United for Senior Supports
Southern Tier Senior Support Network focuses on:
* Fostering independence by helping senior citizens age safely in their homes as long as they are able
* Addressing social isolation and loneliness
* Providing nutritional programs such as home-delivered meals and congregate meal sites
* Ensuring seniors have access to transportation services
* Expanding home health care services and offering assistance with the activities of daily living
United Way is committed to helping our senior population age safely in place. This includes those who need assistance to care for themselves, or help in accomplishing the activities of daily living in and around their home. This includes seniors who need home-delivered meals or transportation to medical appointments or the grocery store.
In Chemung and Steuben counties, more than 19% of the population — over 33,000 people — is over the age of 65. Approximately 4,100 of these seniors are living in poverty, according to New York State Summary 2019, America's Health Ranking, Senior Report.
More than 48,000 “Baby Boomers” (people born between 1946 and 1964) are in or nearing their “Golden Years.” According to AARP, nearly three-quarters of all Baby Boomers would like to stay in their own homes, or at least in their own communities, as they age.
Active & Engaged
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can lead to serious consequences for senior health. In Steuben and Chemung Counties, nearly half of all residents over age 65 are living alone. In addition to providing supports that help the elderly age at home for as long as is safely possible, other programming is available to help seniors remain active and engaged.
Nationwide, over half a million grandparents were the persons with primary responsibility for their grandchildren who lived with them. In Chemung and Steuben counties, over 1,300 grandparents are raising their grandchildren. United Way is making sure family strengthening supports are available to assist grandparents who are responsible for the young people in their care.
You Can Help Seniors
- VOLUNTEER: Help local seniors by delivering meals, writing notes, or providing rides to medical appointments. Check out all the ways you can help
- GIVE: Small gifts make a difference! Support United Way of the Southern Tier by making a donation.
Learn More
Listen To A Podcast
- Dick Russell, executive director of Faith in Action in Steuben County, talks with Barbara Hubbell, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for United Way of the Southern Tier, about providing supports to senior citizens in our community.
- Corning Meals on Wheels Executive Director David Smith talks with Barbara Hubbell about meal programs for seniors in Chemung and Steuben counties during COVID-19.
Check Out Our Program Partners
United Way of the Southern Tier is proud to partner with local nonprofit agencies to offer programs to support seniors in our community. See the complete list of program partners here: 2022-2023 Program Partners