant, United Way will sponsor a number of children who would not otherwise have been able to enroll. Student Assistance Services is a substance abuse prevention agency that works with schools and community services throughout northern Westchester; it currently provides more than 10 school districts with a Student Assistance Counselor(s). Funding this year will help finance the Reduce Our Adolescent Drinking/Drugging & Driving (ROADD) Program, which employs “Foggles” to simulate the dangers of drunk/drugged driving as an interactive and engaging method to promote learning and prevention. SAS and the ROADD Program aim to reach more than 2,000 people this year.

The Career Closet – Welfare to Work Foundation is a volunteer based community service organization that caters towards individuals who have been on welfare or may be experiencing changing family circumstances. It works to provide women in DSS-approved training programs with free clothing that is appropriate for job interviews and the workplace.

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is a local organization that brings together people and resources to find solutions to the area’s most pressing health and human services issues and create positive change in the lives of those who live and work here. United Way changes lives for the better by focusing its work in three key areas: quality education that leads to stable jobs; income that can support families through retirement, and good health. Everything United Way does supports these three building blocks for a better life. Return to the top of the page

June 2010 – United Way of Scarsdale-Edgemont is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Local Presence Program grant recipients. More than $5,700 in grants was awarded following the recommendations of United Way Local Presence Committee Members Janice Cohen (Chair), Diane Burkin, David Stern, and George Rho.

Grants awarded by United Way’s Local Presence Program help fund local human and health services across northern Westchester. Organizations that receive funding share with United Way the fundamental belief that education, income, and health are essential for a better life.

2009-2010 Local Presence Grants were awarded to: The Lord’s Pantry, Inc.; Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund for College; Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester; and the Edgemont Scholarship Council.

The Lord’s Pantry, Inc. is a non-denominational, non-profit organization that delivers home-cooked meals to over 500 people with HIV/AIDS, as well as their caretakers and children. The first organization in Westchester to undertake this important task, The Lord’s Pantry has been serving the community since 1991 and will utilize grant funding this year to help keep its doors open and continue its work.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester will receive a Local Presence grant this year to support its Complementary Care Program. This service provides individuals suffering serious or life threatening illnesses with comfort through varied forms of therapy, art, and music. Art therapy is also used to allow young family members to safely realize and express their emotions. These resources greatly improve the quality of life for patients during their last weeks and months.

The Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund for College provides need-based one-year scholarships for graduating Scarsdale High School seniors who have exhausted all available resources in paying tuition for their first year of college. This year’s grant funding will allow United Way to help ensure that deserving students will be able to attend college. The Edgemont Scholarship Council will also receive grant funding to support students who are struggling to fulfill the financial obligations of college. The ESC awards one-year scholarships that can be granted for up to 4 years, so that students who are not able to pay full tuition costs may still work towards a degree.

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is a local organization that brings together people and resources to find solutions to the area’s most pressing health and human services issues and create positive change in the lives of those who live and work here. United Way changes lives for the better by focusing its work in three key areas: quality education that leads to stable jobs; income that can support families through retirement, and good health. Everything United Way does supports these three building blocks for a better life. Return to the top of the page

Tonight, Monday June 21st, some of Hollywood and the music industry's biggest stars (see below) will be joining CNN as it hosts Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help,a Larry King Live telethon from 8-10pm.  Donors will have the opportunity to give to three areas of need: 1. people (through United Way); 2. animals (through the National Wildlife Federation); and 3. environment (through The Nature Conservancy).

2-1-1 Provides Disaster Help Again
Phone operators will be referring calls for help and volunteering to 2-1-1s across the country. There has been a huge surge in calls to 2-1-1 in the Gulf region from residents asking for information and help.  Once again, as in other times of natural and manmade disasters, 2-1-1 is ready and able to connect residents to the resources they need.  Our Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 will be staffed to take calls during the telethon from 8-10PM tonight.

United Way and 2-1-1 Provide Critical Aid During and After
Disaster can occur anytime and anywhere. That is why United Way and United Way's 2-1-1 are national go-to resources in times of need.   If you would like to contribute to furthering the critical work of your own Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1, please click here.  For more information on how to help United Way aid Gulf disaster victims, click here.

We are pleased that Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help acknowledges the valuable work that United Way and 2-1-1 do every day in communities across the country. 

Stars on Board
Celebrities will include Ryan Seacrest, Kathy Griffin, Justin Bieber, Cameron Diaz, Ted Danson, Robert Redford, Sting, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Lenny Kravitz, Herbie Hancock, india.arie, Aaron Neville, Tyson Ritter, Deepak Chopra, Victoria Principal, Ian Somerhalder, Randy Jackson, Edward James Olmos, Alyssa Milano, Chelsea Handler, Pete Wentz, Jenny McCarthy, Philippe Cousteau, Sam Trammell, Ke$ha, Gavin Rossdale, Jerricho Cotchery, Marcellus Wiley, Kerry Kennedy, Gloria Reuben, Ivanka and Melania Trump, Trace Adkins -- and more are joining by the hour!

Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help will repeat at midnight-2AM. Return to the top of the page

White Plains – We all know the exceptional volunteer or the caring and generous philanthropist who finds the extra time, energy or compassion to help others in his or her community.  This is a perfect opportunity to let that person know the community is grateful.

To reward these extraordinary community activists, United Way of Westchester and Putnam is seeking nominations for two prestigious awards that will be given to Sound Shore community activists at its annual Leadership Dinner on November 10, 2010.

This is the first time United Way of Westchester and Putnam has opened the nomination process to everyone who lives and/or works in the Sound Shore communities of Rye, Rye Brook, Harrison, Purchase, New Rochelle, Pelham, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, or Port Chester.

Naomi Adler, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, remarked, “United Way’s call to action is Live United: Give, Advocate, Volunteer.  It’s a reminder that when we as individuals think outside ourselves, we have the power to facilitate change. We know that there are scores of people in the Sound Shore area who ‘Live United’ everyday and we are excited about the opportunity to honor them as we go through this process.”  The Awards are:

• The Dorothy Allen Community Service Award.  This award was established in 2009 to recognize those members of the Sound Shore community who exemplify “Live United.”  Nominees for this award have made significant contributions to their community through philanthropy, activism or advocacy.  Individuals or couples may be nominated. Dorothy Allen was a beloved member of the Sound Shore community who served as the New Rochelle City Clerk until her death on June 3, 2009.  Mrs. Allen worked tirelessly to better her community, contributing her time and energy to United Way of New Rochelle, League of Women Voters, Peace Action, Campership Fund, Coalition for Mutual Respect and Council on the Arts. 
  
  
• The United Way Service Award.  This award honors individuals or couples who have contributed to the success of United Way through their volunteerism, advocacy or leadership-level giving in the areas of Education, Income or Health—the building blocks for a good life.

Nominations, which are due July 16, 2010, will be reviewed by a special Committee composed of United Way staff and community volunteers.  Nominations can be made at http://www.uwwp.org/nomination.htm For a nomination form or additional information, contact Shelia Abrams at 914-997-6700, ext. 741 or sabrams@uwwp.org Return to the top of the page

June 21, 2010 – Mount Kisco, NY -- More than 240 guests gathered at the Mount Kisco Country Club on Tuesday, June 15th to enjoy an epicurean evening of delicious specialty dishes, fine wines, and sumptuous desserts presented by some of the best culinary talents from the region. The 2nd annual “Top Chefs of Northern Westchester” featured wine tastings arranged by Hilltop Wines & Spirits of Chappaqua and Prospero Winery of Pleasantville. The event served as a benefit for United Way’s Born Learning Initiative, which teaches parents, grandparents and caregivers how to turn every day moments into learning opportunities for their babies and toddlers, preparing them for success in school. 
 
Guests were hard pressed to choose a favorite delectable edible as the offerings ranged from Snapper Ceviche, Duck Confit Crepe and Trifecta Steak to an amazing New England Style Raw Bar and everything in between! This year’s participating Executive Chefs and restaurants included Anthony Goncalves of 42 (White Plains), Michael Cutney of Café of Love (Mount Kisco), Brad McDonald of Crabtree’s Kittle House (Chappaqua), Christine Tegtmeier of Happiness Is (Greenwich), John-Michael Hamlet of John-Michael’s (North Salem), Andre Molle of Le Chateau (South Salem), Garand Alcin and Dominique A.J. Baptiste of Lexington Square Café (Mount Kisco), Marc Mazzarulli of Marc Charles Steakhouse (Armonk), Jonathan Everin of Mount Kisco Seafood/The Fish Cellar (Mount Kisco) and Daniel Rubino of Restaurant 353 (Mount Kisco). Guests, numbering 100 more than last year, were delighted with the gracious venue, fine wines and exceptional culinary tastings as well as the discovery of new restaurants to patronize. This year’s Top Chefs provided outstanding diversity of flavors and styles, all presented with unique flare and artistry. Top Chefs of Northern Westchester 2011 will undoubtedly be a “must attend” spring event for foodies from all over Westchester.

Co-chaired by Randi J. Brosterman and Robert Hutchens of Chappaqua, the event was sponsored by Featured Sponsor Entergy, Grand Sponsors HSBC Bank, M&T Bank, and People’s United Bank, Platinum Sponsors Estate Motors of Goldens Bridge, Sapphire Sponsor Mount Kisco Medical Group, and Ruby Sponsors Bedford Gravel & Landscape Supply of Mount Kisco and White Plains Linen of Peekskill.

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is a local organization that brings together people and resources to find solutions to the area’s most pressing health and human services issues and create positive change in the lives of those who live and work here. United Way changes lives for the better by focusing its work in three key areas: quality education that leads to stable jobs; income that can support families through retirement; and good health. Everything United Way does supports these three building blocks for a better life. Return to the top of the page

Yonkers, NY (May 21, 2010) United Way Tocqueville Society of Westchester and Putnam held its annual membership dinner on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at famed Chef Peter Xavier Kelly’s latest culinary venture , X20 Xaviar’s on the Hudson.

This year’s Tocqueville event featured renowned guest speaker H. Rodgin Cohen, named by The National Law Journal as one of the “Decade’s Most Influential Lawyers.” Having been recognized for his work on nearly 20 substantial credit crisis-related transactions, Cohen’s influence on Wall Street is critical to the welfare of the nonprofit world that has suffered the trickle down effects of a downtrodden economy on Main Street.

“In addition to what has always been a wonderful evening recognizing our extraordinary Tocqueville members, we are especially honored this year to have H. Rodgin Cohen join us to share both his wisdom and vision about the critical issues facing financial institutions today,” remarked Naomi L. Adler, Esq., President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who also attended, commented on the new financial legislation that recently passed in the Senate on Thursday approving broad changes of the banking system and financial markets in an effort to avoid a repeat of the financial crisis that has devastated the U.S. economy.

The picturesque Hudson Valley served as the backdrop for United Way of Westchester and Putnam to honor the dedication and generosity of its Tocqueville Society, members of the community who annually give $10,000 or more to United Way. This year, new members of the Tocqueville Society were warmly welcomed as well. Laurie Saylak, chair of the United Way Tocqueville Society of Westchester and Putnam said, “Your generosity helps make it possible for our United Way to fill crucial needs in the two-county community that I don’t believe any other organization either could or would be able to fill.” One example that Mrs. Saylak cited was United Way’s 2-1-1 Hudson Valley Region, the free, 365 days a year, confidential, multi-lingual information and referral hotline.

Over the past ten years, members have offered various challenge matches to community supporters as a way to inspire new leadership and improve the lives of community residents. Each challenge met these goals. Tocqueville members who rose to this year’s LIVE UNITED Challenge Match were recognized during the evening’s festivities for enabling United Way to create opportunities for a better life for all. See the photos Return to the top of the page

Tarrytown, NY -- May 11, 2010 – Over 600 not-for-profit leaders were polled about significant trends in the not-for-profit industry in Westchester and surrounding regions as part of the 8th Annual Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit held at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown on May 10th.

This year’s Summit theme looked to innovation and the industry’s future, its ability to provide services in trying times, and to the ultimate welfare of the community, with keynote speakers U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and futurist Andrew Zolli, Executive Director of Pop!Tech. Senator Gillibrand highlighted her strong commitment to the not-for-profit community and cited federal initiatives and funding sources designed to help a sector squeezed by increased demand for services on one hand, and severe reductions in state and private funding on the other, due to the stresses of the current recession.

Over 600 attendees were polled electronically, providing an instant snapshot of the state of the region:

90% of not-for-profits represented have experienced an increase in demand for service of more than 20% in the last year. This includes organizations serving the arts, the environment, health, mental health, social services and community development.

• 90% of not-for-profits represented have experienced an increase in demand for service of more than 20% in the last year. This includes organizations serving the arts, the environment, health, mental health, social services and community development.
• In response to reduced revenues, not-for-profit organizations have shifted from furloughing employees to eliminating positions and instituting hiring freezes to cut operating costs.
• 58% of organizations reported utilizing more volunteers than last year. However, 72% also reported a need for more volunteer help.

Presented by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester Community Foundation and ArtsWestchester, and underwritten in part by TD Charitable Foundation, this year’s theme was “Navigating the new world order: the not-for-profit imperative.”   Return to the top of the page

Tarrytown, NY -- May 10, 2010 – The 8th annual Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown on May 10th from 8AM-4PM.  Designed to promote learning and thought leadership opportunities for the not-for-profit sector, this year’s Summit will feature Andrew Zolli, Executive Director of Pop!Tech, as the breakfast keynote speaker; and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand as the luncheon keynote.

The event typically attracts a crowd of 600-800 attendees from all facets of the not-for-profit world, as well as related businesses and community leaders.   Morning and afternoon session workshops are geared to help often cash-strapped organizations access useful information in marketing, fundraising, tax changes, leadership, etc. 

Presented by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester Community Foundation and ArtsWestchester, and underwritten in part by TD Charitable Foundation, this year’s theme is “Navigating the new world order: the not-for-profit imperative” and is geared to helping a sector hurt by the poor economy with creative solutions to surviving and thriving into the future.

The Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit, overseen by the NFP Leadership Summit Committee, will host breakfast, lunch, twelve workshops throughout the day and a reception following for an affordable $30 ($20 for additional participants of the same organization) online, and $35 at the door, based on availability.   This year the list of participants will be limited to 600 so early registration is recommended.  To register or for more information, go to www.uwwp.org.  Registration ends Friday, May 7.  Return to the top of the page

May. 17, 2010 – White Plains, NY – Westchester County graduate students pursuing careers in social work or public health are invited to apply for scholarship assistance through the Ruth Taylor Award Fund.

The fund was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as the county’s commissioner of public welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of outstanding service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County government and the Urban League.

Applicants must be residents of Westchester County enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis. For the 2010-2011 academic year, awards will range between $1,000 and $5,000 for tuition or maintenance, or both.

The application deadline is June 10, 2010.

Financial need, public service and scholastic capacity are part of the evaluation criteria. Recipients must maintain the minimum cumulative university GPA for the duration of the award.  Awards are issued annually, and recipients are eligible on a one-time-only basis. A change in major or enrollment status will result in loss of the scholarship award.

Inquiries can be directed to: United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Liset Reid, Program Associate, Administration via email at lreid@uwwp.org. Return to the top of the page

United Way of Pelham, a member community of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, will honor Pelham Manor Mayor Joseph C. “Jay” Hays with its 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award on Sunday, May 16th at the home of Brenda and David Harms.

“Honoring Jay was an easy choice,” stated Jeff Marcks, president of the Pelham board. “He has touched so many lives as a United Way volunteer, Village official, financial advisor, neighbor, friend, father and husband. He has been instrumental in the success of United Way of Pelham.”

Hays has been a member of United Way of Pelham since 1994. He served as Campaign Chairman from 1999-2000 and President from 2000-2003. As a member of United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Community Impact Committee from 2004-2006, Hays worked closely with United Way staff and other volunteers to ensure that donor funds were directed to initiatives that would have the greatest positive impact throughout the two counties.

As a 31-year resident of Pelham Manor, Hays has worked tirelessly on behalf of his community. He has served as a member of the Zoning Appeals Board (2003-2005), Fire Commissioner (2005-2007) and Police Commissioner (2007-2009). In 2005, he was elected to the Pelham Manor Board of Trustees, where he served until being elected Mayor last spring.

After a 25-year career with large banks, Hays became the Managing Director and Partner at Applecross Partners, Inc., a boutique investment advisory firm specializing in equipment leasing and project finance. Hays and his wife Rosemary are the proud parents of Matthew (age 26) and Julie (age 22).  Return to the top of the page

(White Plains, NY) United Way of Westchester and Putnam recently received a crucial $39,000 grant to support its Hudson Valley 2-1-1 telephone referral service. The funds secured by State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer will enable United Way’s 2-1-1 to continue its mission of linking vital services to the people who need them, a service that has become particularly critical in this current challenging economy.

“United Way of Westchester and Putnam is extremely grateful to Senator Suzi Oppenheimer for recognizing the critical role that United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is playing in Westchester every day, particularly given the dramatic increase in calls to 2-1-1 during the last year,” said United Way of Westchester and Putnam President and CEO Naomi Adler.  “Thanks to this support, this funding allows us to help people in the community meet their basic needs, get information about vital services within the community and receive important support during disasters.”

Claire Satenberg, Director of 2-1-1’s Training & Process Management agreed. “Due to the current economic environment, more people are seeking services than ever before.  This grant money enables us to increase our telephone capacity to handle 2-1-1’s ever-increasing call volume.”

2-1-1 is a free and confidential helpline that easily links people to the services they need. Available from 8 am - 8 pm, seven days a week, people can call about everything from basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, to volunteer opportunities, legal services, drug treatment, employment support, childcare, eldercare and more. In times of disaster, 2-1-1 can give callers up-to-date information on emergency shelters, road conditions and much more. For further information, please visit www.hudson211.org.  Return to the top of the page

The Bonnie Briar Country Club in Larchmont will be the setting for United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Sound Shore, an evening of culinary specialties from some of the area’s most talented chefs, as well as fine wines, coffees and mouth-watering desserts. 

This exciting event will be held on Tuesday, April 20th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the 100 year-old Tudor Mansion Clubhouse located at 808 Weaver Street.  All proceeds will benefit United Way’s work to provide the opportunities and tools for a quality education, stable job and good health for people who live and work in our community.

Executive chefs will dish up samples of their finest culinary offerings, while Blue Dog Wine and Spirits of Pelham will conduct wine tastings from around the world.   

Sponsors of the event to date include Bertha’s European Spa and Ray Catena Lexus.  A Silent Auction will feature tempting goods and services from area restaurants and businesses, along with an opportunity to bid on “Lunch with the Mayor.” Participating elected officials so far include New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and Mayor Adam Bradley of White Plains.

Tickets for the event are $50 in advance; $60 at the door and may be purchased online at uwwp.org/soundshore.htm or by calling Shelia Abrams at 914-997-6700, ext. 741.  For further information, including information on sponsorship opportunities and an up-to-date list of restaurants and sponsors, please visit United Way’s website or contact Ms. Abrams at the phone number above or sabrams@uwwp.org. Return to the top of the page

WHITE PLAINS, NY—Feb. 18, 2010 -- United Way of Westchester and Putnam is seeking to create collaborative initiatives with nonprofit agencies in Putnam aimed specifically at helping Putnam residents of all ages increase their ability to make ongoing healthy and safe decisions.

On December 2 and 7, 2009, United Way hosted two Putnam Community Forums for nonprofit and community leaders that generated two overarching strategies to improve the wellbeing of Putnam residents. Nonprofit agencies are invited to submit an abbreviated proposal for funding (United Way’s Letter of Intent) to implement the following strategies:

1) Create incentives for intergenerational groups to become involved in enjoyable regular exercise that will lead to life-long healthy habits; recruit and coordinate a variety of facilities in Putnam for spaces for exercise; create a nutritional education program including intergenerational activities leading toward understanding nutritional foods, how to grow and prepare fresh foods and encourage life-long healthy eating habits.

2) Create a “Family University” type of training format to improve communication and understanding between children and their parents, as well as with other adults in youth leadership roles, so that Putnam’s young adults will exercise sound judgment with regard to potential consequences.

All nonprofit organizations requesting funding for 2010-2011 must complete and submit a brief Letter of Intent by Friday, March 12th. Instructions and an orientation can be found at United Way’s website: www.uwwp.org. For more information about this process and this form, please visit United Way’s website at uwwp.org, or call Susan Schefflein, Senior Vice President for Community Impact, at 914-997-6700, ext. 753. Return to the top of the page

Feb. 12, 2010 – White Plains, NY – Westchester County graduate students pursuing careers in social work or public health are invited to apply for scholarship assistance through the Ruth Taylor Award Fund.

The fund was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as the county’s commissioner of public welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of outstanding service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County government and the Urban League.

Applicants must be residents of Westchester County enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis. For the 2010-2011 academic year, awards will range between $1,000 and $5,000 for tuition or maintenance, or both.

The application deadline is March 31, 2010.

Financial need, public service and scholastic capacity are part of the evaluation criteria. Recipients must maintain the minimum cumulative university GPA for the duration of the award. Awards are issued annually, and recipients are eligible on a one-time-only basis. A change in major or enrollment status will result in loss of the scholarship award.

Inquiries can be directed to: United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Karen Bonaparte, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives via email at kbonapar@uwwp.org.  Return to the top of the page

Feb. 11, 2010 - West Harrison, NY - United Way’s Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 helpline will celebrate National 2-1-1 Day at the Fordham University Westchester Campus, raising awareness of how 2-1-1 helps hundreds of residents 365 days a year with questions about basic needs such as heating, food and housing, child and elder care, tax assistance, legal referrals, foreclosure and substance abuse help, volunteer opportunities and more.  Answering calls 365 days a year, United Way’s 2-1-1 is free, confidential and multilingual.  A barometer of the times, calls to Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 regarding basic needs rose 30% this past year.

2-1-1 call centers throughout the country are also essential in times of disaster with up-to-date information on shelters, road conditions, etc, and by taking the pressure of non-emergency calls off 911. 

2-1-1 will be recruiting student volunteers from the Fordham Westchester campus to answer specific kinds of calls such as heating and tax assistance, allowing 2-1-1 call specialists to deal with callers posing more complex problems.  “We offer 2-1-1 as a resource that the students can utilize at any time,” said Naomi Adler, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “We are also very excited at the prospect of engaging Fordham students, many of whom are graduate students in social work, as high-level volunteers.”  2-1-1 Day is the featured event on the Fordham home page.

Hundreds of other United Way and 2-1-1 call centers across the country will mark this day with celebrations and events. As of December 2009, 2-1-1 serves over 241 million Americans (more than 80% of the U.S. population) covering all or part of 46 states (including 34 states with 90%+ coverage) plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. The remaining states are all in various stages of planning and implementation. Every few weeks, these coverage numbers increase.
This year’s 2-1-1 nationwide events also serve to encourage members of US Congress to pass the Calling for 2-1-1 Act, legislation that will provide funds to states starting or enhancing a 2-1-1 system.  The hope is to have 100% coverage of the nation.  Return to the top of the page

United Way of Westchester and Putnam and the African American Men of Westchester presented the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Youth Awards to seven Westchester students on January 18th at a luncheon ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown. To further the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this annual awards recognizes young people throughout Westchester and Putnam whose lives reflect the teaching of Dr. King.

Zoe Mikhailovich, a junior at Scarsdale High School, was the recipient of the Spirit of Love award – recognizing a young person who engages in activities and/or events which seek to provide respite or relief to others. Zoe was one of two student volunteers to organize WESTHAB’s first “Youthfest” to raise money for programs at the Yonkers Elm Street Community Center (safe haven for youth living in a blighted Yonker’s community) and the Coachman Shelter in White Plains. An active participant, she solicited goods from local vendors for a fashion show and silent auction, recruited volunteers, selected decorations, and during the event, served food, sold raffles and helped children from the centers feel comfortable. For the past two years, she has served as co-president of the WESTHAB Coachman Club at her high school providing tutoring and recreational programs.

Michelle Wexler, also a junior at Scarsdale High School, and Erica Sperber, a senior at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, were the joint recipients of the Building Bridges award – recognizing young people who take appropriate action in raising awareness and implementing a project(s) which seek to unify diverse interests to achieve a common goal. Together Michelle and Erica co-chaired a project bringing teens from all over the Westchester together for a day of service at the Edenwald Center in Pleasantville. They both led a teen planning committee that worked for several months on planning an afternoon of fun for resident children at the Edenwald Center. They created a positive experience for the children who don’t have a home to go back to on the weekends.

United Way is a local organization that brings together people and resources to find solutions to the area’s most pressing health and human services issues and create positive change in the lives of those who live and work here. United Way changes lives for the better by focusing its work in three key areas: quality education that leads to stable jobs; income that can support families through retirement, and good health. Everything United Way does supports these three building blocks for a better life.

For further information about United Way’s many initiatives and how you can help, contact Margaret A. Tramontine at 997-6700 ext. 737 or mtramontine@uwwp.org  Return to the top of the page

January 15, 2010 – White Plains, NY – The devastating effects of this week’s earthquake on Haiti will be felt for months and years to come. United Way will be helping the Haitian people pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives, long after first responders have moved on. To help with long term recovery in Haiti, United Way of Westchester and Putnam is asking residents to please donate now to United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund. You can donate $5 immediately by texting “HAITI” to UNITED (864833).

As always, United Way’s 2-1-1 (www.hudson211.org ) is also available as a resource for disaster information and updates, as well as for ways to help. Residents can call or visit the website. While we know that a generous public is eager to help Haitians in need, keep in mind the following when considering donations:

• Financial contributions are preferred to help avoid the labor and expense of sorting, packing and transporting donations of goods.
• Voluntary relief agencies use cash to meet specific needs more quickly.
• Purchasing relief supplies available in the impacted community helps the local economy recover more quickly.
• Donate through an experienced organization.
• To prevent waste, donations of goods should be made only to agencies that have specific requests.
• Confirm the need before collecting.
• A community in crisis does not have the time, manpower or money to dispose of unneeded donations of goods.
• Donors should be wary of anyone who claims that "everything" is needed.
• Do not assume that supplies will be transported at no charge.

Checks can be sent to the address below with "Fund" referenced in either the memo line or an enclosed correspondence:

United Way Worldwide
P.O. Box 630568
Baltimore, MD 21263-0568

United Way of Westchester and Putnam thanks our residents for their generosity and caring spirit. Return to the top of the page