The video clips below show friends, neighbors and colleagues who benefit from United Way services and who advance the common good by giving, advocating and volunteering on behalf of United Way and the community.
"If I didn't graduate, my future would not be too good at all..." Jeffrey was on a destructive path until mentors at a United Way-funded after-school program helped him see his potential and make positive choices. Now a college freshman pursuing a nursing degree, Jeffrey wants to help other young people achieve success in school and in life. Hear Jeffrey's story below.
"There is a tremendous amount of integrity to the process that enables the community to decide the organizations that are most worthy to receive the money they have applied for." Nancy Preston served on a United Way volunteer panel that helps direct Community Care Fund donations to programs that address the issues that matter most to greater Capital Region residents. After participating in the process by which United Way measures and tracks the impact of every donation to its Community Care Fund, Nancy became a strong supporter of United Way and gained an appreciation for the value she receives from her contribution. Hear Nancy's story below.
"We're all supposed to share our gifts." Davita Twitty is a United Way donor and volunteer who explains that even people who don't think they have much to contribute often have more resources than the most needy and vulnerable in our community. That's why she gives, advocates and volunteers on behalf of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Hear Davita's story below.
"We're only as strong as the weakest link in our community." Jim Salmon appreciates that United Way of the Greater Capital Region studies community needs and directs funds to programs that create lasting positive change by focusing on the building blocks for a good, healthy life. This type of research is beyond the capacity of most of us to perform on our own, he says. Hear Jim's story below.
From the city streets of Albany, Schenectady and Troy to the towns and villages of Saratoga and Schoharie Counties, the Capital Region is a diverse community. The challenges we face as a community are also varied. Families struggle to achieve financial independence; the elderly try to stay socially connected; and children need educational tools to succeed. But our diversity also provides the strength and resources we need to meet these challenges. Together we are at our best when we, as a community, lead the way by giving, advocating and volunteering to help others. That’s what it means to Live United. View our 2009 Campaign Video below.