On October 5th, we were contacted about Tonya, a single new mother, who was struggling to keep up with her bill payments. After giving birth in the summer, she’d been living on her maternity leave money, which wasn’t stretching far. The case manager who contacted us said, “I am amazed she lasted this long, she is really in need of help.” Thanks to your support of our Crisis Fund we were able to keep her housed with utilities on. She also received items from the Louis Greenspan Children’s Corner for her infant daughter, Shayla.

On May 8, during the COVID crisis, Maria, a 40-year-old who is raising Betty, her 11-year-old daughter, alone after her divorce, called 211, United Way’s 24/7/365 confidential helpline. Maria needed help to move to a new apartment as she had to change school districts immediately. Betty was being badly bullied in her school and had been hospitalized twice that year for anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Alicia, the 2-1-1 call specialist, was able to provide Maria with a source of United Way funded support to help her move into a two-bedroom apartment in a new school district and also provided mental health access opportunities for Maria, who was also undergoing trauma with this crisis.

Thanks to your support of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, Maria and Betty are doing well now. Betty is happy with her new school and is making friends in the virtual classes, and Maria is up-to-date on the rent and putting some savings aside.

Joe, a 60-year-old homeless man, was literally being kept alive with medication secured through a United Way funded program while he awaited a liver transplant from Montefiore Medical Center. In July 2019, Joe had gone to a mobile health clinic as he wasn’t feeling well. After numerous tests, the doctor identified liver failure as well as other significant health issues. As Joe had no insurance, the clinic staff was able to help him enroll in Emergency Medicaid that would cover his transplant surgery, but his numerous medications were not covered by Medicaid. Through a special program that covered the cost of the medications, funded through United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region — and using FamilyWize’s Prescription Discount Card — Joe received the numerous, expensive prescription medications to ensure his liver functions until surgery in late March. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe’s transplant surgery was rescheduled for July 2020. So for one year, your support of United Way paid for Joe’s life-preserving medications as he awaited his surgery. Now post-surgery, he is recovering and is looking forward to moving from rehabilitation into his first apartment.

When Lew came into the office at United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) in early March, he wasn't sure what to do. He was trying to reenter the workforce, but the job he interviewed for required a background check he couldn't afford. Through a grant from UWDOR's Crisis Fund, his background check was covered. He recently wrote us that:

"Thanks to the donation to cover the cost of the background check, I was able to get the job! I won't be getting rich any time soon, but with the spread of coronavirus and the cutting of staff, I have found a position of a driver that is rewarding. I'm helping a lot of older folks get around and now I'm on my way to be more financially independent."

Theresa and her two children had no choice but to leave a violent situation at home in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and seek help at an emergency shelter.

The family arrived with nothing but the clothes on their backs—and the shelter was able to provide them with just the basic essential items.

At the shelter, Theresa worked with advocates for safety planning, exploring her options, so she could keep her job and save for their future. She worked with the shelter’s staff to find an affordable and safe housing option.

Within a month of entering the shelter, Theresa found an apartment she could afford and had saved up for the first month's rent. The family was able to get assistance with the security deposit, as well as a gift card so they could shop for needed household items.

Theresa and her children will continue to have support through the program to ensure they have a safe and independent life together — now and in the future.