Our Community Impact

What is Community Impact?

United Way mobilizes communities to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive.

At United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, our approach to community impact is focused on responding to the documented needs of the people in our region. We have developed specific Focus Areas and Strategies that guide our efforts toward the most pressing issues in our community.

Each year, funds are strategically allocated to agencies providing services in key areas:

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Improving health and well-being for all

Maternal & child health
Nutrition & food security
Mental health
Substance misuse
Disease prevention & awareness

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY

Helping young people realize their full potential

Childcare & early childhood development
In-school, after-school & summer learning
Literacy development
Family engagement
STEM education
College & career readiness

FINANCIAL SECURITY

Building financial stability and strength

Job readiness & workforce development
Adult education & job training
Financial education & coaching
Homelessness prevention & affordable housing
Small business support
Public benefits access

COMMUNITY RESILIENCY

Addressing urgent needs today and advancing a better tomorrow

Disaster relief & recovery
Emergency preparedness
Crisis hotline & support
Environmental stewardship & sustainability

Goals of Community Impact Funding

Lifelong Impact: Improve the lives of all individuals affected by community issues, extending beyond the clients of programs funded by United Way.
Root Cause Identification: Pinpoint the root causes of problems threatening our community and develop strategic partnerships and solutions to address them.
Collaborative Partnerships: Work in a multi-faceted role, collaborating with diverse partners who play a crucial role in changing community conditions.
Long-term Relationships: Go beyond the annual campaign by establishing and nurturing long-term, ongoing relationships with a diverse range of community investors.

Our commitment to community impact goes beyond immediate solutions, aiming for lasting change and creating a positive, sustainable impact on the well-being of our community.

Get Involved

Make a donation or volunteer.

Get Involved

The Impact of Giving to United Way

At United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, your contribution makes a meaningful impact through our Community Impact initiatives. Here's why your support matters:

Lasting Change Through Community Impact

Your ongoing involvement contributes to creating lasting change in our community.

Your expertise, energy, and relationships are crucial resources for Community Impact, an effort owned by the entire community.

Targeting Underlying Causes

We promise to direct resources to efforts addressing the underlying causes of community issues, delivering measurable, long-term results.

Collaboration for Greater Impact

United Way collaborates with a diverse range of community partners, including agencies, schools, faith-based groups, businesses, individuals, and local government.

Together, we seek results that no one can achieve alone, taking our community efforts one step further.

Localized Impact

Your United Way contribution goes to work right where you live, bringing lasting change to your community. While we have merged the Allegany and Cattaraugus organizations to better serve our area, your dollars will still go to the county you designate - funds will be kept separate.

We carefully allocate campaign funds to critical programs based on community needs and data, guided by informed volunteers.

Real Stories, Real Impact

One in four area residents participates in a United Way-funded program.

Your support could be helping a neighbor receive bereavement counseling or assisting a friend's mother with rides to medical appointments.

Improved Quality of Life

Every day, someone in our area experiences an improved quality of life, thanks to generous donors like you. Your contribution directly impacts positive changes in the lives of individuals in our community.

By giving to United Way, you become a part of a collective effort that goes beyond addressing immediate needs, aiming for sustained positive change in the lives of those we serve.

2023 Funded Programs

Each year, we study the documented needs in our counties. Funds are allocated to programs serving the most pressing needs in four focus areas: education, income stability, health, and critical needs.