About UWDOR

THRIVING TOGETHER Building a stronger community through partnership.

We invest in change to build a stronger community so all can thrive.

Our mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.

Our dedication spans generations.

The Greater Newburgh Community Chest, Inc. was founded in 1948 to raise funds for the health, welfare, and well-being of Newburgh residents and surrounding communities. It also managed donated property. In 1966, the organization became the Orange Area United Fund, Inc.

1948

Orange Area United Fund, Inc. and United Way of Orange County, (originally called United Way of Western Orange County, based in Middletown, NY) consolidated to become United Way of Orange County, Inc.

1987

United Way and partners secured FCC designation of "211" as the national health and human services information and referral number, connecting those in need with community resources.

In an effort to better serve the Community, United Way of Dutchess County and Orange County United Way officially merged to become United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

2000

2011

1937

1971

1994

2001

The Poughkeepsie Community Chest, established in 1937, merged with five local war relief organizations five years later to form the Greater Poughkeepsie War Chest.

Dutchess County Community Chest & Council changed its name to United Way of Dutchess County, Inc.

United Way of America was selected

by Financial World magazine as the charity of choice for leadership in nonprofit ethics and accountability

The September 11th Fund, established by United Way and New York Community Trust in response to the 2001 attacks, raised over $425 million within four months to aid victims, families, and affected communities.

We listen to you and your needs.

We are constantly evolving our programs and initiatives to cater to the pressing needs of our community.

Data drives need.

We are aware and striving to help those who exist above the poverty line but are unable to afford basic needs.

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) research quantifies the number of working households struggling financially.

Using this data, we advocate for policies to bridge the gap between low wages and living costs, promoting financial stability in our community.

2 out of 5 people you pass on the street cannot afford essential items.

Above ALICE Threshold 56%

Monthly income of a family of four living at or below poverty level.

$2,208/month

ALICE household survival budget for a family of four.

$6,322/month

Below Poverty Line 14%

ALICE 30%

When it isn’t an emergency but feels like one. Call 211.

Free and confidential. Open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-899-1479.

Knowledgeable call specialists are there to listen, to care, and most of all, to give you the information you need.

Service areas: Food, housing and shelter, abuse prevention, government services, senior services, health & mental health, youth programs, child care, job assistance, substance abuse & more.

EDUCATION INITIATIVES Developing opportunities for lifelong learning to increase skill-based development and increasing opportunities for positive youth development and literacy services.

Career Development Training Early Childhood Education After School Activities Youth Summer Programs Youth Emergency Housing Literacy Programs Mental Health Services ESL Support Programs

Failing to achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a strong predictor of future illiteracy. With your help we are working to curb that statistic.

Shy and timid, Kyle found his voice through Literacy Connections. With the encouragement of dedicated volunteers, he blossomed into a confident student. His first raised hand marked a turning point, leading to increased classroom participation and improved behavior.

FINANCIAL STABILITY INITIATIVES

Improving financial access for ALICE and low-income individuals to alleviate short-term financial crises in order to increase local families’ economic position and increasing annual earnings and workplace advancement of individuals and families in our region.

Essential Needs Supply Hub Emergency Hotlines Crisis Funds Emergency Case Mangement Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Eviction Prevention & Housing Stability Financial Literacy Seminars Ride United Lyft Program Free Tax Preparation Community Health Assessment

A mother's heart shattered when her son was stolen away by their abuser to another state.

Desperate, she turned to The Financial Assistance Program, whose legal eagles fought tirelessly to reunite them. With unwavering determination, they not only brought mother and son back together but also secured a safe haven - their own apartment. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the mother walked down grocery aisles without the crushing weight of financial despair.

FOOD ACCESS INITIATIVES

Increase access to healthy food for families in our community experiencing food insecurity.

Nutritional Outreach & Education Program Food Access Capacity Building Food Banks & Healthy Food Distribution

It’s amazing how one small bag of food can make such a difference.

Tommy’s stomach growled in anticipation as he burst through the front door, dreaming of a cold bowl of cereal. But the empty milk carton stared back at him, a stark reminder of their tight budget. His mom, Sarah, sighed.

Another week of juggling bills and stretching dollars had left their cabinets bare. Just as despair began to creep in, Tommy remembered the mysterious bag his teacher had handed out that morning. With a glimmer of hope, he tugged at his mother’s sleeve. Inside, nestled among other essentials, was a carton of long life milk. Relief washed over Sarah as she realized this small blessing would tide them over. It was a simple act of kindness that made a world of difference.

VETERAN INITIATIVES

Increase accessibility to affordable housing and legal services for veterans and their families.

Access to Legal Services Housing Assistance

A war veteran, haunted by unseen battles, relied on VA benefits to survive.

Then, the unthinkable happened: his lifeline was cut.

Accused of being “cured" by time, he faced a nightmare of proving his own pain. But hope emerged in the form of a legal shield. With determination and justice as allies, he fought to reclaim what was rightfully his.

WE CAN’T DO THIS WORK WITHOUT YOU.

Get involved today to help us build a stronger community.

Impact through participation.

From our Community Breakfast in September to the empowering Women’s Luncheon in February, we're dedicated to fostering connection and progress. Celebrate our heroes at the Celebration of Service in May and test your limits at the thrilling Pull the Tank in June.

A small, weekly contribution can create a big impact on hunger in our community. We turn an investment of $1 into $5 of impact.

Your generosity empowers us to expand vital programs. Corporate partnerships, through gifting, are also instrumental in achieving our mission.

Create a lasting legacy. Your vision for a stronger community can extend beyond your lifetime. A gift-in-will ensures your impact endures, inspiring generations to come.

Attend

Give

Leave a Legacy

Volunteer

Lead

Make a difference through service.

Join us for a volunteer day or organize a company-wide initiative. Want a deeper commitment? Connect with our Women United or Emerging Leaders groups.

Shape our future together. Join our leadership committees or board to directly influence our mission. Become a grant review board member and decide which programs receive funding. Your expertise is vital to our success.

Empower through workplace giving.

Hosting a workplace campaign for United Way offers several benefits for both your organization and your employees.

Strengthened Community Ties: United Way is a trusted name in community service, and by hosting a campaign, your organization demonstrates a commitment to giving back and improving the lives of your neighbors.

Impactful Giving: United Way funds support a wide range of essential programs and services, ensuring that donations make a real difference in the community.

Education and Awareness: Campaigns often include educational opportunities to raise awareness of community needs and the impact of United Way's work.

Sense of Community: Participating in a workplace campaign can foster a sense of belonging and connection among employees.

Convenient Giving: Employees can easily contribute to a worthy cause through payroll deductions or other convenient methods.

36,937

40,085

individuals helped through the Hudson Valley Region 211 confidential emergency helpline

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ON THE RAINY DAYS.

individuals benefited from emergency food/shelter services

21,759

individuals benefited from Day of Sharing and Crisis Intervention

BECAUSE OF YOU, WE HELPED 155,000 PEOPLE AND INVESTED $11,674,895 BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY 31,941

4,889

We are committed to you.

8,244

individuals benefited from community partnership grants

individuals benefited from SingleCare prescription savings cards

volunteers worked together to make our community stronger

6,219

3,181

1,500

individuals benefited from free tax services through Hudson Valley CA$H

individuals benefited from United Way community support programs

individuals benefited from emergency car rides from Lyft

Scan to learn more about UWDOR.

We are here for you for any questions.

ELIZABETH MANNING EMANNING@UWDOR.ORG (845) 471-1900 EXT. 3116