“Over the last year, we have witnessed firsthand the hard work and perseverance of our community partners. Even during a global pandemic, their dedication to the people in Allegany County remained unshakable.” ACUW Director, Amanda Joyce-Phelps stated.
Accepting grant funding on behalf of the Allegany Senior Foundation is foundation President Reita Lynch and Office for the Aging Executive Director Anita Mattison. “In the midst of a global pandemic, where seniors and those with underlying health conditions and chronic illnesses are at heightened risk of infection or death, the Home Delivered Meals Program has played a pivotal role in securing nutritious food, social interactions and daily wellness checks that many seniors need. United Way funds helped to serve an additional 3,260 meals in the 2020-21 program.” stated Mattison. In addition, ACUW funds provided 50 Personal Response System (PERS) devices to seniors to monitor their safety and status while living independently in their homes.
Investments though out Allegany County include:
- Grants for basic needs: Approximately $22,000 in grant awards will help feed local families, and provide them with basic need items.
- Direct Help to Families: Over $31,000 in grants were awarded to partners that provide financial and housing assistance to families during times of emergency.
- Adult education and Youth Mentoring: Approximately $38,000 will assist adults in work readiness, and provide at risk youths with mentoring services.
- Protective Equipment: Funds helped provide protective masks, gloves, and face shields to help protect front-line workers and volunteers.
- Senior Citizens: Over $30,000 in grant funds will help to assure our seniors receive healthy home delivered meals and are able to live independently at home for as long as possible.
- Connections to Resources: Allegany County United Way his a proud supporter of the 2-1-1 hotline. The 2-1-1 hotline proved to be an important tool during pandemic times, connecting hundreds of local families to the resources they desperately needed.
Additional grants were awarded to help fund various local human service programs. These grants are made possible through local fundraising. “It is the generosity of this community that has made these allocations possible. We are extremely grateful and could not be more proud to be a part of such a giving community.” added Joyce-Phelps.
While the 2021-22 campaign will not officially kick off until late August, donations can be made any time by visiting www.acuwny.org, or by mail to P.O. Box 15, Wellsville, NY 14895.
