Stories of Impact: Closing Gaps. Creating Opportunities.

Every day, someone in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties experiences an improved quality of life thanks to the generosity of United Way donors. Here we share real-life testimonials and success stories from the nonprofits and programs funded by United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties throughout the year.

Each story reflects the direct impact of community support, highlighting the collective strength to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive.

  • A young girl with curly hair, glasses, and a pink sweater with white unicorns, lying on her back on the floor in a starfish position, holding a magnifying glass, smiling at the camera.

    CBA Youth Vision Screening Program

    CBA's mission is to detect such issues early, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. Through innovative programs and community outreach, CBA strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families. Read more

  • A large, light yellow, two-story Victorian-style house with white columns and trim. There is a porch with a railing, multiple windows, and a sign in front reading "Law NY".

    Legal Assistance of Western New York

    Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) is committed to providing free legal aid to individuals facing civil legal issues. Their services are designed to assist those dealing with non-criminal legal matters, offering help and advice to ensure access to justice for everyone, especially those with low income and few assets. Read more

  • A group of people, including a young girl wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt, are gathered around a table outside, tending to potted plants. The table holds various supplies like markers, a water bottle, a bag of potting soil, and small cups, with a sidewalk and street in the background.

    Directions in Independent Living

    Directions in Independent Living's Transitions program is dedicated to empowering youth and young adults by equipping them with essential life skills for greater independence. Available in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties, the program helps young individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence and independence. Read more

  • Group of people participating in a torch run event in New York, with one man in the center holding a lit torch, smiling, and flexing his arm, all wearing matching green shirts.

    Special Olympics NY

    Special Olympics New York, in collaboration with St. Bonaventure University and local school districts, successfully hosted the annual Unified Basketball event on Wednesday, April 24. The event took place at the Reilly and Richter Centers on the St. Bonaventure campus with additional support from United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties. Read more

  • Two boys playing basketball outside on a court with green grass and trees in the background.

    Houghton Royal Family Kids Camp: Making Moments Matter through Relationships

    More than 90% of our volunteers return to Houghton RFKC each summer, which means that our campers come to see Royal Family Kids Camp as their “home away from home” and the staff as part of an extended family, their Royal Family. RFKC is all about developing positive, healthy relationships with caring adults. Read more

  • A smiling boy holding a colorful drawing of a pear with a dark background, in an industrial or warehouse-like space with tables and chairs.

    Saving Grace Outreach

    We were successful in hosting 6-10 kids each day, who were otherwise at home or roaming the streets. Giving them a place where they belong and use their energy for positive things in their community. Read more

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling and holding a framed diploma inside a vehicle. Outside the window, there are trees and houses.

    Southern Tier Traveling Teachers

    It's not an easy feat for anyone to study and earn a high school diploma - let alone an expectant mother of two young children who was also employed full-time. But that's exactly what Allegany County resident Paige Kline did. Read more

  • Older woman sitting at a table with bags of yellow squashes and pumpkins at a store or market.

    Catholic Charities Joyce Family Food Pantry

    Hazel has been utilizing services at the Catholic Charities Joyce Family Food Pantry for 9 years and always is so grateful for what we do for her and so many of her friends and neighbors. Read more

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