Literacy Initiative

According to the Mid-Hudson Community Profiles, only 36% of Dutchess County’s fourth-graders passed their English standardized tests in 2016. Passing rates on state tests were significantly lower for low-income, African American, and Hispanic students than for their peers (MHVCommunityProfiles.org). In response to this literacy crisis, United Way hosted two Community Conversations on Early Learning.

Micah's story

Mentoring with impact

Aliza, Micah’s mom, wants to thank everyone for their support as she has seen how Micah has moved from troubled and depressed, to more outgoing, independent and successful this past year. 

Micah is one of three siblings. Every member of Micah's family has special needs. Micah entered our program with failing grades. He stated that he "didn't care about school or life." Michael's mother Aliza asked for help with managing his behavior. She acknowledged that she could not help him with his homework. Aliza felt "helpless" and "exhausted." 

Micah had moved four times in the last two years. He had very low self-esteem and often walked with his head down. Through participation in our program, Micah went from a 1 or limited proficiency in writing and language on his report card to a 3 or meets proficiency and gained "two friend." Our leadership program has given him the confidence to speak up for himself and advocate for his peers. Micah is excelling academically and socially. 

Thanks to your support, Michah is one of many children whose life has been turned around to a positive path for the future. 

Community Champion 2019: Dr. Kristine Young

Dr. Kristine Young, Ed.D.
President, Orange County Community College

Over the initial four years of her tenure as President of SUNY Orange, Dr. Kristine Young has begun to significantly reshape the student experience, while at the same time expanding access to the College and cementing public-private partnerships that place SUNY Orange in the midst of academic and workforce training innovation.

First-ever Pull the Plane raised almost $50,000 June 29 with hundreds pulling a FedEx 757 at New York Stewart International Airport

“We did it,” was a sound that reverberated as team after team pulled a FedEx Boeing 757 12 feet on a taxi way at New York Stewart International Airport Saturday, June 29. The event raised almost $50,000 for the work of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) in Dutchess and Orange counties and really put the “FUN” in fundraising, according to UWDOR President & CEO Jeannie Montano.

Application for Funding: Orange County Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Phase 35

Orange County has been chosen to receive $140,497.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide.

Subscribe to

Annual Sponsors

Premier Annual Sponsors: Central Hudson Gas & Electric, M&T Bank, Orange & Rockland, Pratt & WhitneyAnnual Sponsors: IBM, Resorts World, RBT, TD Bank, Ulster Savings