In August of 2025, United Way of Westchester and Putnam awarded $150,000 in Community Impact Grants to 35 local nonprofits. These grants supported organizations serving the needs of the under-resourced or ALICE (those who are employed but are living paycheck-to-paycheck) populations in Westchester and Putnam Counties.
The United Way’s Community Impact Fund offers grants between $5,000 and $10,000 to support programs in the areas of education, financial stability, or health, as well as operational expenses for organizations whose mission relates to improving these critical areas for vulnerable populations in our community.
United Way President and CEO Tom Gabriel stated, “Our recent grant recipients–much like those in past years– are the backbone of community support in Westchester and Putnam counties, delivering life-changing services to families who need them most. With these grants, they will continue their essential work of strengthening our communities and helping ALICE households achieve stability and hope.”
Helping ALICE households achieve stability and hope takes many forms. Here are two stories that demonstrate the real impact of this funding:
Keeping Promises at CHOICE Market
CHOICE of New Rochelle received grant funding to ensure their Market is stocked with nutritious foods like rice, canned tuna, pasta, canned tomatoes, and other protein sources, providing shoppers with well-balanced options.
During a recent shopping experience, a CHOICE Market staff member spoke with a shopper who shared that not long ago, she had been able to regularly donate to agencies like CHOICE. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, she now found herself relying on the same agency she once supported.
Despite the sacrifices she had to make to make ends meet, she made one promise to her son: she would not reduce the quality of food he enjoys eating. Because of the CHOICE Market and its continued stock of healthy food options, she was able to keep that promise.
This story reflects a growing reality in our community. The 2025 ALICE report shows that the number of ALICE households in Westchester County has increased by 10,581 since 2022, with 38% of the county falling below the ALICE threshold. Programs like CHOICE Market provide access to nutritious food and help households meet basic needs during times of economic instability.
Building Stability Through Employment
Lifting Up Westchester‘s Job Central program received grant support for staffing and program costs that strengthen job readiness, placement, and workforce advancement.
With this support, Job Central helped Robert* move from shelter residence to permanent employment and housing stability. After enrolling in the program’s employment services, Robert completed multiple industry-recognized certifications, received ongoing career coaching, and secured stable employment with opportunities for advancement. As a result, he completed six months of continuous employment, reduced reliance on public assistance, reunited with his children, and obtained permanent housing.
Robert’s experience demonstrates how employment services can support long-term stability beyond immediate crisis. Through Job Central’s support, he gained workforce credentials, secured steady employment, and transitioned from shelter to permanent housing. His progress also strengthened his ability to support his children and pursue long-term career goals, highlighting the impact of workforce development on individual and family stability.
All 35 organizations are working across Westchester and Putnam to address the most pressing needs in our community. From youth programs creating opportunities for the next generation, to health centers providing critical care, the Community Impact grant supports a network of services that thousands of our neighbors rely on each day.