What's new with your local United Way? |
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Dear Friends:
 We've read the headlines, heard the stories and perhaps experienced our own challenges related to the economy. Our community's needs and calls for help are real.
We know this by the rising number of calls received at our United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region information and referral service. Many in our community who thought they would never need help are seeking assistance for the first time.
What is also real is our capacity to answer the need and make positive change happen. United Way believes that our community is at its best when each of us steps up to be part of the solution. We can give our time and talents. We can advocate for a cause. And we can make a financial commitment to improve lives and local conditions.
If you have already made a gift, thank you on behalf of those who will benefit from your generosity. If not, I encourage you to go to www.unitedwaygcr.org and make a secure online donation. If you wish to make a gift of appreciated stock please call (518) 456-2200 x113. You can make a difference today!
Thank you for caring. Please continue to LIVE UNITED.
Best regards,
Kathy Pelham, CEO
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United in Action N. Swan Street Park Gets a Big Boost! 
United Way's United in Action initiative and its partners are one big step closer to revitalizing the North Swan Street Park in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood.
The City of Albany has received a $318,750 grant toward the project from New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Environmental Protection Fund.
Last year, United Way, the City of Albany and the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Association, the Albany Housing Authority and 3t Architects joined forces to come up with a plan to renovate a one-acre plot currently in a state of disrepair. The future multi-generational park will include a playground, outdoor stage, climbing wall, picnic area, water fountains and a half basketball court.
Look for future announcements on how you may participate in United in Action- North Swan Street Park. For more information on this project, visit our website. To view photos from the park cleanup in October 2010, click here.
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 It's not too late for FREE Tax Preparation!
United Way wants to help local residents keep more of their hard-earned dollars! As part of that effort, our CA$H Coalition provides FREE tax preparation services each year.
People and families with an annual household income below $49,000 can have their taxes prepared for FREE by IRS-certified volunteers. Last year, VITA volunteers helped return $15.5 million in tax credits and savings to hardworking families in the Greater Capital Region!
We guarantee:
- State and federal returns prepared and filed for FREE by IRS-certified volunteers
- A rapid refund with direct deposit
- Many sites with convenient hours throughout the Greater Capital Region
- Savings bonds and financial management tools available on-site
For the tax preparation site closest to you, just call 2-1-1 (a free call) or visit the CA$H Coalition online!
This service is provided through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program, which is coordinated locally by United Way, the CA$H Coalition, AARP Tax-Aide and the IRS, with support from Bank of America.
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Women's Fund, SCCC join to help female students in crisis 
Schenectady County Community College and the Women's Fund of the Capital Region will provide funding for female students experiencing crisis in their personal lives.
The Emergency Financial Assistance Program will provide up to $500 per year for female students to pay for unforeseen expenses such as emergency travel, housing, child care, and car repairs; funeral expenses; medical and home damage expenses not covered by insurance; and emergency textbook replacement.
The Women's Fund is a collaboration of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Click here to learn more about The Women's Fund.
"I wanted to finally provide my son with the future he deserves." Click here to read the inspiring story of how the Women's Fund has helped one local woman.
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United Way 2-1-1 Month Recognized Throughout Greater Capital Region
United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region celebrated the month of February as 2-1-1 Month to great local acclaim!
On Feb. 4, Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings and Police Chief Steven Krokoff kicked off the month with a proclamation at our Albany call center. Mayor Jennings noted "without 2-1-1, we lose access to valuable information which we leaders
need to make informed decisions."
Regional legislators from both the NYS Senate and Assembly, in a show of bi-partisan support for this critically-important program, co-sponsored a joint resolution declaring February 2011 United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region Month.
By the end of the month, there was recognition of United Way 2-1-1 Month from all 12 Northeastern New York counties covered by the service.
Click here to read about all of our United Way 2-1-1 Month activities, and click here to view photos on Facebook! You do not need a Facebook account to view photos.
This valuable service, coordinated by United Way of the Greater Capital Region, helps upstate New York residents access needed social services.
In the last year alone, more than 11,000 callers were connected to services through United Way 2-1-1.
United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region is a free, confidential information and referral source for health, human and crisis services. To learn more about 2-1-1, visit our website.
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In This Issue...
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 Make a difference. Support the people of Japan through United Way.
The Central Community Chest of Japan, part of the United Way Worldwide network, is actively working to meet the immediate needs of the people of Japan and those affected by the disaster through direct relief and recovery efforts.
Click here to learn more about how United Way is helping, and how you can make a difference today. |
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Five Second Survey
Has the economy affected how you support your community? Click here and tell us!
Last time, we asked: How do you support your community? Click here to see what people had to say! Special thanks to all who participated.
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Upcoming Events
Until April 15: FREE tax preparation through United Way's CA$H Coalition
Just call United Way 2-1-1 for locations, times and appointments!
United Way Community Campaign Celebration
May 5, 7:30 a.m. at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany
Join us as we celebrate the Greater Capital Region businesses, volunteers and donors who make our work possible!
Click here for reservations
For more, visit our Calendar of Events
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Young Leaders, a United Way of the Greater Capital Region program, educates, inspires and motivates professionals aged 40 and younger to become the next generation of leaders, volunteers and philanthropists.
Young Leaders encourages professionals to be educated about the community, identify opportunities for United Way activity, and lead solutions.
Click here to learn more about UWGCR's Young Leaders program.
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