100 Years 100 Stories

My first experience with the United Way was not in our community.  As a recent college graduate I was working with a large firm in a bigger city.  When the United Way campaign came along one of my bosses presented me with a pledge form and the amount that someone at my level was expected to give.  He further mentioned that the firm had received awards for one hundred percent participation by employees for several years.  The message was delivered.  I didn’t have a clue what I was su

At Chautauqua Striders, we hear numerous success stories from the students who enroll in our Main Site Tutoring program. Students sign up for assistance in maintaining or improving their academic performance, but often face challenges outside of just their studies. 

As an employee of Jamestown Public Schools, I have always donated to the United Way.  It was easy through payroll deduction, and I knew the money stayed in the local area.  It wasn’t until 2003 that I realized just how impactful the organization really was in my life.  In January of 2003, my first husband died suddenly.  A parent of one of the students in my class recommended that I call Hospice for support.  Within 24 hours, a grief counselor came to my home.  She worked with me individually a

I am legally blind, blind they say; although the people who say that have never looked at the world through my eyes. I am 100 years young, old they say; although the people who say that don’t know all the joyful memories I have of a life well lived. I’ve lived by myself in an apartment since my husband died 20 years ago, they say I should move to a retirement home; they don’t understand my need for independence.   

When you think of a child-care center, you think of a happy and enjoyable place for children and families.  You may not think of it as a refuge for families in crisis.  However, the Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center is a safe and supportive environment for many of our families.  
 

Brittany joined the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club when she was 10 years old.  She was an active member throughout her school years and participated in many United Way supported Club programs including healthy lifestyles and workforce readiness programs.

Let me start by saying that I absolutely love the United Way!  It is an incredible organization that does amazing things to make our community a better place and I am thrilled to be a part of it!  That was not always the case, though.