News and Events

United Way of Westchester and Putnam, at its annual Spirit of Caring Awards Luncheon held April 4, 2008, gave out its prestigious Spirit of Westchester and Putnam 2008 Leadership Awards to four organizations and one community leader that have made outstanding contributions to United Way and the communities United Way serves. Those honored were:*

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Community Award recognizes outstanding residential campaign performance, creative and successful residential campaign strategies, growth in leadership level giving, active community volunteer leadership involvement and strong local visibility. The 2007-2008 recipient is Larchmont and Mamaroneck

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Partnership Award recognizes an organization and its leadership that have collaborated in formal, innovative, and effective ways with United Way to make the Westchester and Putnam area and its network of services stronger and more caring. The 2007-2008 recipient is Westchester County Government

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Corporate Award recognizes outstanding employee campaign performance, generous corporate giving, successful campaign strategies, other special forms of leadership involvement with United Way and a strong and visible commitment to the Westchester/Putnam community. The 2007-2008 recipient is Nordstorm, Inc.

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Labor Award recognizes outstanding campaign performance, special forms of support and involvement with United Way, dedication to working with other organizations in our area to help those in need, and strong and visible commitment to the Westchester/Putnam community. The 2007-2008 recipient is Mahopac Teachers Association.

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes a United Way volunteer whose uncommon leadership, vision and passion have strengthened United Way's capacity to carry out its mission. The 2007-2008 recipient is Dr. Glen T. Nygreen

*You will need Apple QuickTime Player to watch the video

United Way of Pelham Honors Susan and George Evans with Outstanding Volunteer Award

On February 10, 2008, United Way of Pelham honored Susan and George Evans with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for their service in Pelham and beyond, for epitomizing the role and mission of United Way.  Over sixty people attended the afternoon reception held at the home of Lisa and John Kiernan.

Pamela Sloan, campaign co-chair, read the proclamation highlighting the Evanses’ service to their community of Pelham, United Way and regional non profits.  The reading concluded with, “Susan and George, we honor you today for your understanding of community, your advocacy for helping others and your philanthropy and recognize you as United Way of Pelham’s Outstanding Volunteers.”

Jeffrey Marcks, campaign co-chair, presented the Evanses with a jade crystal etched award with the inscription, “For your extraordinary dedication to improving the quality and availability of human services within our community.”  

Residents wishing information on or to join their neighbors in investing in United Way’s Community Impact may contact Kathleen Haverlack, community director, United Way of Pelham, P.O. Box 44, Pelham, NY 10803-0044, 914.997.6700 ext. 760 or khaverla@uwwp.org.


    
(Left to right) Solveigh Marcks, Regina            (Left to right) Board members Lou    
Gallagher and Board Members Susan             Corsi and Jim O’Connor.
Reddy and Mary Quintin.



    
(Left to right) Yvonne and Tom Quatroni,        (Left to right) Jay Hays, board member;   
Carla Carlson and Rosemary Hays.                 Harriet Savage; Dorothy Voorhis; Arthur                                                                          Savage.

Naomi Adler Named President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam

White Plains, NY, January 11, 2008 – The Board of Directors of United Way of Westchester and Putnam has named Naomi L. Adler, Esq., 41, as the organization’s new President and CEO. Effective February 25, 2008, Ms. Adler will succeed Ralph Gregory, who is retiring after 26 years at the helm of the organization. Chairman of the Board Harry O. Bright said, “We welcome Naomi and her many talents, energy and determination to meet the challenge of further strengthening United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s efforts to most effectively tackle today’s complex community problems at their roots.”

Ms. Adler has been the president and CEO of United Way of Rockland County since May of 2001. Her leadership in working with underserved populations prompted the County of Rockland to name her a “Hero of Humanity.”  Also during her tenure, United Way of Rockland championed disaster relief efforts following the September 11, 2001 tragedy, which lead to a nonprofit effort dedicated to future disaster relief. Ms. Adler said, “I am very enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s extraordinary work helping children and youth succeed, fostering financial stability, and strengthening families, neighborhoods and the community at large.  I look forward to forging new partnerships as well as strengthening existing relationships for a common purpose – to change lives for the better in our communities.”

The board search committee conducted an extensive search that included interview tours to gather input from leaders in the business community, health and human service agencies, government, labor, and other sectors throughout the two counties. The committee noted that Ms. Adler’s community activism, strategic alliances, and a forward-looking United Way community impact agenda ideally fit an organization serving a complex and diverse region. “Naomi’s strong track record in fundraising and relationship management are particularly important in our two counties’ competitive environment,” said Maren Hexter, co-chair of the United Way board search committee. Added co-chair Walter Hosp, “We know that Naomi’s leadership will further United Way’s community impact mission and provide corporations and individuals with the confidence that their investment in United Way is met with positive change in our community.”   

A former Monroe County Assistant District Attorney, Ms. Adler’s success in prosecuting cases of violence against women and children led to her appointment as director of the SAFE (Stop Abuse in the Family Environment) prosecutorial program. A personal and professional commitment to those who need help led her to fundraising at the Jewish Federation in Dayton, Ohio and Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she was particularly successful in relationship building and raising major gifts.

A recipient of the Forty Under Forty award given by the Rockland Business World, The Rockland Economic Development Corporation and the Rockland Business Association, Ms. Adler is particularly well known for her skills in creating strategic alliances among community leaders of different sectors, leading to workable solutions that benefit the community. 

Retiring president and CEO Ralph Gregory said, “I’ve worked collaboratively with Naomi since she became CEO of United Way of Rockland County on several important projects. Naomi has been a tireless crusader for our Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 information and referral helpline. Her strength has been her unflagging commitment to helping people and her ability to rally partners around a problem in order to produce real change. I know that Naomi will bring that same passion and drive to our area as she becomes the fourth president and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam in its 45-year history.”

Originally from Rochester, Ms. Adler graduated from Mount Holyoke College and SUNY Buffalo School of Law.

A graduate of Leadership Rochester and Leadership Rockland, Ms. Adler has been on a number of non-profit boards including the Hillel Foundation, NCCJ/National Conference, the Jewish Federation of Rochester, and the Women's Bar Association of New York.

She is currently serving on the boards of the United Way of New York State, the Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 collaborative, the Community Foundation of Rockland and Rockland 21st Century Collaborative for Children & Youth.

Ms. Adler has received a number of honors, including several awards for her Rockland County disaster relief work in the wake of the September 11th tragedy as well as her role in establishing a Hate Crime Task Force in Ohio. Ms. Adler is also the recipient of The Doris S. Hoffman Outstanding Young/New Attorney Award for New York State by the Women's Bar Association of New York State for her "outstanding achievements within the profession and her significant contributions to her community."

An Affectionate Thanks

This time, instead of Ralph Gregory convening the community to tackle pressing problems, it was the community that convened to celebrate Ralph’s retirement from United Way of Westchester and Putnam – with heartfelt speeches, official proclamations, retirement gifts and lavish praise for his 26 years of service to the two counties – and beyond.  The reception, held January 10th at the Mansion at the Westchester Renaissance, was filled to overflowing with friends, family, colleagues, volunteers and community leaders from government, health and human services, business, labor and more.  Chairman of the Board Harry Bright was Master of Ceremonies, as County Executive Andy Spano, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, United Way of America CEO Brian Gallagher on videotape, Susan Hager, John Taylor, Chris Ashman, Rose Noonan, Bob Bischoff and Carlene Gentilesco and Ralph’s son David all spoke movingly of Ralph’s far-reaching impact on the lives of so many people living in Westchester and Putnam.  Ralph brought the audience to laughter when he noted, “There is a point after retirement when a ‘Who’s Who’ eventually becomes a ‘Who’s he?’  Let me just relish Who’s Who for just a moment.”  Ralph will continue  to act as president and CEO until February 25th.

United Way Kicks off “Celebration Year” for its 07-08 Annual Campaign

October 5, 2007 (Rye Brook, New York) Yesterday United Way of Westchester and Putnam kicked off its 2007-08 annual campaign, with a look back at 45 years of community involvement as well as forward to furthering its community impact thrust.  Ralph Gregory, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, who will retire at the end of 2007 after 26 years as United Way’s head, led the audience through a series of video clips and live interviews highlighting the ways in which the two counties and their residents were helped by United Way and its partners from its inception in Westchester in 1962.  During his tenure Gregory has been instrumental in creating transformational initiatives that have strengthened the community on dozens of fronts, notably United Way’s Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 24/7 information and referral hotline.

The goal for the 2007-08 campaign year is $13,000,000. An impressive challenge match was also announced, the largest in United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s history.  Leading the way again this year, Barbara and Giles Kemp of Scarsdale offered a $117,000 challenge match gift.  The challenge grant was increased to $200,000, led by Robert Bischoff, the new United Way Tocqueville Society chair, and other Tocqueville Society members. Members of the United Way Tocqueville Society donate $10,000 or more annually.

“The commitment our leadership donors have shown to United Way’s community impact strategy is deeply gratifying,” said Gregory. “Their serious investment is a testament to United Way’s capabilities to rally our partners around, and answer to, complex community problems.”

The challenge can be drawn down by any new gift or any increase in a gift by a local community United Way donor.  There are 15 local community member United Ways of United Way of Westchester and Putnam that work with a range of partners to address their communities’ serious challenges, such as a lack of affordable housing, childcare and healthcare, with the end result of changing lives in for the better.

Disaster Recovery Fund

Westchester now has an official Westchester County Disaster Recovery Fund that can step in quickly to raise funds to aid victims the next time a major disaster strikes the county. Administered by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, the fund was set up following the April 15 nor’easter that caused millions in damages to Westchester County. It will enable the county to quickly raise funds from private sources and distribute them to those who need help the most. The fund serves as a supplement to government aid and will help people recover from the longer term effects of a disaster. Donate now. Your help now will aid in the long term recovery of those devastated by the April 15 floods.

Dial United Way’s 2-1-1 to help or to be helped: for info updates; food, clothing and shelter needs; mental health issues like depression; child and elder care; legal matters, and much more. To volunteer, contact the Volunteer Center of United Way: www.volunteer-center.org; 914.948.4452.

Senator Clinton receives award from Ralph Gregory, CEO, United Way of Westchester and Putnam and Catherine Marsh, ED, Westchester Community Foundation


Thomas Tierney
on the leadership deficit




Dr. Brian Nickerson
on economic impact

Nearly 1000 people attended the 5th Annual Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit

Volunteer and professional not-for-profit leaders gathered on Monday, May 14th at the Hilton Rye Town for the Fifth Annual Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit, presented by United Way of Westchester and Putnam and the Westchester Community Foundation. The Summit highlights a day of notable speakers and workshops to examine emerging trends and provide leaders with learning and growth opportunities.

U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed the crowd on the important community work done by the not-for-profit sector. The Senator played a major role in creating the Summit in 2003, and has addressed the Summit each year since its inception.

Thomas J. Tierney, chairman and co-founder of the Bridgespan Group spoke about the emerging leadership deficit in the not-for-profit sector as large numbers of boomers retire.

Dr. Brian Nickerson, Director of the Michaelian Institute of Pace University, presented updates of an economic impact study of the not-for-profit sector, first commissioned by the Business Council of Westchester in 2004 and conducted by the Michaelian Institute of Pace University.

Drying out in Mamaroneck


Dave Currie and Russell Ross of United Way present check to Executive Director Mariana Boneo and staff of the Hispanic Resource Center


Food Pantry suffers
losses from flood


Exec. Dir. Beverly Brewer-Villa of Mamaroneck Community Action Program receives UW check.


Cleaning up CAP office

Storm Recovery Efforts

United Way is playing a key role in bringing organizations together to share information, resources and planning for recovery.

Responding to the devastating losses suffered by flood victims in our area, United Way of Westchester and Putnam is helping our community recover in the following ways:

• Assisting people directly through 2-1-1. By simple dialing 2-1-1 people who need help will be connected to the information and services that can help them, 24/7. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral service (cable phone users without access to 2-1-1 can call 1-800-899-1479). You can also call 2-1-1 to volunteer or donate to the Westchester County Disaster Recovery Fund
• United Way is playing a key role in bringing together the many organizations in the area that are helping by pooling information and resources in order to expedite recovery and get flood victims the help they need.
• United Way of Westchester and Putnam has given emergency grants to front line organizations that themselves were suffering from flood damage so they can get back to helping the people they serve.
• Westchester County Disaster Recovery Fund. Donate now to help meet the needs of flood victims and aid them in regaining their lives.

Volunteers are always needed! Please dial 2-1-1, or contact the Volunteer Center of United Way: www.volunteer-center.org or 914.948.4452.

For Flood Assistance Guide with updated information daily, click here.

United Way of Westchester and Putnam, at its annual Spirit of Caring Awards Luncheon held March 29, 2007, gave out its prestigious Spirit of Westchester and Putnam 2007 Leadership Awards to four organizations and one community leader that have made outstanding contributions to United Way and the communities United Way serves. Those honored were:

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Corporate Award recognizes outstanding employee campaign performance, generous corporate giving, successful campaign strategies, other special forms of leadership involvement with United Way and a strong and visible commitment to the Westchester/Putnam community. The 2006-2007 recipient is The Pepsi Bottling Group

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Community Award recognizes outstanding residential campaign performance, creative and successful residential campaign strategies, growth in leadership level giving, active community volunteer leadership involvement and strong local visibility. The 2006-2007 recipient is Scarsdale-Edgemont

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Labor Award recognizes outstanding campaign performance, special forms of support and involvement with United Way, dedication to working with other organizations in our area to help those in need, and strong and visible commitment to the Westchester/Putnam community. The 2006-2007 recipient is Westchester/Putnam AFL-CIO Central Labor Body

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Partnership Award recognizes an organization and its leadership that have collaborated in formal, innovative, and effective ways with United Way to make the Westchester and Putnam area and its network of services stronger and more caring. The 2006-2007 recipient is The Child Care Council of Westchester

• The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes a United Way volunteer whose uncommon leadership, vision and passion have strengthened United Way's capacity to carry out its mission. The 2006-2007 recipient is Michael J. Piazza, Jr.

*You will need Apple QuickTime Player to watch the video

See the photos!

United Way of Westchester and Putnam teams up with IBM in KidSmart Early Learning Program

Now in its 10th year, United Way and IBM have partnered on the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program. The program is designed to give young children an effective jump start in their education by using the Little Tykes ® Young Explorer personal computer system with its special educational software and materials. Over 40 child care centers throughout Westchester have participated in the program and are using these colorful, kid-friendly systems to provide a fun, inviting and rich learning experience.

The KidSmart Early Learning Program also includes training for providers to ensure that the children in their programs get the most out of this valuable resource. The computers are made available to a variety of 501-(c) 3, not-for-profit child care centers and programs that offer child care in a classroom environment. For more information about the Young Explorer program, please contact United Way of Westchester and Putnam at (914) 997-6700 ext. 755.

Hispanic Volunteering and Philanthropic Giving
in Westchester Survey

Dear Hispanic Colleagues:

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam is seeking your views on volunteering and philanthropic giving in our community.

Westchester and Putnam are attractive places to live, work and raise a family. They are also places that are constantly changing. Our Hispanic/Latino community is growing, thereby providing us with many opportunities for leadership, including active participation in efforts to create a healthier and more caring community.

We kindly ask you to help us to better understand charitable giving and volunteering as it relates to our Hispanic/Latino community by completing the following survey and mailing it back to our address at your convenience.

Your answers will help shape United Way’s future efforts to partner with the Hispanic/Latino community in bringing about positive change in people’s lives in our community.

Thank you so much for your participation and your time.

Mary Ann Luna
Vice President
for Community Alliances