United We Thrive - About UWDOR

UNITED WE THRIVE

EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE

Dutchess County

Population: 295,911 Households: 115,529 (63,513 Children) Employment Rate: 59.9%

Orange County

Population: 401,310 Households: 138,856 (115,680 Children) Employment Rate: 60.6%

103,890 households in our community are in crisis, unable to secure the very essentials needed to live.

The United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Initiative is a powerful way to describe financial hardship that goes beyond the traditional Federal Poverty Level. It highlights the significant number of households that are working, often in essential jobs, but still struggle to afford basic necessities in their local communities.

Poverty

ALICE

Above ALICE Threshold

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

Dutchess County

Orange County

Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed The largest demographic groups usually have the most households struggling to afford basic needs. But, when you look at what percentage of each group struggles, you see that some groups are much more likely to be in need than others.

Asian 3%

2+ Race 6.5%

Black 10%

Hispanic 15%

Population Breakdown

AI/AN 0.5%

White 65%

ABOVE ALICE

ALICE

POVERTY

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

Asian

Black

Hispanic

AI/AN

White

2+ Races

There are also differences in financial hardship by household type and age of householder.

% Below the ALICE Threshold

Single (No Children) Married (With Children) Single, Female (With Children) Single, Male (With Children) 0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

The Cost of Basics Outpaces Wages

The Household Survival Budget shows the basic cost to live and work today, covering needs like housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, technology, and taxes. It doesn't include money for savings or future goals. In 2023, these costs in every New York county were much higher than the Federal Poverty Level of $14,580 for one adult and $30,000 for a family of four.

1 ADULT

1 ADULT, 1 CHILD

1 ADULT, 1 CHILD IN CARE

2 ADULTS

2 ADULTS, 2 CHILDREN

2 ADULTS, 2 CHILDREN IN CARE

1 SENIOR

2 SENIORS

CHILD CARE

$1,298

$1,419

$1,419

$1,419

$1,821

$1,821

$1,298

$1,419

HOUSING

$0

$433

$1,151

$0

$866

$2,404

$0

$0

FOOD

$544

$920

$826

$998

$1,673

$1,477

$501

$918

TRANSPORTATION

$435

$558

$558

$654

$983

$983

$371

$526

HEALTH CARE

$196

$452

$452

$452

$775

$775

$599

$1,197.50

TECHNOLOGY

$86

$86

$86

$116

$116

$116

$86

$116

MISC

$256

$387

$471.5

$364

$623.50

$757.50

$285.50

$417.50

TAXES

$501

$534

$707.50

$594.5

$807

$1,178.50

$582.50

$948

MONTHLY TOTAL

$3,316

$4,789

$5,671

$4,597.5

$7,664.50

$9,512

$3,723

$5,542

ANNUAL TOTAL

$39,792

$57,468

$68,052

$55,170

$91,974

$114,144

$44,676

$66,504

HOURLY WAGE

$19.90

$28.74

$33.91

$27.58

$45.98

$57.07

$22.34

$33.25

United Way is here for ALICE.

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.

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

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 dispair.

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.

Prescriptions are expensive.

We aim to help with that.

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is proud to partner with SingleCare to provide community members with access to affordable prescription medications, ensuring greater health and financial stability.

Benefits of Using SingleCare No Cost: It’s completely free to use.

No Eligibility Requirements: Anyone can use it, regardless of income or insurance status.

Significant Savings: Save up to 80% on most prescriptions.

Wide Acceptance: Accepted at over 35,000 pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens and many more.

Easy to Use: No forms to fill out, no activation needed.

You can also access the card by downloading the SingleCare app.

EMPOWERING FUTURES THROUGH LIFELONG LEARNING Developing skill-based opportunities, fostering positive youth development and expanding literacy services for our community.

Failing to achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a strong predictor of future literacy. 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.

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

YOU CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH

BOOKS INTO THE HANDS

OF ENOUGH

CHILDREN

Through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library we are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five.

It's more than just fun; it's fundamental. Early exposure to books develops critical cognitive and language skills, sparks creativity, and strengthens the bond between children and caregivers. Research consistently shows that having books in the home is one of the most effective ways to encourage early literacy and academic success. By building strong foundations, we're helping to create a brighter, more equitable future where all children can thrive.

Learn more, www.uwdor.org/imaginationlibrary

PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY BOOSTING FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

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

Crisis Fund We work with partner agencies to offer one-time grants or direct financial assistance to help individuals facing various emergencies. This can include help with vital medications, bills and other urgent financial needs.

This fund helps ensure that children and families have access to their essential needs.

Essential Needs Supply Hub The Hub is a central location that collects, stores and distributes essential items to local organizations in need. This ensures that resources are efficiently allocated to those who require them most. These items typically include clothing, hygiene products, bedding and more.

Social Care Navigation Get immediate support, right from your phone! Our free 20-30 minute phone screening is the fastest, easiest way to connect with the helpful resources and support you need. Individuals are eligible for our services if you’re enrolled in Medicaid and need one or more of the health-related social assistances listed here: Nutrition counseling, emergency food, emergency housing, transportation support, metal health support and more...

Other Programs Emergency Hotlines Emergency Case Management Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Eviction Prevention & Housing Stability Financial Literacy Seminars Ride United Lyft Program Free Tax Preparation Preventative Care Screenings

A Beacon of Hope Alison stared at the medical bill, her heart pounding. The number, over $900, felt impossible. Her newborn's checkups and a recent trip to the ER for her toddler had left her with a stack of bills she couldn't afford. The thought of her children's health needs going unmet terrified her.

Desperate, she searched for help. A kind representative from one of United Way’s partner programs listened to her story with empathy, and soon, a check arrived.

The relief was immediate and overwhelming. The money from United Way didn't just cover the medical bills; it provided peace of mind. She could focus on her children's health, knowing they were safe and cared for. In her darkest moment, United Way had been a lifeline, a beacon of hope showing her she wasn't alone.

NOURISHING OUR COMMUNITY,TOGETHER Increase access to healthy food for families in our community experiencing food insecurity.

Food Access Capacity Building empowers food coalitions to strengthen their infrastructure and expand food access points, thereby increasing the availability of nutritious food within our community.

Food Banks & Healthy Food Distribution We work to reduce food insecurity by partnering with local distribution centers to distribute healthy food, provide emergency relief and advocate for long-term solutions to connect families with nutritious meals.

Advocating for Food Sustainability We advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity by leading and participating in advocacy coalitions, urging policy changes that strengthen food assistance programs and amplifying the voices of communities to drive systemic change.

1 in 5 children don’t have enough food to grow up strong.

We are trying to change this.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND LEGAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. 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.

VetZero Program No veteran should be without a home. The Vet Zero Program provides rapid housing assistance for low-income veterans in need. We offer hands-on support, including help with initial housing costs, transportation, and connections to

VETERANS MAKE UP ABOUT

7% of all homeless adults in the U.S. EVEN THOUGH THEY ONLY REPRESENT AROUND 6% OF THE TOTAL U.S. POPULATION. essential services, to help you quickly find a safe place to live and build a stable future.

Legal Services for Veterans and Military Families Our funded program offers free civil legal services to veterans and military families in Dutchess and Orange Counties. Our services include: Public Benefits & Income Stabilization Housing, Eviction, & Foreclosure Prevention Domestic Violence & Family Law Disability Law Elder Law LGBTQ+ Law

WE CAN’T DO THIS WORK WITHOUT YOU. Get involved today to help us build a stronger community.

Impact through participation.

Volunteer

Make a difference through service. Join us for a volunteer day or organize a companywide initiative. Want a deeper commitment? Connect with our Women United or Emerging Leaders groups. www.uwdor.org/volunteer

Lead

Shape our future together.

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

If interested, email ci-inbox@uwdor.org.

Attend

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. www.uwdor.org/events

Give

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. www.uwdor.org/waystogive

Leave a Legacy

Create a lasting legacy. Your vision for a stronger community can extend beyond your lifetime. A gift-inwill ensures your impact endures, inspiring generations to come. www.uwdor.org/giftinwill

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.

Your gift is the reason Tommy didn’t go hungry.

Your impact stays local.

Your impact stays local.

BECAUSE OF YOU, WE HELPED OVER 159,000 PEOPLE AND INVESTED BECAUSE OF YOU, WE HELPED $11,923,885 BACK INTO OVER 159,000 PEOPLE AND OUR COMMUNITY. INVESTED $11,923,885 BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY.

59,303 59,303 INDIVIDUALS INDIVIDUALS

benefited benefitedfrom fromthe theHudson HudsonValley Valley Region’s Region’s211211hotline hotlineand andour our support supportservices, services,including includingRide Ride United, United,discount discountprescription prescription cards cardsand andpublic publichealth healthprograms programs Community Community Investment Investment = $706,307 = $706,307

51,104

INDIVIDUALS

25,806 INDIVIDUALS

13,370

INDIVIDUALS

benefited from community partnerships Community Investment = $388,900

benefited from Days of Sharing and Crisis Intervention Community Investment = $378,406

benefited from emergency housing, food and shelter programs Community Investment = $283,684

6,557

benefited from free tax preparation through HV CA$H

3,361

volunteered to work together to make our community stronger.

INDIVIDUALS

INDIVIDUALS

Tax Savings = $1,967,100 Tax Refunds = $5,277,250

Community Investment = $1,361,532

Through dedicated fundraising initiatives, United Way makes an additional community investment of $1,560,706.

The wail of the siren was a familiar song to Kristina, an EMT who spent her days saving lives. But for three months, her own life had been an emergency she couldn't fix. After she and her roommate were evicted, Kristina had been sleeping in her car, her belongings in a storage unit.

She worked double shifts, trying to save money for a new apartment, but the storage fees piled up. She fell behind, and a final notice arrived: her possessions would be auctioned off at noon. In a last, desperate move, she contacted a United Way funded program.

With minutes to spare, at 11:45 a.m., she got the call. The program had paid her back fees. Her belongings were safe. The panic she had felt for months finally lifted. Now, Kristina has a new apartment. She still responds to emergencies, but when her shift ends, she has a home to return to—a place where she, too, can feel safe.

www.uwdor.org