Change Maker Blog

In light of schools closing due to COVID-19, children across America are either at home or daycare, and have a lot of free time.   It is important that these children continue to get their education, and to be continuously stimulated. As the days go on, you may...

In just the last few days we have seen the community come together to protect those most vulnerable around us. Whether it be local organizations handing out free meals to children and seniors, or grocery stores designating time slots to those most susceptible to the...

At this point in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have been asked to practice social distancing—that is, stay home and far away from each other. And it’s stressful. Here are 7 ways you can increase your positivity, lower your stress, and help your health...

Join the Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) this Thursday, March 5, from 5:30 to 7:30, for a Networking+ event, open to young and mid-career professionals, at Fountains Tavern, 73 C F J Blvd, Johnson City. This is an amazing way to introduce people to what we are and what...

10-year-old Emily* felt as though her world was falling apart. Struggling with her parent’s divorce, Emily was referred to Family & Children’s Counseling Services, a program funded by United Way of Broome County. The Family & Children’s Counseling Services partners with schools and families to provide therapeutic intervention and support services in the school to families who might not otherwise be able to access services.

Happy National 211 Day! Today,  February 11th, we celebrate National 211 Day to recognize the importance of the vital service. Every year, millions of people across North America contact 211 for assistance. Ensuring every person has access to this critical resource...

Calling all non-profits! United Way of Broome County is pleased to announce the 2020-2021 Capacity Building Grant Program is now open for proposals. United Way of Broome County is committed to strengthening the capacity of local nonprofits to address the ever-evolving...

211 Day (February 11 or 2/11) is right around the corner. Many people are unfamiliar with 211 and the information and referral services provided. Learn about 211 and the importance of the services in our community. Whether you’re searching for information or a...

Piles of paperwork. Hours at the computer. Long visits to the accountant. For most of us, tax season is a hassle we’d rather do without. But for those struggling to make ends meet, a full tax refund is a vital budget boost that keeps the lights on, puts food on the...

By Nick Spencer, United Way of Broome County Board Member; Smith Brothers Insurance Throughout 2019, I had the privilege and honor of participating in a variety of United Way of Broome County volunteer events. Day of Action, an event geared towards promoting summer...

As the flames continued to grow, you could feel the heat radiating across your entire body. The glowing orange light and the faint sound of firetruck sirens in the distance lured neighbors out of their homes to see what was going on. As the neighbors slowly crept out,...

In the last weeks of the year, we are busier than ever – busy with shopping, celebratory meals, and gift-giving. There’s more gathering with family and friends. There’s also a greater inclination toward philanthropy this time of year, as we take stock of all we have,...

  Do you ever find yourself rushing to the store on Black Friday to get a deal on something you probably don’t even need? Instead, take the time this holiday to be present in the moment and thankful for everything and everyone you have in your life. This little...

  Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, millions of people swarm stores looking for minuscule deals on items such as electronics and clothing. This consumer-centric behavior has led to a decreased awareness of what the holiday season is truly about. In...

On October 24, 2019, over 150 students, residents, and representatives of non-profits, and community organizations came together to enjoy a Fall Harvest Meal prepared with vegetables grown by students at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in Binghamton.  The event...

Early in my career, I was introduced to United Way through my employer. I recall leafing through a United Way pamphlet and being struck by its message – that if we dream big and work hard together for the common good, we can build a better future for each other. I was...

Join our next generation of emerging leaders! United Way’s Emerging Leaders are a dynamic group all about making connections – with a purpose. With the Emerging Leaders Society, you’ll have opportunities to give back to Broome County at events while meeting other...

Every year, millions of people across North America contact 211 for assistance. Ensuring every person has access to this critical resource exemplifies United Way’s fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. By...

This year, United Way of Broome County unveiled its new 3-year Community Commitment with a vision of Revitalizing Collaboration, Inspiring Giving, and Unifying Efforts and Resources. One method employed to accomplish this vision is done by hosting supportive services...

  John* was spending his usual Sunday afternoon grocery shopping for the week ahead. He grabbed his needed items and headed towards the checkout line. While in line, the individual at the register was having trouble with their payment, causing the person behind...

Over 1,100 volunteers from across the community came together on September 13 and 14, 2019 to lend a hand during United Way of Broome County’s annual “Day of Caring” volunteer event. Here is a snapshot of some projects completed in the community! Thank you to all the...

  We would like to thank everyone who attended the 2019-2020 United Way of Broome County Campaign Kickoff & Annual Meeting. This amazing event was held last week for supporters, collaborators, volunteers, and our community to celebrate accomplishments and...

  “Do what we do best and partner for the rest” Yesterday, United Way of Broome County was fortunate to host the Boost Broome event, to share what was heard and what learned during our Community Café Series. The Community Café Series was a collaborative effort to...

The colossal task of counting every individual in the country as prescribed by the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment will launch on April 1, 2020, and for the first time, the Census Bureau’s count of the population will be primarily web-based. The decennial census;...

The new school year is right around the corner and that means students and parents all over the community are gathering up their supplies. Back-to-school shopping is typically a highly anticipated activity that arms students with all the critical supplies they need to...

WE LISTENED. This year, United Way of Broome County hosted 10 community cafes, bringing community members from across the county together to share their thoughts about our community strengths and their vision for the future. More than 300 individuals participated...

FreshCycles, a program of the United Way of Broome County, is a Community Bike Shop located on Binghamton’s Northside, in the basement of the Lee Barta Community Center. We work with neighborhood residents, youth riders, bicycle enthusiasts of all ages, and people who...

As schools across the U.S.  prepare to open their doors in the months ahead, retailers are preparing for the second largest shopping season: back-to-school. With excitement beginning to fill the air, this is the time of year when families go out to the store to buy...

As we wrap up our 2018/19 Annual Community Campaign we say Thank You. Your gift to United Way of Broome County makes a positive and impactful difference in our community. Because of YOU, United Way of Broome County is able to assist 38 local non-profits with 72...

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book” - Dr. Seuss Reading over the summer break months is one of the main ways to keep your child’s brain active and growing in a constant state of learning. Reading not only increases a...

WHAT IS DAY OF CARING? Day of Caring is the single largest two days of community impact event in Broome County! On September 13 and 14, volunteers will fan out to locations across the community to complete service projects. United Way of Broome County is turning to...