| United Way History The United Way was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1887. Church leaders began the Charity Organization Society which coordinated services and fund raising for 22 agencies. The first fund raising efforts raised $21,700. Multiple Community Chest organizations joined the American Association for Community Organizations in 1918. The number of Community Chest organizations increased from 39 to 353 between 1919 and 1929, and surpassed 1,000 by 1948. By 1963, and after several name changes, the term United Way was adopted. Today, there are over 1,400 United Way organizations reporting over $4.2 billion in contributions worldwide. About Your United Way Our Mission "To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community" The United Way of Cayuga County is committed to improving lives in our community by advancing the common good and addressing the underlying causes of problems. United Way is dedicated to community involvement and focused on creating long-lasting changes that will positively affect today, tomorrow and generations to come. United Way conducts an annual campaign to raise dollars for agency partner programs through all sectors of the community including Local Foundations, Major Firms, Small Business, Professionals, Human Services, Public Services, SEFA, Education, Community, County South and County North. As their fiduciary responsibility, the Fund Distribution/Agency Relations Committee consisting of trained volunteers, recommends the proposed funded program allocations to the Board of Directors for approval. Recommendations for funded program allocations are based on in-depth needs assessment, agency interviews and measureable outcomes. Other Initiatives United Way of Cayuga County not only raises funds for vital programs among the partner agencies, but collaborates with community entities to execute three important programs that play a large role in our community's well being. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funds on an annual basis to organizations who offer emergency food and shelter services to our community. CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) is a program in which trained volunteers assist low to moderate income households in building stronger financial futures by preparing Federal and NYS tax returns FREE of charge. Success by Six, an initiative of the United Way of Cayuga County, focuses on building a comprehensive experience by addressing the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of children from birth to age 6, preparing them before entering school. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a growing program that offers a free book each month to any child from birth to 6 years of age, delivered directly to the child's home. Dr. Daniel P. Larson, President Cayuga Community College, President Douglas Rutan, VP Administration/Finance Welch Allyn, Inc., Marketing Manager Barbara A. Graney, VP Fund Distribution/Agency Relations Tompkins Trust Company, Assistant Vice President John C. Nicandri, Treasurer Seneca Falls Savings Bank, Senior Vice President Michael Evans, Secretary Auburn Correctional Services, Commissary Clerk James Courtney Retired Executive Director of YMCA-WEIU Debra English Cayuga County Nursing Home, Director Harold Graham Auburn Correctional Facility, Superintendent Jennifer Haines City of Auburn, Director of Planning & Economic Development Susan Lalonde Tompkins Financial Corp., VP Corporate Compliance Manager Roz McCormick Auburn Memorial Hospital, Chief Operating Officer Stephen Rich Community Bank N.A., VP Commercial Banking Team Leader Michael Rifanburg The Citizen, Publisher Jean Saroodis Mayor of Weedsport, New York William Speck Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, District Superintendent Nancy Siefka Cayuga County Office for the Aging, Social Worker Peter Whiting Whiting's Wallpaper & Paint Store, Owner Susan Marteney - Agency Representative American Red Cross Cayuga County Chapter, Executive Director |
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