A credo. A mission. A goal.

A constant reminder that when we as individuals think outside ourselves, we have the power to facilitate change. When we think of others’ lives as linked to our own, our compassion grows. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day.

How Other’s LIVE UNITED:

Sarah’s Story

"In order to LIVE UNITED everyone must reside as one. It's about placing your mind in a state that is flexible to all ways of life. It's accepting new ideas, different opinions, and lifestyles. Living United is placing others above you and becoming selfless. Through my high school, I LIVE UNITED by participating in the Interact Club and heading the Student Council organization. These organizations attempt to interact with our community and find unique ways that we as a school, can be involved and helpful. We strive to help those around us and our community. I find that through these clubs I LIVE UNITED."

How You Can LIVE UNITED:

Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people with the power to help other people.

Did you smile at someone walking past you today? Have you ever read a story to child? Have you ever advocated for something you believed strongly about? Have you ever volunteered for an organization? Have you ever given to a non-profit?

You LIVE UNITED everyday by doing small things that are a BIG deal to other’s around you. The United Way would like to thank you, and provide you with other ways you can continue to LIVE UNITED. GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

The Seneca County Youth Council

The Seneca County Youth Council represents each school district and has expanded to include out of school youth up to age 21. The Youth Council Leaders undergo strategic planning on the best way to facilitate change in their communities and are responsible for developing and facilitating their specific youth councils.

Highlights of the Seneca County Youth Council accomplishments to date:

• Youth encampment It’s Not Just a Night in a Box (October 2007, May 2010) to raise awareness for community poverty and homelessness (included a canned food drive and blanket donations for food pantries)
• Projects related to environmental issues including a definite and substantive recycling program in Waterloo and Romulus High Schools
• A book club that includes participating from both students and adults at South Seneca High School
• Tutoring program for elementary and middle school students in Seneca Falls
• Presentation Youth Councils: A Journey of Empowerment at the Search Institute’s Healthy Communities – Healthy Youth® conference in Minneapolis, MN (November 2006) where over 1400 attendees joined from at least 6 countries
• Presentation The Impact of Youth Councils on Rural Attitudes and Behaviors at the Search Institute’s Healthy Communities–Healthy Youth® held in Rochester, NY (November 2007) where over 1600 attendees congregated from nearly a dozen countries
• Participation in Global Youth Service Day in 2009- working on a Habitat for Humanity House and cleaning up a nature trail in Romulus

Day of Giving 2009

Over 40 young people celebrated Global Youth Service Day on April 25th by volunteering in their communities. The students volunteered at Creative Choices Daycare Center, Habitat for Humanity of Seneca County, and at the nature trail in Romulus. After volunteering, the students celebrated what youth can do in their communities at the Elk’s Lodge in Seneca Falls. Senator Nozzolio presented an encouraging speech to the youth about giving back to the community. This event was entirely planned and organized by the Seneca County Youth Council.

Youth Encampment 2010

Youth across the county gathered at Seneca Falls High School to take a stand for poverty and homelessness in Seneca County. During the event, the youth worked on a variety of projects, such as making blankets, collecting canned foods, dividing bulk shampoo into plastic bottles, hearing from special guest speakers, and making a “home” to sleep in during the night. The youth also raised funds which were donated to several non-profits in the area that help combat homelessness. This event was entirely volunteer driven, with volunteers from the New York Chiropractic College and Banana Republic Outlet. It was made possible through the generosity of the Seneca Falls Savings Bank, Reister’s Appliances, and the United Way.

Born Learning

Born Learning targets parents and family/friend caregivers as the most important influences on a child in the earliest years. It is an innovative public awareness and engagement campaign that helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality early learning opportunities for young children and includes nationwide television, radio, magazine, newspaper, billboard, banner ads (all produced in English and Spanish).

Born Learning provides specific, doable action steps to provide early learning opportunities. It assures parents that it is easy - and fun - to turn everyday moments into quality learning moments … and shows them how to do it.  

The Born Learning partners are United Way of America, the Ad Council and Civitas. It's an unprecedented partnership, bringing together nation-wide community impact with the nation's pre-eminent public service advertising and a top expert in parent outreach strategies and creative marketing, all around early childhood.

Check it out at www.bornlearning.org where a wide array of tips, tools and information is available and you can download helpful early learning tools from the website.

Elizabeth Delavan Grant Research Library

An Easy Way to Research Grants

We know how tough it can be to find grants. That’s why we made it a priority to provide you with an easy way to research them. The Elizabeth Delavan Grant Research Library is a computer based system using the Foundation Center CD. The CD is updated twice yearly and purchases of printed materials focus on resources which support board development of non-profit organizations seeking to improve the strategic planning, fiscal and human resource management, capital campaigns, grant writing skills, etc.

If you would like to use the library, please contact us at 315-539-1135 to schedule a time to use the computer. The Foundation Center CD includes a tutorial program with United Way staff available to give a short overview.

Many thanks to the Delavan Foundation for providing this service to our community.

Seneca County Housing Coalition

Providing Affordable Housing

The Seneca County Housing Coalition was convened in July 2004 by the United Way of Seneca County in response to a sudden, dramatic increase in requests for emergency housing assistance. The United Way, in its effort to assist families and individuals who were facing the potential of homelessness, recognized a gap in the fabric of services that are available to Seneca County residents. The United Way's call to action, convened many partners and established the framework for the work of the coalition.

Beware of Rent-To-Own Housing Agreements

Rent-to-own agreements often heavily advantage the landlord owner. As the tenant-buyer, you pay for repairs and maintenance, as if you owned the home. However, the owner may be able to evict you, as if you were still a tenant. To learn more click here.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Seneca County Housing Coalition is to ensure that all Seneca County residents have the opportunity to live in safe, decent, sanitary, suitable and affordable housing. The Coalition is committed to assisting all Seneca County residents, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, age or disability.

The Coalition recognizes that economic development is the key to improving housing opportunities in Seneca County. In carrying out its mission, the coalition recognizes the need for both emergency and transitional housing to assist individuals and families as they progress toward the ultimate goals of permanent housing and economic stability.

An array of supportive services tailored to meet the needs of each individual household is also a necessary component of the housing coalition, provided as required for individual family needs.

The Steering Committee of the Coalition is comprised of representatives from the following organizations:

• Cayuga Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc.
• FLACRA, Inc.
• Legal Assistance of the Finger Lakes
• Lakeside Mental Health Services, Inc.
• Seneca County Economic Development and Planning
• Seneca Housing Inc.
• United Way of Seneca County
• Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES

It is our hope that as a community working together, we can ensure that all Seneca County residents have the opportunity to live in safe, suitable and affordable housing.

Contact Information
United Way of Seneca County
P.O. Box 623
Suite 215 Main St. Shop Center
Waterloo, NY 13165
315-539-1135
Fax: 315-539-3335
uwseneca@rochester.rr.com

Seneca County Literacy Project

Building Literacy Skills

Literacy is the essential skill that encompasses the use of reading, writing, speaking and listening to find meaning, solve problems, and communicate information for a variety of personal and professional uses. - As defined by the Literacy Subcommittee 12/9/04

Is it news to you that the following is true?

• A high percentage of students during kindergarten screening fall below average in school readiness skills.
• Many parents lack the information on ways to provide pre-literacy experiences for their children.
• Early literacy prevention support and strategies can often prevent children from becoming classified as special needs students.
• Literacy in adults can lead to higher paying jobs and opportunities for families to break the cycle of poverty.

The Goal of the Seneca County Literacy Group is:

To create a culture of literacy in which all children have early, frequent and pleasurable experiences with books, as part of their everyday life. 

We strive to:

• Reach families early helping them to understand the benefits of reading to their children
• Provide children with books of their own to build a positive association with reading
• Strengthen the relationship with books and promote the use of libraries
• Reach families through existing networks
• Involve the entire community

Seneca County Literacy Week

• 2005 - Harvest a Good Book:READ!
• 2006 - Wild About Books: READ!
• 2007 - At Home with Books: READ!
• 2008 – Adventures with Books: READ!
• 2009- Recycle with Books: READ!

Seneca County Partners for Children, Youth and Families – Collaboration for Community Change

Seneca County Partners for Children, Youth and Families is the county-wide network of people and organizations committed to providing a high quality of life for the Seneca County community. This local partnership convened by the United Way includes all four county public schools, Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES, the Seneca County Division of Human Services (including the human services, the Youth Bureau, Workforce Development, and Probation), community organizations, law enforcement, county agencies, faith partners, parents and youth as active participants.

Launched by the United Way of Seneca County in 1997, the vision remains that as 'partners' we will coordinate efforts of existing resources to cultivate an environment in which our children will:

• Be born healthy
• Be prepared to enter school
• Succeed in school
• Have opportunities for positive youth development
• Experience family support and stability
• Have access to needed services; and
• Become self-sufficient, community members

Where the impact of the existing services for families is inadequate, the partnership develops additional resources to provide for unmet needs of children and families.

In 1998, the partners initially prioritized these critical issues:

• Lack of communication between existing programs and service providers, resulting in
• Lack of service coordination, duplication of services, or inadequate services to meet current needs
• Lack of a county-wide public transportation system
• Few opportunities for youth
• Communication (Education/Information/Clearing House)
• Accessibility (Transportation, one stop information)
• A current, comprehensive community assessment including strengths, needs and opportunities

What has happened since 1998?

• Implementation of a county-wide public transportation system
• Focus on county-wide issues/alignment
• Collaborative Programs, both long and short-term
• Advocacy and Education – at the community, regional and state levels
• Reaffirmation of the commitment to collaborate as "Partners"

• 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant from NYS Department of Education to provide after school programs for middle and high school students in all four school districts (Partners plans to reapply for this in 2011).
• ACT for Youth Grant to coordinate the efforts of the partnership, and facilitate community change around positive youth development, recognizing youth as invaluable community resources rather than “problems to be fixed.”
• Self-assessment of the partnership
• Infrastructure development (subcommittees, leadership, communication mechanisms)
• Completion of the first comprehensive Seneca County community assessment
• Completion of countywide youth survey, "Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors" (1,868 youth completed the survey in grades 6-11)
• Strategic planning
• Formation of the Seneca County Youth Council
• Formation of the Seneca County Housing Coalition
• Launch of the Seneca County Literacy Project

The 10-year celebration of Seneca County Partners for Children, Youth and Families recognized successes to date. The business portion of the meeting included approval of organizational by-laws and the slate of officers, public release of the community profile, and strategic planning by community stakeholders, with commitment to specific action steps and accountability for results.

Action Teams that make-up Partners:

• Core Team
• Early Childhood
• Early Literacy
• Family Wellness
• Housing
• Literacy (Grade 6-Adult)
• Substance Abuse
• Youth Development

Surge After School Program

Providing New Ways for Youth to Learn

The Surge After School Program currently operates in the Seneca Falls Middle School (grades 5-8) and the South Seneca Middle School (grades 6-9). The purpose of the program is to provide academic support, cultural enrichment, and social interaction. It is being funded by a partnership between the schools, United Way of Seneca County, and several local community agencies with several smaller grants.

In the past, Surge was funded by the New York State Education Department (21st Century Community Learning Center) and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (Advantage grant). We did not receive funding for the program for this year, but we will continue to look for other funding sources.

Seneca Falls Middle School (3-5pm Monday-Thursday)

The Seneca Falls Middle School Surge program is open to 5th through 8th grade students. The program offers project based learning activities supporting the school day curriculum. Each day after homework help and a healthy snack, students have a choice of two different programs to participate in. Fall programs include Girls Club, Boys Club, Fun Science, our School/Surge newspaper “Newsflash”, cultural programs, Art Club, Health and Wellness program and open computer lab time.

The Surge staff receives many great program planning ideas from the students. They routinely survey the students on what programs they would like offered, which in turn, keeps everyone happy!

Programs at the Seneca Meadows Education Center, an active partner of the Surge program, began in October for 5th graders. Twice a month they are transported to the Center for hands on, fun activities.

Each month we have ‘special guest’ come in to share a program with our students.

Lights on After School

On Thursday, October 22 we participated in the 10th annual “Lights On After School” celebration, sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance. Students and families were invited to share in refreshments while carving pumpkins and signing our poster size paper light bulb in appreciation of the program.

South Seneca Middle School (3-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Surge has returned to South Seneca School (grades 6-9)!  Our first day of programming was on October 20th and we spent the next few days doing team challenges, team building and generating ideas for future activities and programs. The students became familiar with the policies and procedures as well as the daily routine of sign-in & snack. In addition, our student “bakers” made cupcakes, cookies, and an especially delicious apple crisp.

At this time we have teamed up with the Seneca County Youth Bureau and the Finger Lakes Sustainable Farming Center who are coming to our school weekly to provide hands on activities and education to our students. Students will also be visiting the Ovid Edith B. Ford Library weekly to work on a community based project, as well as doing volunteer work within the library.

Our Halloween celebration included a visit from the Seneca County Sheriff’s department. The officer talked about being safe on Halloween as well as making kids aware that acts done in fun may actually be considered criminal acts.  The students bombarded him with lots of good questions and comments.  The day also held games, contests, and of course, lots of yummy treats. 

We are well under way at South Seneca and we will be working to develop new programs based on the kids’ interests. Surge participants will be involved in daily organized activities that promote social interaction, team building and personal growth. We look forward to an exciting year.

Surge Updates:

Surge recently received the Nike Back Your Block grant from the Nike Corporation. We will use this grant to work with coaches and high school student athletes to provide mentoring programs for our middle school students. Specific details on the programming will be announced soon, be sure to look for information at the Surge program as to what will be taking place in the near future!

2-1-1 Information

Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-FLYNY211 (for cable or cell phone callers).

What is 2-1-1?

The 2-1-1 System connects people with needed human services through an easy to remember three-digit phone number, the web and a variety of community interactions. When someone connects with 2-1-1, specially trained information and referral specialists analyze what services are needed and provide the appropriate resource and related information. Currently more than 65% of the U.S. population has access to 2-1-1, with more systems going live each month. You can also access 2-1-1 by visiting www.211fingerlakes.org

How the 2-1-1 Call Center will serve Seneca County:

While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
• Employment Supports: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: child care, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations.

The 2-1-1 role in disaster preparedness and recovery includes:

• 2-1-1 call centers will receive calls during a disaster requesting assistance and/or information from the public. The public will look to the call center for information on shelter, clothing, food, rumor control and eventually rebuilding and recovery information.
• 2-1-1 can provide vital, timely and coordinated information for service accessibility and the sharing of resources. The coordinated dissemination of information promotes accuracy, improves service accessibility and increases the impact of shared resources.
• Resource database sharing is critical in times of a disaster. There may be times when the only information available to staff and the public is through the website.
• 2-1-1 can receive calls offering assistance and donations.
• The recovery of a large-scale disaster can last from a few months to several years. 2-1-1 systems are knowledgeable about existing resources and linkages to these services will be important in re-building the community.
• The 2-1-1 system data on needs, unmet needs and geographical information are useful tools for city, county, state and federal planning, especially in times of re-building.
• 2-1-1 systems become logical sources of information in disaster response and preparedness. All populations are served, including persons with disabilities.

Help for Hard Times

Click here to view a brochure with information on:

• How to Evaluate Your Finances
• Tips for Searching for a Job
• Where to Find Local and State Resources
• Support Available from the Community:
  • Health and Wellness
  • Financial Stability and Legal Matters
  • Emergency Assistance
• 2-1-1 the 24 Hour Help-Line
• How to get a Discount Prescription Drug Card