News from United Way of the Greater Capital Region

United Way awarded $50,000 grant for flood victims in Schoharie and Saratoga counties
United Way of the Greater Capital Region received a $50,000 grant from the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund (HIRF) administered by United Way of New York State. The funds will be used to meet the immediate needs of flood-affected homeowners -- including replacement of water-damaged sheetrock and insulation, installation of new furnaces, debris removal and mold abatement – and to advance long-term recovery efforts through case management and coordination of services. Read more.

United Way awarded major three-year IRS grant for successful volunteer tax preparation program
The Internal Revenue Service has awarded a three-year, $255,000 grant ($85,000 for each of three years) to United Way of the Greater Capital Region to provide free tax preparation and filing services through the CA$H Coalition of the Greater Capital Region. The CA$H Coalition leads the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) /AARP tax aide program, which is the beneficiary of the IRS grant. With the funds, the CA$H Coalition will offer free state and federal income tax preparation and filing services to individuals and families with gross household incomes below $49,000 in 2011 at more than 50 VITA / AARP sites across the greater Capital Region. Read more.

United Way honors local organizations, elects board members at Annual Meeting and Community Impact Celebration
Local business and nonprofit leaders joined United Way of the Greater Capital Region on Oct. 26 for its annual meeting and community impact awards at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. The event, hosted by NewsChannel 13 Anchor Dan Bazile, recognized people and organizations in the Greater Capital Region that have helped improve lives and community conditions through effort and initiatives aligned with United Way’s mission. Read more.

Five Capital Region organizations coordinate efforts to support individuals, businesses impacted by hurricane devastation
More than two tractor-trailer truckloads of donated food and supplies were distributed to flood-affected regions in mid-October. Thank you to all residents and businesses who contributed essential items to help our neighbors in need. Read more.

Brian T. Hassett named President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region
United Way of the Greater Capital Region Board Chair Robert Doyle announced today the appointment of Brian T. Hassett as President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. He will begin his new position on September 12. Read more.

United Way announces 2011 Campaign co-chairs
William Flaherty, Director of Community and Customer Management for National Grid, and Patrick J. Lyons, Assistant to NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi, will serve as United Way of the Greater Capital Region Campaign Co-Chairs for United Way’s fundraising effort this fall. Read more.

United Way celebrates community’s generosity at annual Community Campaign Celebration - May 5, 2011
Before a crowd of 360 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Master of Ceremonies Charles Carletta announced that this year’s United Way Campaign raised $7.9 million for the community. This includes $5 million raised through the traditional community campaign, $2.76 million raised by local federal and state employees and $170,000 in grants. Read more.

February 2011 is United Way 2-1-1 month
United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region and its community partners are celebrating February as 2-1-1 month and using the opportunity to draw attention to the important three-digit number that connects callers with information and referral for health and human services. Read more.

United Way/CA$H Coalition kicks off free tax preparation season: a Fox 23 News Story
Community volunteers are preparing to return more tax dollars to people in the Capital Region this tax season. Read more.

United Way welcomes Tamae Memole as Community Mobilization Director
United Way of the Greater Capital Region has added Tamae Memole to its staff in the newly created position of community mobilization director. Read more.

Homelessness is an issue we can't ignore: a Times Union op-ed by UWGCR CEO Katherine D. Pelham
As troubling as it is to see a homeless man or woman, how often do we think about the economic impact of the rising numbers of the formerly employed who are now surviving on the benevolence of soup kitchens and shelters? Read more.

United Way receives $85,000 IRS grant to help taxpayers gain the tax credits and savings they earned - November 18, 2010
The Internal Revenue Service has awarded an $85,000 grant to United Way of the Greater Capital Region to help provide income-eligible individuals and families with free tax preparation through the CA$H Coalition this tax season. A similar IRS grant last year helped United Way’s CA$H Coalition return more than $15.5 million in tax credits and savings to local families. Read more.

Annual Meeting features volunteer awards, video premiere and celebration of community members who LIVE UNITED - October 6, 2010
The event, hosted by NewsChannel 13 Anchor Jessica Layton, was held at Hudson Valley Community College. Read more.

Volunteers pitch in for United in Action - June 10, 2010
United in Action connects employee groups, community volunteers, non-profit agencies, local government and civic groups with hands-on projects that create lasting community benefits. In 2010 United in Action has involved: 300 volunteers representing 20 businesses across the Capital Region; Five projects benefiting agencies and communities in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties; $40,000 in donated goods and services; Collaboration with municipal and non-profit agency partners; Lots of sweat equity and smiles - from volunteers and those who will benefit from completed projects. Read more.

United Way and community partners announce Arbor Hill project - June 9, 2010
An aging basketball court and swath of buckling pavement on North Swan Street will be transformed into a vibrant park and community gathering space according to a plan unveiled today by the numerous partners who have made a commitment to the project. The park revitalization is part of an ongoing commitment to Arbor Hill by many stakeholders including the City of Albany and its Planning Department and Housing Authority, Albany County, the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Association, United Way of the Greater Capital Region and others. Read more.

United Way 2-1-1 Northeast region marks one-year anniversary - April 26, 2010
As United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region marked its one-year anniversary of service in the Greater Capital Region today, community leaders came together to celebrate its value to the region’s residents, noting that in the first year of operation nearly 10,000 calls were made to 2-1-1. Read more.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is community partner with WMHT for "Help Wanted" series - February 16, 2009
Series gives New Yorkers useful information in centralized location on issues affecting their family economic situation. Partnering closely with government and non-profit organizations, "Help Wanted" features a 26-episode television series, a web portal that serves as a vital tool for resources, and public outreach events to expand the project's reach. Read more. or go to www.helpwantedinteractive.org

Day of free tax preparation in Schenectady results in 22 completed tax returns and more than $75,000 in savings for working families, thanks to volunteer tax preparers from Troy's Catholic Central High School - January 29, 2009 As part of United Way’s effort to help working families keep more of their hard-earned dollars and achieve financial stability, United Way’s CA$H Coalition joined the Internal Revenue Service to promote Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day on January 29 at the Washington Irving Educational Center in Schenectady. Read more.

More than half of Capital Region residents feel overall quality of life has gotten worse, but most appear willing to help create positive change- December 9, 2009
Fifty-one percent of Capital Region residents think the overall quality of life has gotten worse for most people in the area over the last year, according to a survey released December 9 by the Siena (College) Research Institute. Conducted in partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the survey also found. Read more.

United Way and River Rats Team up for 2-1-1 - November 16, 2009
United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the Albany River Rats teamed up for a night of American Hockey League action and support for United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region, the 12-county information and referral service that connects callers with local health and human services. Read more.

Annual Meeting features volunteer awards, community impact report - October 15, 2009
United Way of the Greater Capital Region honored two extraordinary volunteers and the Internal Revenue Service Albany SPEC Office, as an outstanding partner organization, at United Way's Annual Meeting at Schenectady County Community College. Read more.

Meeting draws community leaders to spread the word on United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region - August 19, 2009
Community leaders joined United Way of the Greater Capital Region at a press conference in Troy to spread the word that 2-1-1 is the number to call for free and easy access to information on human services ranging from food and housing assistance, to child care, senior programs and agencies that connect volunteers with local projects. Read more.

Mont Pleasant Family Festival Celebrates Literacy - August 11, 2009
United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the Literacy Task Force of Schenectady County put the spotlight on children’s literacy at the Third Annual Mont Pleasant Family Festival on August 6 at the recently revitalized Wallingford Park. Read more.

Park Cleanup Nets News Coverage from Times Union - July 14, 2009
(Story by Staff Writer Kenneth C. Crow II)
Canal Avenue Park has a different look after volunteers cleaned up the recreation area. The South Troy Neighborhood park at Third Street was one of two parks revitalized as part of the United Way of Greater Capital Region's community day on June 13. The effort aims to provide safe, attractive areas for children to play and learn outdoors. Read more. 

Complete Your College Internship with United Way
United Way of the Greater Capital Region offers internships in several areas related to our work to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for all. Our internships offer a chance to help improve people’s lives as you learn about and help with the programs and services provided by United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Learn More and Apply.