The mission of the Otsego County United Way is “uniting resources to build a stronger community.”

 

The Otsego County United Way is adaptable & responsive to emerging needs of the MOST vulnerable populations. Whether it's providing disaster relief, addressing systemic issues like poverty and homelessness, or supporting education and healthcare initiatives, the United Way demonstrates a commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges facing our county. The United Way is an advocate for our county’s most vulnerable residents. Whether it’s our aging population, our ALICE family’s, those battling cancer, or a community crisis.

 

The United Way operates with a collaborative approach, bringing together various stakeholders including businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community members to work towards common goals. This collaborative model maximizes the impact of their efforts and fosters sustainable change within communities. OCUW supports other agencies that serve our vulnerable populations by granting dollars through the community grant process and providing volunteers to the 57 stations with over 300 RSVP volunteers.

 

The Community Services building, which the OCUW manages, is home to other services offered to our county residents. The Otsego County Food Pantry, the Refuge, NEMROC, and the Salvation Army. Very often, the need for more than one service is needed, and, by working together, the client can be helped in many ways. The new START initiative which brought on a new position of the START Navigator allows wraparound services and works closely with both building partners and other community agencies to maximize services.

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The United Way's dedication to improving lives and building a stronger community makes it a worthy recipient of this monetary support. Every dollar raised at OCUW stays in Otsego County.