News

May 14, 2025:

United Way of the Southern Tier awarded $163,715 in grants today through its Senior Supports Fund to assist programs helping senior citizens age safely in place in Chemung and Steuben counties.

“United Way cares deeply about the health and well-being of our senior population, and grants from the Senior Supports Fund strengthen the ability of local organizations to help our elderly neighbors age safely in place,” said United Way President and CEO Maleaha R. Smith

The 14 organizations receiving grants are:
• Arbor Housing and Development: $20,000 for home repairs and accessibility upgrades for the elderly.
• Bampa’s House: $10,000 to provide end-of-life doula and hospice training for its volunteers.
• Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care: $20,000 for intensive home cleaning to alleviate unsafe conditions, remove debris, and address code violations.
• Chemung County Habitat for Humanity: $20,000 to provide ramps for the homes of seniors.
• Corning Meals on Wheels: $6,955 to purchase stainless steel work surfaces, shelving, and commercial-grade faucet to improve kitchen efficiency and safety.
• Faith In Action of Steuben County: $5,000 to upgrade technology and office equipment.
• Family Services of Chemung County: $1,760 for certification tuition for two personal care aide students and upgraded blood pressure cuffs and monitors. 
• Meals on Wheels of Chemung County: $5,000 to purchase kitchen equipment for the senior café.
• Pro Action Meals on Wheels - Steuben: $20,000 toward the purchase of an upgraded delivery vehicle.
• Steuben County Habitat for Humanity: $20,000 to provide home ramps and accessibility upgrades.
• Steuben County Office for Aging: $10,000 for the Senior Companion program.
• Steuben Senior Services Fund: $10,000 for the Full Circle America program.
• The Senior Center/Chemung County Family Fitness Center: $5,000 to purchase gym management software and support.
• Vincent House: $10,000 for the purchase of specialized medical care beds.

The Senior Supports Fund was created six years ago through an anonymous bequest to United Way of the Southern Tier. This is the fourth year of the grant program. Awards from the fund, to date, total $711,926. Grants are awarded in addition to annual allocations made by United Way of the Southern Tier through donations from the public to the Community Campaign.

Grant applications will be accepted again in Spring 2026. Contact United Way of the Southern Tier at 607-936-3753 for more information.

For more information, please contact United Way Director of Donor Experience Lois Wilson by email or at 607-377-5834.