United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes

A huge shoutout to the incredible students at Batavia City School District's Community Schools for volunteering during their 21st Century Innovation Summer Camp to fill bags for our Backpack Program! These students are involved in a community service group throughout the school year and are always looking for opportunities to give back.

Students helping other students is a prime example of why we do what we do. Keep up the great work, Batavia CSD!

Our very own President and CEO Jaime Saunders and Director of Community Impact Robert De Leon have arrived in Washington, D.C. for the United Way Worldwide Advocacy forum!

Yesterday, they joined United Way Worldwide CEO Angela Williams and leaders from 36 other United Ways across the nation for the 2024 United Way White House Briefing. Our team learned about the challenges and opportunities facing our neighbors and how the Administration's partnership will help create possibilities for all.

We are thrilled to apply their findings to our work in continuing to ensure that every individual in every community has the opportunity to thrive.

Attention agencies!!!

Interested in becoming a Donor Designation Agency through United Way?

United Way provides a valuable philanthropic service to hundreds of health and human service programs in the region by collecting, processing, and transferring donations on their behalf through our donor designation programs.

Learn more and apply today: https://bit.ly/3WBMINy

On Friday afternoon, Daisy Rivera Algarin was awarded the 2024 New York State Women of Distinction Award by Senator Jeremy Cooney. The ceremony was held at the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County where Daisy began her career.

“For decades she has put the needs of the community above all else and worked tirelessly to better the lives of her neighbors,” said Senator Cooney. Congratulations to Daisy for this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your dedication to helping our communities thrive!

Learn more about Daisy's award: https://13wham.com/news/local/rochester-trailblazer-presented-with-new-york-state-women-of-distinction-award-daisy-rivera-algarin

That Friday morning, Daisy, her son, Albert, and her father, Enrique also joined us at United Way to talk about the generational influence they’ve had on the Rochester community throughout their involvement in the Latino Leadership Development Program (LLDP). We are excited to share their story with you soon!

Our United Way team was proud to walk in the Rochester Pride parade last weekend. We had so much fun cheering, meeting new friends, and supporting our LGBTQIA+ communities!

United Way continues to foster an inclusive environment by fighting for equality through the improvement of youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community, and community resiliency. Together, we can create opportunities for all individuals to thrive!

What was your favorite part about the Pride festivities? Let us know in the comments below! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

The United Way 2024 New York State Conference was a success! Thank you to Nancy Kern Eaton and her United Way of Central New York team for hosting.

A special shoutout to our very own team for sharing their knowledge and expertise on various topics. We connected, learned, and thrived with all of the United Way staff who attended from across New York State.

We continue to inspire each other and become better every day. It is amazing to hear about all the incredible work that is being done throughout our state and the opportunities that are possible with the support of our communities.

Thank you to Constellation Brands for helping get 1700 bags ready for future kit builds! The bags will be filled with resources and given to individuals in need throughout our region.

Interested in getting involved in similar opportunities with your workplace?

Visit https://unitedwayrocflx.org/get-involved/corporate-partnership/ to learn more!

We are thrilled to recognize Mitchell Khothsymuong from Greater Rochester RHIO (pictured far right) as an outstanding Employee Campaign Champion (ECC). Mitchell works as a database administrator and, shortly after joining the organization in 2023, was tasked with running their donation campaign with United Way as ECC. In just one year, he increased donations from two donors raising $1,500 in 2022 to seven donors raising $2,921 in 2023.

This year, he took on the leadership role of ECC again. He sent consistent emails to the team, raised money through fundraisers, and inspired his colleagues during team meetings.

As a result, Greater Rochester RHIO raised $3,810 with nine different donors! Mitchell is an outstanding example of a dedicated ECC's impact on a workplace campaign and our community as a whole.

Mitchell would like to recognize the support of his team, Tony Cignarale, Marlene Bessette, and Shannon Birch (pictured from left to right). He says that he could not have achieved this increase in contributions without their support in managing donations, leading raffles, providing information, and processing payroll deductions.

Thank you to Greater Rochester RHIO for your partnership and support of helping to create countless opportunities for individuals throughout our region!

Thank you to Batavia Rotary Club for their $1,000 donation to the Genesee Backpack Program! Their support will ensure that children in Genesee County will be provided food over the weekend during summer activities.

Our friends from Arc GLOW dropped the food off, while Batavia City School District and student volunteers will pack the bags throughout the summer.

Imagine what's possible if every child was given the resources needed to thrive in and outside of school. United, it's more than possible!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Join us on October 3 from 5:30-9:30 PM at Three Heads Brewing for United Way's FIRST EVER Battle of the Bands!!

This epic evening will combine the fun of a concert, friendly corporate competition, and fundraising for a good cause.

Stay TUNEd for more info coming soon:
https://unitedwayrocflx.org/news-events/battle-of-the-bands/

Join us on October 3 from 5:30-9:30 PM at Three Heads Brewing. This event is going to be ELECTRIC! Any guesses?

Big reveal tomorrow!!!

Design by Allison DiVincenzo: divincenzoillustration.com

Hip-hop? Hooray!

Join us on October 3 from 5:30-9:30 PM for a rockin' night. Stay TUNEd for more info...

Design by Allison DiVincenzo: divincenzoillustration.com

Get ready to rock and roll on October 3. More details coming soon...

Design by Allison DiVincenzo: divincenzoillustration.com

Despite higher wages, ALICE families are still caught in the economic crosscurrents.

How can you help? Explore the latest data & be part of the solution.
✅ Visit https://unitedforalice.org/state-overview-mobile/new-york
✅ Share and raise awareness
✅ See how we are working to help ALICE families in our region and how you can help provide opportunities today: https://unitedwayrocflx.org/our-work/

Something note-worthy is coming soon...stay tuned!

Design by Allison DiVincenzo: https://www.divincenzoillustration.com/

We are still in awe of the energy and excitement that our nonprofits brought to the Nonprofit Summit last week!

Attendees connected with fellow nonprofit changemakers and imagined what's possible when we thrive together. Thank you to our inspiring keynote speaker Arel Moodie for teaching us how to "Be the Bean" for the United Way team!

Shout-out to our United Way staff for organizing an incredible day of impact and to our sponsors MVP Health Care, ESL Federal Credit Union, Finger Lakes Community College, and Greater Rochester Health Foundation for making the summit possible.

"Our [ALICE] families in Ontario County are spending much more of their household income on housing than is really kind of healthy and that leaves the rest of their entire life constrained," shares Ontario County Administrator Chris Debolt.

There is heightened attention to ALICE. ALICE is not one person, they stand for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents nearly 120,000 families in the region who live above the Federal Poverty Level, but below the cost of living.

Learn more about what's being done to address the housing crisis in Ontario County: https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2024/06/24/inside-the-flx-ontario-county-takes-aim-at-housing-crisis-podcast/

INSIDE THE FLX: What's Being Done to Address the Housing Crisis in Ontario County? | Fingerlakes1.com INSIDE THE FLX: What's Being Done to Address the Housing Crisis in Ontario County? News

Thank you to all who attended our Volunteer and Board Fair!

Community members connected with over 60 local organizations to find volunteer and board opportunities that resonated with them. A special shoutout to our local agencies who shared resources with attendees about getting involved throughout our region.

Interested in getting involved with United Way? Visit
https://unitedwayrocflx.org/get-involved/ to find more opportunities.

Yesterday evening, we held a fireside chat with “Human Development Investigator” Arel Moodie at New York Kitchen.

Guests learned how to deeply understand and connect with others by leveraging remarkable research. A huge thank you to our keynote speaker Arel Moodie who taught us how to identify our passions, elevate ourselves as leaders, and navigate change. Shoutout to our very own Chief Development Officer Teresa O'Loughlin for moderating the discussion!

Thank you to ESL Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this incredible event.

"A few years ago, I started gifting stock to United Way for my charitable contribution. I highly recommend this easy process. Simplify your giving, maximize your impact, and enjoy financial benefits while supporting causes you care about." -Laurie Zaucha

Donating stock is a quick and easy process that allows you to deduct the full, fair market value of the asset.

Learn how to create possibilities through stock donations today:
https://unitedwayrocflx.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate-stock/

School's out; happy summer!

We continue to support youth opportunity throughout the summer months to ensure children and youth have equitable resources for success year-round.

Learn more about our programs, collective impact partners, and how you can help make an impact for all students:
https://unitedwayrocflx.org/our-work/youth-opportunity/

Such an incredible success story!

Starting July 1, Wood Library will offer a place to share fresh produce, cut flowers, and starter plants at a new Little Free Farm Stand! All items are donated by local gardeners and are free to the public. People are encouraged to give what they can from their personal gardens, take what they need, or swap what they can’t use.

The Little Free Farm Stand was built by TwinSpruce Customs with donations made to Wood Library last year on ROCtheDay. The farm stand will be maintained by library staff and volunteers.

Library Director Jenny Goodemote hopes that the farm stand will help to address food insecurity in the community, introduce more healthful food to anyone who wants to try it, reduce food waste in local gardens, and promote generosity and kindness.

Farm Stand Rules –
Plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables accepted
Must be edible and pest free
No items that require refrigeration
Farm stand is self serve
Donate what you can’t use
Take what you need

We are looking for volunteers to help maintain the farm stand. If you are interested, please email Cyndi Fordham at [email protected].

Today is Way Worldwide Day of Action! Thousands of people across the globe are taking action to improve their communities by volunteering.

Check out Volunteer United https://unitedwayrocflx.galaxydigital.com/ for volunteer opportunities in our communities!