OP-ED: United is the Way for a Stronger Community

Allegany and Cattaraugus neighbors came together in 2025 for families and children

An OPINION by Susan McAuley

Here in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, neighbors look out for one another. When someone needs help – a meal on the table, a safe place to sleep, a ride to work, or support for a struggling child – our community shows up.

That’s what United Way is all about. Every day, your support helps feed families. It keeps people in their homes. It makes sure children have the tools and confidence they need to thrive. 

You’re helping workers earn enough to live and seniors cover the cost of medicine. You’re making life a little fairer, and a lot more hopeful, for the one in four people in our counties who take part in a United Way–funded program.

This past year, we saw what happens when caring people come together:

• Families got help paying rent and staying housed.
• Local food pantries kept shelves stocked.
• Students found mentors and learned new skills.
• Volunteers gave their time to lift others up.

That’s the power of a united community, and it starts with you.

As the year comes to a close, we invite you to keep that caring power going. Every gift, no matter the size, helps a neighbor in real and lasting ways. Together, we can make sure everyone in our counties has what they need to get by and a chance to build something better.

Thank you for being part of the work that makes our community stronger. United is the way.