Last fall, our volunteers embarked on our first-ever venture grant process.  The venture grants utilize a proactive approach to enhance results and impact in our top areas of focus, strengthen relationships with key constituents, encourage innovation, and advance our overall learning.

The two projects selected have tremendous potential to deliver positive results for people in our community and to increase the value of the United Way brand.

·       The Wealth Health Skills initiative is designed to improve the financial literacy of low to moderate-income families.  Initially, the program has targeted individuals working in the health and human service sectors of Chemung and Steuben Counties.  In general, these individuals work for fairly low wages, many just above poverty level, and have little money in the bank.  This program is designed to go beyond helping these hard-working people increase their income, build savings, and acquire and protect assets.  Improved knowledge of finance and personal financial management will enable the human service employees to better assist their clients as well.

·       S.O.S. (Supporting Our Seniors) is determined to help people remain in their homes, independently and for as long as safely possible.   The program, also supported by the venture grant process, is a volunteer-based community partnership, patterned after successful programs – Faith in Action and Project Care - in Steuben County.  It provides free non-medical support services to frail, eligible individuals age 60 and over in Chemung County.

The ability for United Way of the Southern Tier to advance projects that deliver significant impact provides us with even more opportunities to expand this type of work; it is good for United Way and great for the community.