United Way of the Greater Capital Region

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is a non-profit organization that serves the Capital District area, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and surrounding communities, with a focus on United Way Worldwide's goals of improving education, income, and health outcomes. The organization is part of a global network of United Way chapters, including United Way of New York City and United Way of Massachusetts Bay. The United Way of the Greater Capital Region works with local partners, such as St. Peter's Health Partners, Ellis Medicine, and Capital District Transportation Authority, to address the region's most pressing social issues. The organization is also supported by local businesses, including General Electric, Price Chopper, and Walmart.

● History

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region has a long history of serving the local community, dating back to the early 20th century, when it was founded as the Albany Community Chest. Over the years, the organization has undergone several mergers and name changes, including a merger with the Schenectady United Way in 2005, and has worked with local leaders, such as Mario Cuomo, George Pataki, and Eliot Spitzer, to address the region's social and economic challenges. The organization has also partnered with other local non-profits, including the Albany Institute of History & Art, the Schenectady Museum, and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, to promote arts and culture in the region. The United Way of the Greater Capital Region has also worked with local educational institutions, including University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Siena College, to support education and workforce development initiatives.

● Mission_and_Vision

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region's mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families in the Capital District by addressing the root causes of social problems, such as poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to healthcare. The organization's vision is to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, with a focus on education, income, and health outcomes, and is supported by local organizations, such as the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The United Way of the Greater Capital Region is guided by a set of core values, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, community engagement, and accountability, and works with local leaders, such as Kathy Hochul, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Carl Heastie, to promote these values. The organization is also supported by local foundations, including the Albany Medical Center Foundation, the Schenectady Foundation, and the Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation.

● Programs_and_Services

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region offers a range of programs and services to support individuals and families in need, including food assistance programs, such as food banks and meal delivery services, which are supported by local organizations, such as the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. The organization also provides housing assistance programs, such as rental assistance and homeless shelters, which are supported by local organizations, such as the Albany Housing Authority and the Schenectady Housing Authority. Additionally, the United Way of the Greater Capital Region offers health and wellness programs, such as health insurance enrollment and health education classes, which are supported by local organizations, such as St. Peter's Health Partners and Ellis Medicine. The organization also provides education and job training programs, such as literacy classes and job placement services, which are supported by local organizations, such as the University at Albany and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

● Community_Impact

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region has a significant impact on the local community, with a focus on addressing the region's most pressing social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to healthcare. The organization's programs and services have helped thousands of individuals and families in need, and have supported local initiatives, such as the Albany County Homeless Services and the Schenectady County Community Action Program. The United Way of the Greater Capital Region has also worked with local businesses, including General Electric, Price Chopper, and Walmart, to promote corporate social responsibility and support local economic development initiatives. The organization has also partnered with local government agencies, including the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department, to support state and local initiatives.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region is led by a team of experienced professionals, including Brian Hassett, the organization's president and CEO, and Peter Gannon, the organization's board chair. The organization's board of directors includes local leaders, such as Kathy Hochul, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Carl Heastie, who provide strategic guidance and oversight. The United Way of the Greater Capital Region is also governed by a set of bylaws and policies, which ensure the organization's accountability and transparency, and is supported by local organizations, such as the Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce.

● Funding_and_Partnerships

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region is funded through a combination of donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, as well as grants from government agencies and private foundations, including the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department. The organization also partners with local businesses, including General Electric, Price Chopper, and Walmart, to support its programs and services, and has worked with local organizations, such as the Albany Medical Center Foundation and the Schenectady Foundation, to secure funding and resources. The United Way of the Greater Capital Region is also a member of the United Way Worldwide network, which provides access to resources, expertise, and best practices from other United Way chapters around the world, including United Way of New York City and United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Category:Non-profit organizations based in New York