Human services agencies in Allegany County received financial support needed to make real changes in the lives of area residents thanks to $175,700 in grants from the Allegany County United Way.  

In all, 20 programs received funding to address needs in the areas of critical needs, education, income, and health. The board of Allegany County United Way has identified these areas as fundamental to building and maintaining wholesome communities, families and individuals.    

This year, 28 programs applied for grants. Collectively, they sought more than $275,000 in funding, which demonstrates the growing demand for services in these areas.  

 “Unfortunately, we continue to see people struggling to meet day-to-day obligations. At the same time, government agencies are cutting back on support for many social service programs,” says United Way Executive Director Barbara Bates. “For these reasons, the support of local United Way donors is more important than ever. These grants are a direct result of generous financial contributions of individuals and businesses right here in Allegany County. Thank you!”   

 Here is the list of grant awards for area programs: 

Critical Needs Area 

• 2-1-1: Free and confidential information and referrals to human service agencies in the Southern Tier. $6,000
• Accord Corp. ACCESS Center: Emergency Food Assistance $6,000 
•  HomeCare & Hospice: End of Life Care $12,000
• American Red Cross:Disaster Response $12,000 
•  Salvation Army: Emergency Food Pantry $5,000                                  

• Family Service Society, Inc.: Whitesville Big Brothers/Big Sisters $3,600 
•  Literacy West NY, Inc.: Middle School Program $20,000 
•  Literacy West NY, Inc.: Tutoring Service at CORE Center $5,000 
•  Salvation Army: Literacy Program $5,600 
•  Success By Six: Early childhood learning $8,700                                  

 Income Impact Area  

• Earned Income Tax Credit Program (EITC): Free tax preparation for individuals and families in Allegany County who qualify for the Federal Government’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). $20,000 
•  Literacy West NY, Inc.: Success Tracks $15,000 
•  Southern Tier Traveling Teachers: ABE/GED Program $15,000                                   

Health Impact Area   

• Allegany County Association for the Blind:Support and services for blind and visually handicapped individuals. $7,000 
•  Allegany Senior Foundation: Lifeline (Personal Emergency Response Systems) $10,800 
•  Allegany County Mental Health Association: Youth Compeer $5,000 
•  Allegany Western Steuben Rural Health Network: Adult Respite $6,000 
•  Allegany Western Steuben Rural Health Network: Livability by Design $5,000 
•  Allegany Western Steuben Rural Health Network: Allegany County Growing Stronger $4,000 
•  American Red Cross: Services to Armed Forces $1,000 
•  Cuba Cultural Center:Summer Bicycle Program $3,000         

TOTAL COMMUNITY INVESTMENT $175,700   

In addition to these direct grants, the Allegany County United Way supports other local agencies through donor designated gifts. These include Allegany County Arc, SPCA, Southern Tier Youth for Christ, Comfort House, Southern Tier Library System, Agape (Friendship Food Pantry), Gil’s Hills, STEP, Mercy Flight, Alfred Box of Books Library, and Alfred Station Fire Company