See the Impact: Stories

United, We Do More for Food Security

According to Feeding America, about 12% of Tompkins County residents experience food insecurity.  UWTC engages with Impact Partners who are working to address this issue and ensure all people in our community have enough to eat. Foodnet Meals on Wheels provides comprehensive nutrition services to anyone who resides in Tompkins County, is sixty years old or older (and who is unable to stand, shop, cook or care for themselves for home delivery) – no matter their income level.  With financial support from UWTC, Foodnet can provide meals to community members such as Anna*.  Anna suffers from Huntington’s Chorea, making it near impossible for her to prepare meals for herself due to involuntary tremors making it unsafe to cook and use sharp knives. Furthermore, this disease will inevitably lead to weight loss and eventually she will lose her ability to swallow. Foodnet Meals on Wheels allows her to have nutritionally balanced meals and wellness checks to stay healthy for as long as possible. Your UWTC gift helps Foodnet Meals on Wheels purchase and deliver food to Tompkins County residents like Anna, making sure she not only does not go hungry but that her medical needs are looked after.  UWTC is committed to food security for all!

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United, We Do More for Child and Youth Success

UWTC is committed to a community where all people thrive, including our children and youth.  We partners with 30 organizations and who support the children, youth and families of Tompkins County.  One of these partners, Enfield Community Council, uses UWTC funds to support children and their families through multiple means. Elementary schooler Josh* and his mother recently moved to the Enfield area.  The family was dealing with issues related to poverty and housing insecurity, and Josh was struggling to make connections with children his age.  Josh’s mother enrolled him in Enfield Community Council’s after school program and youth program where he soon began to thrive.  The community council offered Josh space where he was able to make friends and build connections with caring adults.  Today, Josh and his mother continue to enjoy Enfield Community Council events and programs that are made possible by UWTC funding, and Josh is continuing to grow, learn, and build his leadership skills with other youth in the programs.  UWTC supports programs, children, and their families similar to this story throughout Tompkins County in order to ensure our children and youth thrive!

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United, We Do More for Health

All people deserve access to quality healthcare.  UWTC partners with organizations that provide Tompkins County residents with the care they need.  Ithaca Health Alliance, for example, provides free medical and integrated healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured through the Ithaca Free Clinic. Helen*, a 63-year old woman, scheduled an appointment to be seen at the Free Clinic’s Optometry and Optician clinic. She received her very first eye exam (ever) and a glaucoma screening. She left the Free Clinic that day with a new pair of prescription eyeglasses, all at no cost to her. During her time at IFC that day, it was discovered that she was struggling with undiagnosed diabetes and had no health insurance. By the following Monday, she was enrolled in IFC’s Chronic Care program, had been enrolled in Medicaid, and had visited the Food Pharmacy to help replenish her empty food cabinet. Now, thanks in part to financial support from UWTC, Helen is receiving life saving health care services as the Ithaca Health Alliance supports her on her road to wellness. UWTC funds support all these amazing programs, and helps to ensure community members such as Helen get the healthcare they deserve. As a UWTC donor, you are contributing to the health of not only individuals, but our community at large!

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United, We Do More to Address Housing Needs

As many people know, Tompkins County residents continue to face an affordable housing crisis.  Now more than ever, the work of UWTC Impact Partners who help our community members access safe, affordable housing is critical.  One of those partners is Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga.  UWTC provides funds for Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga’s Samaritan Center, and A Place to Stay (APTS) Program, both of which support individuals and families in their search for housing and to maintain housing.  One Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga client, Irene*, entered the APTS program after experiencing the trauma of a tumultuous relationship and finding herself without stable housing. Through the APTS program, Irene received personalized support tailored to her unique needs. From advocacy with social services to emotional support during her darkest moments, the APTS team stood by Irene every step of the way. Despite encountering numerous roadblocks, including delays in accessing rehabilitation services and insurance complications, Irene's determination never wavered. With staff support, Irene successfully completed her rehabilitation program and secured stable housing. Her journey from homelessness to stability is a testament to the transformative power of community support. As Irene left APTS she was on a renewed path of hope and independence.  UWTC donors make it possible for UWTC impact partners like Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga to help community members like Irene obtain and maintain safe affordable housing.  United, we can do more to meet housing needs in Tompkins County!

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United, We Do More for Mental Health

The need for mental health support in Tompkins County remains high, particularly post-pandemic.  As a result, UWTC has made mental health a high priority and partners with organizations providing mental health care to our community. Among others, UWTC funds support Family and Children’s Service of Ithaca including their KINect, Counseling, and Psychiatry programs. All of these programs provide vital mental health support to Tompkins County residents like Aaron.* As a small business owner in Ithaca who struggled with anxiety, the daily pressures of managing his business and maintaining a healthy personal life felt very overwhelming.  Finding it difficult to manage his life, Aaron reached out to F&CS to see a counselor. After several sessions, Aaron had developed helpful tools for coping with his anxiety. To address his depression, his counselor suggested that medication might be beneficial to help alleviate his depression and he was connected to one of the F&CS psychiatrists. At first, Aaron resisted the idea of taking medication and was reluctant to see a psychiatrist. But as his depression seemed to deepen, Aaron did make an appointment with a psychiatrist and began taking medication. He continued his therapy sessions, and, over time, he began to feel much better and be better able to function in a positive, healthy way. With the support of his psychiatrist and his counselor, Aaron eventually reduced and then discontinued his use of medication. He still sees his therapist bi-weekly and is very grateful for the network of support he got from the F&CS team at a point in his life when he really needed it.  Thanks in part to funds provided by UWTC, all these services were available to Aaron when he needed them, and he is now living a healthier, more adjusted life.

*All names have been changed for confidentiality purposes

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