News

May 13, 2024:

Today, United Way of the Southern Tier awarded $171,705 in grants through its Senior Supports Fund to assist programs helping senior citizens age safely in place in Chemung and Steuben counties.

“The Senior Supports Fund makes life better for seniors and encourages best practices by the organizations that serve them.  We are excited by the 13 programs that are receiving grants this year,” said United Way President and CEO Stephen M. Hughes.

The grants are being awarded as part of a six-year commitment to invest $1 million toward strengthening programming for local senior citizens. This is the third year of the grant program. Awards from the fund, to date, total $528,705.

The organizations and grant awards in 2024 are:
• Arbor Housing and Development: $20,000 for home repairs and accessibility for the elderly.
• Bampa’s House: $8,100 for repairs to the exterior bricks, foundation and steps.
• Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care: $20,000 for a pilot program to alleviate unsafe conditions, remove debris, and address code violations.
• Chemung County Habitat for Humanity: $12,000 for a program to provide ramps for homes.
• Corning Meals on Wheels: $18,260 to purchase microwavable food containers and an online scheduling tool.
• Family Services of Chemung County: $5,400 for tuition for two personal care aide students and for purchase of needed office equipment.
• Home & Health Care Services: $10,000 for a new clinical information module computer program.
• Hornell Area Family YMCA: $5,000 for a senior “Lunch and Learn” program.
• Meals on Wheels of Chemung County: $6,445 to purchase a reach-in freezer.
• Pro Action Meals on Wheels: $14,000 to purchase a dishwasher and three-door refrigerator.
• Neighborhood Transformation Center: (two projects) $17,500 for a “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” program and for safety repairs to the building entry.
• The Senior Center/Chemung County Family Fitness Center: $10,000 to purchase exercise equipment.
• Steuben Senior Services Fund: $25,000 to enroll more seniors in Full Circle America

The Senior Supports Fund was created through an anonymous bequest to United Way of the Southern Tier to further assist the senior population who wish to age in place where they are comfortable and happy, fostering both independence and enhanced social connections within their community. 

Grants are awarded in addition to annual allocations made by United Way of the Southern Tier through donations from the public to the Community Campaign.

Grant applications will be accepted again in Spring 2025. Contact United Way of the Southern Tier at 607-936-3753 for more information.

2023 Senior Supports Fund grant award winners

2022 Senior Supports Fund grant award winners

For more information, please contact United Way Director of Communications and Community Engagement Lois Wilson by email or at 607-377-5834.