United Way Welcome Three New Board Members

We are pleased to welcome three new members of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Board of Directors: Candy Davies, Megan Deichler and Tim Kane.

As United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s governing board, with the leadership of Board Chairman Kevin Cleary, the members of our Board of Directors are dedicated to the welfare of our community. Founded in 1937, our United Way operates as an independent 501(c)3, under the direction of our Board and our President & CEO.

From the President & CEO's Desk

Every New Year, there is a sense of infinite possibilities. For us, we know that 2020 was a year that was more about survival. Too many in our immediate community and United Way family have had hardships brought about by the pandemic. We hoped after the first wave last spring that we would not experience another wave, but now it seems that everyone knows someone who’s ill.

Meet Jason

A year before the pandemic, Jason became ill and lost his job. He’d used his savings to pay the medical bills and his unemployment benefits weren’t enough to keep up with his house, car, utility and insurance payments — so lost his car. Growing up, his family stressed self-reliance and he’d never asked for help before this, but the situation was so critical he called United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline. Gina, the 2-1-1 Call Specialist, referred Jason to us.

Jason told us he’d been lucky enough to be offered a full time job in Manhattan, but without his car he had no way to get there without the money from his first paycheck.

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Crisis Fund and our funded partner were able to fund two one-week passes for travel to Manhattan on Metro North. After his two-week orientation that August, Jason received his first paycheck and was able to pay for his own transportation. Six months later, last January, he’d received a promotion and raise and was able to purchase a used car.

When the pandemic hit, Jason was able to work from home keeping in touch with his clients virtually. This steady income let him fix up his house and create apartments that he now sublets to three tenants. Jason is also volunteering once a week to help other people that are facing crisis due to COVID-19 and is so thankful for receiving that help that’s changed his life.

Sign up now for the 21-Day Equity Challenge that begins on Jan 18, the MLK National Day of Service

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region will present a 21-Day Equity Challenge that will launch on January 18, The Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) National Day of Service. The 21-Day Equity Challenge is a powerful opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and in our community. There is no charge to participate, but preregistration is requested.

COVID-19 Survey Results: Shedding light on the impact on New York communities

A statewide survey on the effects of COVID-19 confirms that New Yorkers are facing many challenges due to the pandemic, some New York communities and populations are being hit disproportionately hard, and most New Yorkers are very worried about themselves or family members being infected with COVID-19 and experiencing mental health issues. 

The survey revealed that:

Application for Funding: Orange County Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Phase 37

Orange County has been chosen to receive $352,759 in Phase 37 and CARES Act funding 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.

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