United Way of Northern Chautauqua County

Welcome to the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County

Wednesday, September 8th 2010

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Success Stories

Tom Manzella and his children have been visiting Patterson Library since the youngest was two years old. All four of the kids have gone through all of the programs offered at the library. "I myself have been reading more because of the time I spend with my children in the reading programs," explains Tom. The kids love spending time with their dad at the library and count on the United Way to help support the great children's programming there.

Robert and Phyllis have been getting help from the Learning Disabilities Association for almost ten years. When they started getting help, the sky was the limit. They were living in subsidized housing at the time and have a developmental disability. Their daughter Amanda, who is severely mentally retarded, was a young toddler at the time. Now Robert and Phyllis own their own home, hold down good jobs and have the support they need to meet their daughter's needs. According to Phyllis, "without the help of LDA I don't know where we'd be." This special family counts on the United Way.

Before loosing her eyesight and hearing, 90-year-old Margaret volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering hot and cold meals daily to those in need. She herself now relies on the meal delivery service to maintain her independence while her daughter and son-in-law continue the family tradition of delivering meals to others in need. But for this family, Meals on Wheels is more than just delivering healthy meals. For this family and so many others, the program is also about daily visits to folks who might not otherwise have people to socialize with. Margaret and all the Meals on Wheels recipients, count on the United Way to help maintain their self-reliance.

A few days after celebrating his 47th wedding anniversary, Hugh lost his wife unexpectedly. He felt lost and alone. "People say they know how you feel, but they really don't," explains Hugh. His pastor recommended the Hospice Bereavement Program, where there are others who know how it feels to loose a spouse. The professional staff facilitating loss support groups are there to help along the way. Those who experience the loss of a loved one count on the United Way.

The Salvation Army has been a helping hand to Sandi since her children were small. Now the grandmother and sole caretaker of her five grandchildren, Sandi gives back. While she volunteers her time in the office for the Army, her grandchildren participate in some great children and youth programs made possible in part by the United Way. This family unit has counted on the United Way to be there.