A PLACE AT THE TABLE is an engrossing new film about an issue that affects us all, even those fortunate enough to never know hunger. It takes audiences on a riveting journey that will change forever how you think about democracy and show how we can end hunger quickly and effectively in America.

A PLACE AT THE TABLE was directed by Lori Silverbush and Kristi Jacobson, and executive produced by chef/restaurateur Tom Colicchio, in partnership with Participant Media (An Inconvenient Truth; Food, Inc.). It features leading experts, including actor and longtime activist Jeff Bridges, but its strength lies in the storytelling. The cameras follow three young people, Rosie, Barbie and Tremonica, whose unfolding lives illustrate poignantly the untold ramifications of food insecurity and malnutrition/obesity. Their stories, told in simple verité fashion, are going to change the national dialogue about hunger.

A PLACE AT THE TABLE is in theaters nationwide now. Find showtimes/theaters near you.

It's also available now on iTunes and On Demand. Learn more about the film and what you can do about hunger right now at takepart.com/table.

“Hurricane Sandy upended the lives of over eight million people and the road to recovery will be long,” said Sheena Wright, President & CEO of United Way of New York City.  “Lilly Endowment’s support will play a major role in helping people rebuild their lives by connecting families to financial benefits, providing access to mental health and trauma-related services, as well as addressing their ongoing basic needs, such as food and utilities assistance.”

“We were deeply moved by the accounts of the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy,” said N. Clay Robbins, Lilly Endowment’s president and CEO.  “We know that residents of communities devastated by disasters such as Hurricane Sandy must have access to a viable and effective human service system to help them rebuild their lives.  As local United Ways do in disasters throughout the country, the local United Ways in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy are mobilizing resources to support recovery efforts and services.  Lilly Endowment is pleased to be able to add to the support being generated by United Way Worldwide and the United Way of New York City for the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund.”

"We know that communities experiencing disasters of Hurricane Sandy’s magnitude have immediate and urgent needs, but often the greatest needs occur with the intermediate and long-term recovery and rebuilding of lives and communities. That's the role of United Way," says U.S. President, United Way Worldwide, Stacey Stewart. "The Lilly Endowment has a long history of philanthropy and community development. We are profoundly grateful for their substantial gift and support toward strengthening the communities we will rebuild together."

At the request of and in coordination with United Way Worldwide, United Way of New York City created the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund and will ensure that all funds are used efficiently and effectively to serve those in need. United Way of New York City will charge no administrative fees. One hundred percent of donations received (less any processing fees charged by credit card companies) will be granted by local United Ways to community nonprofits that are addressing the recovery needs of communities most affected by the hurricane.

United Way has a history of immediate response in times of need. Following the 9/11 attacks, United Way of New York City created the September 11th Fund in partnership with the New York Community Trust, raising and distributing more than $500 million. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, United Way of New York City partnered with the Brooklyn Community Foundation to found and fund the NYC Haitian Hope & Healing Fund to address the short and long-term needs of affected individuals residing in New York. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene in 2011, United Way of New York State set up the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund to help those in need.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment is one of the country’s largest private foundations, with assets of $6.2 billion at the end of 2011. Founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his two sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., with gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical enterprise, the Endowment supports its founders’ interests in community development, education and religion. While gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location.

About the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund
The United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund is a regional fund created to provide recovery assistance to communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas.  Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard to address the intermediate and long-term recovery needs of affected individuals, families and communities.   To learn more about the Fund in action, visit UWSandyRecovery.org.

About United Way of New York City
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. UWNYC designs and invests in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health. UWNYC rigorously evaluates their work and uses lessons learned to inform and advance public policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide. To learn more about UWNYC’s work and how to get involved, visit www.UnitedWayNYC.org, follow UWNYC on Twitter (@unitedwaynyc), or like them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/unitedwaynyc).

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Disaster SNAP Application

Please see the following materials for more information:

• Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) Temporary Food Assistance – Qualifications and Application Locations
• Disaster SNAP FAQs
• Directions/Transportation to Application Sites

Multilingual D-SNAP applications  can be accessed in the following locations:

• D-SNAP Application (English)
• D-SNAP Application (Arabic)
• D-SNAP Application (Chinese)
• D-SNAP Application (Haitian-Creole)
• D-SNAP Application (Italian)
• D-SNAP Application (Korean)
• D-SNAP Application (Russian)
• D-SNAP Application (Spanish)

United Way of New York City is distributing grants to 12 organizations ranging from $3,300 to $10,000 to support each organization’s recovery efforts in the wake of the hurricane. All grant recipients are 501(c)3 organizations that provide health and/or human services to low-income populations in Staten Island, Coney Island, Red Hook, or the Lower East Side and that, because of the hurricane, have been compromised in their capacity to serve their communities.

"United Way of New York City recognizes that many of our closest partners have been decimated by Hurricane Sandy and still need serious help to get back on their feet and serve those who were already vulnerable before the storm," said Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. "These new funds, in addition to our Recovery Fund, will provide an immediate infusion of money and support to help our City recover."

Selected grantees were each damaged by the Hurricane but have found ways to continue to serve their clients. The grant money will provide these organizations with immediate relief as they replace boilers, rebuild walls and floors, replenish damaged supplies for clients, transport clients to alternate sites, relocate temporarily, and replace IT equipment and lost files.

The organizations receiving grants are:

• CAMBA (Coney Island)
• Coney Island Light House Mission/ACTS Community Development Corporation (Coney Island)
• YWCA/Roberta Bright Early Learning Center (Coney Island)
• Added Value and Herban Solutions, Inc. (Red Hook)
• Center for Court Innovation/Red Hook Justice Center (Red Hook)
• Staten Island Mental Health Society, Inc. (Staten Island)
• Asian-Americans for Equality (Lower East Side)
• The Bowery Mission (Lower East Side)
• Chinese-American Planning Council (Lower East Side)
• The Father’s Heart Ministries (Lower East Side)
• Hamilton Madison House (Lower East Side)
• Henry Street Settlement (Lower East Side)

Organizations receiving grants serve a diverse set of needs in their communities, and include early childhood centers, community development corporations, homeless shelters, food pantries, and settlement houses. Some examples include:

The Coney Island Lighthouse Mission, overseen by ACTS Community Development Corporation, serves approximately 35,000 impoverished individuals in the Coney Island community each year. They provide hot meals once a week as well as food bags with fresh local produce twice a week. They also offer free benefit screenings to help move individuals towards self-sufficiency, free after-school programming, ESL education, GED preparation, and job readiness services. A Hurricane Sandy induced surge sent water swirling into their building, destroying thousands of dollars’ worth of food, stoves, freezers, computers, and other equipment. They will use the grant from United Way of New York City towards new walls, new computers, furniture and other materials that are necessary for their operation to function.

The Staten Island Mental Health Society, Inc. (SIMHS) provides mental health services for more than one in ten children and families in Staten Island each year. Following Hurricane Sandy, the organization lost power, heat, e-mail and phone service for a week. While many of the organization's employees themselves were struggling, they traveled to emergency shelters to offer free counseling to survivors and try to connect with existing patients. SIMHS plans to continue providing emergency counseling to those in need, particularly in Staten Island schools at the request of principals and teachers. United Way of New York City's grant will support these efforts and offset the cost of crisis services.

Added Value and Herban Solutions, Inc. promotes sustainable development in Red Hook by creating opportunities for youth in South Brooklyn through the operation of a socially responsible urban farming enterprise. Hurricane Sandy submerged the organization's community farm in several feet of sea water, contaminating all of the produce, and also took the office offline for two and a half weeks. Despite these major damages, Added Value was able to continue its youth programs and coordinate volunteer food efforts. They will use the grant from United Way of New York City to replenish supplies for their food and farm-based learning programs, which engage more than 1,300 local elementary school children annually.

In addition to these grants, United Way of New York City also has partnered with United Way U.S.A. to create the regional United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund (#sandyfund). Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard to address the near and long-term recovery needs of communities hardest hit by the superstorm.

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About United Way of New York City

United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. We design and invest in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health. We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance public policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide. To learn more about our work and how to get involved, visit UnitedWayNYC.org.

New York, NY—United Way today announced the creation of the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund (#sandyfund). Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard to address the near-term and long-term recovery needs of communities most affected by the hurricane. In addition, the Fund will be utilized to bolster United Way’s community impact partners that serve Hurricane affected individuals and families who are already vulnerable -- struggling with food insecurity and the ability meet their most basic needs.

At the request of and in coordination with United Way U.S.A., United Way of New York City will lead fundraising efforts and ensure that all funds are used efficiently and effectively to serve those in need. United Way of New York City will charge no administrative fees.

"We know that communities experiencing disasters of this magnitude have immediate and urgent needs, but often the greatest needs occur with the intermediate and long-term recovery and rebuilding of lives and communities. That's the role of United Way," says United Way U.S.A. President Stacey Stewart. "With leadership from United Way of New York City, our network of United Ways across the region and the country came together to create this recovery fund, and we will use it to strengthen the communities we rebuild."

“In this unprecedented situation, we know that those New Yorkers who struggle on a regular basis will have the hardest time getting back on their feet from the effects of Hurricane Sandy,” said Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. “Here in New York, we will be working through our community partners who are on the ground to make sure that low-income individuals and families impacted by the hurricane are getting the services they need when and where they need it most.”

Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia to address recovery needs in communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas.  Taken together, the United Ways participating in the fund annually serve 11.9 million people, including over 1 million people served by the United Way of New York City. In the areas where the fund is operating, Hurricane Sandy has affected almost 8 million people.

United Way has a history of immediate response in times of need. Following the 9/11 attacks, United Way of New York City created the September 11th Fund in partnership with the New York Community Trust, raising and distributing over $500 million.  Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, United Way of NYC partnered with the Brooklyn Community Foundation to found and fund the NYC Haitian Hope & Healing Fund to address the short and long-term needs of affected individuals residing in New York. And following last year’s Hurricane Irene, United Way of New York State set up the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund to help those in need.

Donations to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund can be made online at uwsandyrecovery.org.  A $10 donation can be made by texting the word RECOVERY to 52000. Promote the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund on Twitter using #sandyfund.

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About United Way of New York City

United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. We design and invest in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health.  We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance public policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide.  To learn more about our work and how to get involved, visit www.UnitedWayNYC.org, follow us on Twitter (@unitedwaynyc), or like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/unitedwaynyc).

New York, NY-

“The success of United Way of New York City is important to the United Way network throughout the United States and worldwide.  I believe Sheena Wright’s experience in community and economic development will serve United Way well,” said Brian A. Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide.

“In what will be our 75th anniversary year, Sheena’s hiring as our first female president is historic,” said United Way of NYC Board Chair Bob Kueppers. “Sheena is someone who is deeply committed to our city’s neediest residents, and has demonstrated tremendous leadership and success in delivering on that commitment.  I join the rest of the Board in welcoming her.”

“Sheena Wright embodies the mission of United Way of New York City and demonstrates what can happen when young people are given the assistance they need to reach their full potential. Her work across the corporate and nonprofit sectors, as well as her own personal experiences, make her the ideal choice to lead this iconic New York City organization as it continues its important work, improving the lives of low-income New Yorkers through its initiatives in education, income and health,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I’d like to commend United Way of New York City for selecting such an accomplished leader to serve as its first female CEO.”

"I have known Sheena Wright through her work with Starbucks on our community store project in Harlem,” said Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO, Starbucks Coffee Company. “She is one of the most energetic and passionate community leaders that Starbucks has ever had the pleasure of working with. I’m delighted that Sheena is taking over this new leadership role at the United Way to fight hunger and poverty in New York City.”

“I am thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter as President and CEO of United Way of NYC. I look forward to continuing and strengthening United Way’s work to improve the lives of low income New Yorkers through initiatives in health, education and income,” said Sheena Wright. “I grew up in the South Bronx with a teen mother who raised my sister and me by herself. The strength and fortitude of my mother combined with the help of community programs allowed me to accomplish everything I have today. I have seen first-hand how profound United Way's impact is in our City, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to extend that impact day in and day out on behalf of all of New York’s communities.” 

Ms. Wright’s personal connection to the work of United Way of NYC makes her uniquely positioned to take on the role of CEO as a true embodiment of the organization’s mission. Additionally, her experience in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds will be invaluable as United Way of NYC seeks to strengthen ties between these sectors.

As President and CEO of ADC, Ms. Wright has been responsible for leading and managing one of the nation’s premiere community and economic development organizations.  During her tenure, ADC built 785 units of residential housing in 78 buildings and nearly a half million square feet of community, commercial and retail space, including the first new high school building in Harlem in 50 years, creating over 1,000 jobs in the process. 

Under her leadership, ADC created the “Abyssinian Schools” division, which comprehensively manages five educational institutions that annually serve 2,100 school children and their families. Ms. Wright developed an award winning workforce development program which has helped 200 young high school drop-outs obtain their GED or high school diploma and secure gainful employment.  She also developed a neighborhood-based Naturally Occurring Retirement Community that annually serves over 1,000 seniors and increased the service delivery of ADC’s homeless shelter.

Ms. Wright previously served as Chief Operating Officer of ADC.  Prior to ADC, she served as the General Counsel and EVP of Business Development for Crave Technologies, a Senior Associate at the law firm of Reboul, MacMurray, Hewitt, Maynard and Kristol, and an Associate at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz.

In addition to her new role at United Way of NYC, Ms. Wright serves on the Vera Institute for Justice board of trustees and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council.  She is a graduate of Columbia University, which she entered at age 16, received her law degree from Columbia Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar.

About United Way of New York City

United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs.  With a focus on improving education, bolstering income stability and building healthier communities, we work with people and organizations from all sectors to design and invest in outcome-driven initiatives that ensure low-income New Yorkers are able to meet basic needs and build a better future.  We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance public policies, systems and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide. We believe that everyone has a role to play in creating pathways out of poverty.  We actively seek to engage committed New Yorkers as donors, volunteers and advocates.  To learn more, visit UnitedWayNYC.org.

"New census data confirms what United Way of New York City and our hundreds of community partners see every day in neighborhoods around New York -- the gap between rich and poor in our City is getting worse. But hard data like this is a wake-up call that our whole City needs to do more to address the problem.

What we know is that lifting families out of poverty requires bridging the critical gaps in education, income stability and health that prevent them from achieving a better life. Effective solutions will only come about when the nonprofit sector, government, business and philanthropy work in unison to not only provide immediate help to people in need but also address the underlying causes of poverty in a holistic, sustainable way."

In addition to Colicchio and Bon Jovi, guests included chef Katie Lee, supermodel Hilary Rhoda, CNN anchor Alina Cho, Estee Lauder head John Demsey, Dan Abrams, actress Natasha Bell, Royal Pains actor Rupak Ginn, Bloomberg TV host Matt Miller, Dayssi and Paul Olarte de Kanavos, Duane Hampton, Louise Grunwald, Esther Newberg, Charmaine and Carter Burden, and Stephanie Hirsch. United Way of New York City’s Jennifer Jones Austin, Senior Vice-President for Community Investment and Kevin Taylor, Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement were also in attendance.

Held at the Southampton home of Avis and Bruce Richards, “What’s on the Table?” emphasized the need not only to help the hungry in New York City access to food in times of emergency but to ensure that food they receive is fresh and nutritious. In keeping with the theme, guests dined on culinary delights from five of Tom Colicchio’s restaurants. Chefs from Colicchio and Sons, Craft, Riverpark, Craftsteak and Topping Rose each offered two dishes featuring a local, in-season ingredient. These included zucchini (ricotta stuffed and fried zucchini blossoms), corn (corn chowder), and raspberries (raspberry cobbler), among others.

In their speeches, Colicchio, Bon Jovi, both Richards, and Ms. Silverbush – director of the forthcoming documentary about hunger titled “A Place at the Table” – stressed the critical nature of the issue hunger in America. One startling statistic revealed is that 1 in 5 children go hungry daily in the United States.   Guests were encouraged to call their Congressional representatives to protect funding in the Farm Bill for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which puts healthy food on the table for 46 million Americans each month. 

100% of the evening’s net proceeds went to the United Way’s campaign to significantly reduce hunger in New York City. A portion of the funds raised came from an exciting auction presided over by Cate Smit, who sold a surprise item: a private dinner cooked by Tom Colicchio with a performance by Jon Bon Jovi at the bidder’s home.  It went for $40,000.

Press contact:

Kathy Walling, VP Marketing & Communications
kwalling@uwnyc.org

Check out photos on Facebook.

• Two to three million individuals to lose their food assistance entirely
• 500,000 households to see their benefits cut by $90 per month
• Nearly 300,000 children to lose free school meals

These cuts will hurt the most vulnerable among us as 93% of SNAP benefits go to households below the poverty line, and 76% of SNAP households include a child, elderly person, or disabled person.

Use this toll-free number to call right now and urge Congress to oppose cuts to nutrition programs in the Farm Bill!
                   
Dial 1-877-698-8228.  When prompted, enter your ZIP code and listen to the brief instructions. You'll then be patched through to your Representative's office automatically. State that you are a constituent and give your name and the town you are calling from.

Let them know you are calling about the Farm Bill and deliver this important message: I strongly oppose cuts to SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs. Please vote against the proposed cuts to SNAP in the House Farm Bill.

"United Way of New York City applauds Senator Gillibrand’s efforts to restore funding for the  SNAP food stamp program and urges Congress not to cut such a vital lifeline for the City’s most vulnerable families.  As the largest funder of pantries and soup kitchens in New York City, we are painfully aware of the scope of hunger throughout our communities.  With so many suffering from unemployment, record numbers of families are requiring aid. Now is the time to join together and preserve nutrition assistance programs to fight poverty and hunger, not to slash them."

"United Way of New York City is dedicated to improving Health, Education and Income for the most vulnerable New Yorkers, so we applaud Mayor Bloomberg's proposal to ban sales of large-size sugary beverages from restaurants, mobile food carts, movie theaters and delis. With 58% of NYC adults and 40% of city public school students obese or overweight, this measure would be a powerful step in combating unhealthy weight and advancing the effort to make New Yorkers healthier. United Way of New York City's food programs similarly require soup kitchens and food pantries to limit beverages to skim milk and 100% fruit juices, and we join the Mayor in his continued efforts to encourage New Yorkers to make better food choices.  Measures like these, coupled with nutrition education and greater access to locally grown fruits and vegetables, are key to reducing diabetes, hypertension, and other diet-related diseases that plague far too many in our city."

In addition to JAY Z, the eclectic roster of talent includes Pearl Jam, Skrillex, Miike Snow, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Odd Future, D'Angelo, Maybach Music (feat. Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill), Passion Pit, Santigold, Dirty Projectors, X, Janelle Monae, Prince Royce, Rita Ora, Savoy (DJ set), The Knocks, among others to be announced at a later date.

Tickets, Early Bird and VIP packages are available through Ticketmaster.com and Livenation.com.

The festival will benefit United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, United Way of Lancaster County, and United Way of New York City and will enable each organization to invest in and strengthen their local communities.

Watch the full episode now.

View the GPS-NYC segment now.

“United Way of New York City applauds Governor Cuomo for eliminating the finger imaging requirement for food stamp applicants.  This is absolutely the right thing to do, and we’ve long fought to end this onerous requirement on New York’s neediest.   As the largest administrator of funding for food pantries and soup kitchens in New York City, every day we see the deep hunger of those in need.  We are grateful that there will now be one less barrier to getting food for families that truly need it.  At a time when hunger is such a severe and pervasive problem throughout New York, this policy change is crucial. ”

"With one in three children in New York City living in poverty, funds raised by the Gridiron Gala are crucial to providing our city's young people with opportunities for a better life," said United Way of NYC President and CEO Gordon Campbell.  "We could not be more grateful to the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and our corporate sponsors for their support of the Gridiron Gala and throughout the year."

More than 1,000 corporate and community leaders, current Jets players Mike DeVito, Vladimir Ducasse, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Dustin Keller, Matt Kroul, Aaron Maybin, Caleb Schlauderaff, Muhammad Wilkerson, current Giants players Will Beaty, Kevin Boothe, James Brewer, Chris Canty, Jim Cordle, Victor Cruz, Dan DePalma, Hakeem Nicks, Bear Pascoe, Antrel Rolle, Terrell Thomas, Lawrence Tynes, Steve Weatherford, as well as NFL legends Ted Banker, Emerson Boozer, Chad Cascadden, Rich Caster, Mike Damato, Mark Gastineau, Dave Herman, Joe Klecko, Ray Lucas, Greg Murphy, Joe Namath, John Schmidt, Amani Toomer, Wesley Walker, Erich Barnes, Brian Kelley, Sean Landeta, Curtis McGriff, and Karl Nelson attended the lively event, now a New York tradition.

Every year, the Gridiron Gala honors leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to giving back to the community. The 2012 honorees were:

Hometown Heroes

• Brandon Moore, Guard, New York Jets
• Chris Snee, Guard, New York Giants

MVP Award

• Harry D. Carson, 231st Member, Pro Football Hall of Fame

Community Quarterbacks

• Richard D. Hong, Vice President, Global Brand & Marketing, MetLife
• Raymond Quartararo, International Director, Jones Lang LaSalle

"I am humbled to be acknowledged as a Hometown Hero for the work I do in my community," said Brandon Moore, Guard for the New York Jets.  "I am proud to give back and hope that I can inspire others to do the same."

"Hometown Hero is a badge I will wear with pride for the rest of my life," said Chris Snee, Guard for the New York Giants.  "It is so fulfilling to be able to give back to my hometown and I hope that everyone is able to join this effort and help those in need."

"This is the most important MVP award I've ever received," said Harry D. Carson, 231st Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  "It's crucial for all of us to give back to our communities, and United Way does such an incredible job of helping those who are in need."

The United Way and the NFL have been partners for almost four decades. Back in 1973 the two organizations developed the idea of using the NFL's network contract airtime to promote United Way during telecasts. Since then, this partnership has helped to raise awareness of the value of giving back to the community as well as the good work of both United Way and the league and its players in the community.

The NFL's support of United Way extends well beyond the commercials seen during game broadcasts, however. There is a shared goal to make an impact in communities served by both institutions, with a current focus on encouraging youth to develop healthy eating and exercise habits. 

United Way of New York City relies on active corporate partners.  This year it is recognizing the outstanding commitment by MetLife and Jones Lang LaSalle.

"I am so honored to have been chosen as a Community Quarterback," said Richard Hong, Vice President, Global Brand & Marketing, MetLife.  "MetLife has been a proud partner of United Way for generations, and our employees donate over $1 million to United Way organizations throughout the country each year.  We both have a shared vision of providing a safety net for those in need."

"Jones Lang LaSalle has enjoyed a rewarding relationship with United Way for nearly 10 years," said Raymond Quartararo, International Director, Jones Lang LaSalle. "The United Way is a fabulous organization that does tremendous work with children throughout the New York metropolitan area. We are proud to help raise funds to support the United Way's mission."

Photos of the event will be available as of 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16 at: http://liveunitednyc.org/press/gg_2012.php

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About United Way of New York City
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. We design and invest in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health.  We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance citywide policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide   To learn more about our work and how to get involved, visit www.UnitedWayNYC.org.
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We hope you'll tune in when United Way of New York City's Graduate, Prepare, Succeed (GPS-NYC) initiative is featured in an episode of WNET's MetroFocus titled "Education Innovation" premiering:

WLIW 21 - Tuesday, May 15, 10:30 p.m.

NJTV - Wednesday, May 16, 10:30 p.m.

THIRTEEN - Thursday, May 17, 8:30 p.m.

"Education Innovation" will explore what's new and improving in education and will feature Sal Khan, internet educator and one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people; bestselling author and Harvard professor Michael Sandel; an interview with NYC Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott; an examination of the evolving issue of teacher evaluations; interviews with the New Jersey and New York state education commissioners; and a first-hand look at our GPS-NYC program.

View now

New York, NY - United Way of New York City (UWNYC) today announced $237,775 in grants to help 25 New York City nonprofit organizations integrate and streamline the back ends of their organizations' operations. The awards will enable collaborations of two to three small nonprofits to develop efficiencies that will result in time and money saved.

"These grants reflect a growing trend in a nonprofit world faced with record demand and historic under-funding," said Gordon Campbell, President and CEO of UWNYC. "Mergers and strategic alliances, shared space, shared bookkeeping and purchasing, and integrating database systems for analyzing outcomes on shared programs are some of the ways that organizations are finding to streamline their operations. The grants we are announcing today support nonprofits in rolling out their collaborations so that they succeed.  The idea is that after the UWNYC grant ends, nonprofits will be in a better position to devote more resources to program delivery." 

The grants are unusual among nonprofits as the vast majority of dollars from public and private funders typically go toward specific programmatic needs. United Way of New York City's Collaboration Grants were awarded based on proposals to increase operational efficiencies and make systems improvements that strengthen organizational infrastructures. The work they are able to accomplish through these awards will position grantees to dedicate fewer resources to back-end activities and allocate more human and/or financial resources to serving constituents. The grant also includes peer learning opportunities for grantees through panels and forums.

"This is a critical time for communities most affected by the economic downturn and a job market that remains stagnant. Most funders want to see impact – and rightfully so.  But, there are few grants out there that allow the real strategic work, the thinking in an intentional way, to get us there," said Ian Marvy, Executive Director of Added Value and Herban Solutions, Inc., which received a United Way Collaboration Grant in partnership with Green City Force. "We're really looking forward to this United Way partnership.  This is a funding stream that's providing a resource and a rationale for two executive directors and their staff to structure and hone their partnership to meet the needs of the community we serve."

Organizations whose mission areas include youth services, workforce development (including green jobs), community development, housing services, urban agriculture, childcare and child welfare will receive $17,775 - $20,000 for collaboration projects, including:

Manhattan                               

• Damayan + Desis Rising Up and Moving Inc.: to create a fundraising strategy, protocols and templates, hire a shared fundraising consultant and train key staff in shared fundraising practices
• Fresh Youth Initiatives, Inc. + The Cornerstone Learning Center, Inc.: to develop a communications plan and shared systems to manage funders and fundraising and track program outcomes
• Kids Creative + Border Crossers, Inc: to combine operations and administrative functions, deepen evaluations, expand strategic development planning, and support elements of a formal collaboration
• Lower Eastside Girls Club of NY + Girls Quest: to integrate financial management systems and a program database, and to develop a communications strategy and a funder's strategy
  

Brooklyn

• Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A + Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Legal Services: to develop a shared, centralized, web-based database system with remote access to analyze program data and provide reports to better serve legal efforts and proactive program planning
• Fifth Ave Committee, Inc. (FAC) + Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Inc.: to support first year implementation of a new strategic alliance, including administrative and program-level integration, merging of database systems for fundraising and program data tracking, developing communications strategy, fiscal integration, and planning to merge organizational cultures
• Green City Force + Added Value and Herban Solutions, Inc.: to create a more streamlined delivery of year two pilot by developing program protocols and a staff manual, assessment plan, communications strategy and approach to mesh organizational cultures
• Brooklyn Workforce Innovations + Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow + Nontraditional Employment for Women: to develop streamlined processes for quicker, more efficient and effective job training and adult education program delivery at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, including evaluation plans and protocols for shared space and administrative functions
• United Community Centers + United Community Day Care Center: to merge accounting systems and train a finance director to manage integrated books

Queens

• Chhaya Community Development Corporation + Chinatown Manpower Project + Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc.: to help reduce duplication of services and inefficient service delivery, to standardize and centralize the intake, screening and referral processes; test options to integrate program data across organizations and streamline reporting
• New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) + MinKwon Center for Community Action + Adhikaar for Human Rights: to develop a system to manage a shared first-time federal grant, standardize record keeping, templates for reporting to DOL, communications and data collection across language differences, and data to strengthen advocacy efforts

Bronx

• BridgeBuilders Community Partnership, Inc. + Child Welfare Organizing Project: to develop a centralized, web based data base with remote access for managing program data, cross referencing clients' program usage, and creating reports to analyze outcomes

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About United Way of NYC:
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. We design and invest in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health.  We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance citywide policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide   To learn more about our work and how to get involved, visit www.UnitedWayNYC.org.

New York, NY – United Way of New York City's (UWNYC) Women's Leadership Council (WLC) today kicked off its 10th anniversary year with an awards luncheon honoring women who have made a significant impact on their communities through philanthropic giving, advocacy, and volunteerism.  This was WLC's 6th annual The Power of Women to Make a Difference luncheon and featured a keynote speech by CNN anchor and Special Correspondent, Soledad O'Brien.

The event, hosted by style and beauty expert and philanthropist Mary Alice Stephenson, raised $362,000 in proceeds which will directly benefit the Women's Leadership Council Fund.  The WLC Fund supports UWNYC's youth empowerment initiatives which include efforts to reduce childhood obesity, improve the quality of early care and education, and boost on-time graduation rates.

"Today’s honorees are three of the most exceptional women I know," said Gordon Campbell, President and CEO of United Way of New York City.  "Their work and leadership embody the tremendous spirit of philanthropy and community service – truly 'The Power of Women to Make a Difference' in our great city."

The 2012 WLC honorees are: Karen B. Peetz, BNY Mellon, Women’s Leadership Council Founder's Award; Avis Richards, Birds Nest Productions, Women's Leadership Council Philanthropist Award; Ivette Fernandez, News Corporation, Women's Leadership Council Woman of Distinction Award.

The luncheon also launched a social media campaign focused around "What Woman Inspires You?" The campaign allows the public to pay tribute to female role models on twitter (#WLCinspire), Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest. 

The WLC has raised more than $3 million in support of United Way of New York City's youth empowerment initiatives since 2006.  These include:

• Graduate, Prepare, Succeed (GPS-NYC), which targets ninth graders with a history of chronic absenteeism in 60 underserved public schools and provides them with academic support, attendance outreach, counseling, and case management in order to improve on-time graduation rates and college readiness.

• Supporting Transitions from Early-education to Public School (STEPS), which seeks to ensure that that a child's learning and developmental needs are continuously met during the first eight years of life – ensuring that they master essential reading and math skills, a critical foundation for success in middle school, high school and beyond.

• Healthy Eating for a Healthy Start, which provides nutrition education within the Head Start system and engages children, families, and staff in activities that lead to healthy eating.

At the luncheon, NYC high school students Stevalecia Munipersaud, Angela Nery and Selena Garcia, whose schools participate in the GPS-NYC program, were recognized for their winning essays on "What Woman Inspires You?" and won $150 prizes.

The event was attended by a diverse group including celebrities, philanthropists, stylists, Broadway performers, non-profit leaders, business executives and other notable guests including:

• Chandra Lee Schwartz – Broadway actress, currently Glenda the Good Witch in Wicked
• Montego Glover – Tony award nominee, Broadway actress currently, Felicia Farrel in Memphis
• Carol Woods – Grammy nominee, Broadway actress, currently Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago
• Chilina Kennedy – Broadway actress currently starring as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar
• Dr. Lisa Airan
• Olivia Chantecaille
• Coralie Charriol
• Jennifer Creel

Platinum sponsors of the event, held at The Plaza Hotel, were BNY Mellon and Macy's.

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FOR PHOTOS, please visit http://liveunitednyc.org/press/wlc_luncheon_2012.php

About the Women's Leadership Council
The Women's Leadership Council (WLC) is a network of women dedicated to making a difference in the lives of New York City's young people.  The WLC, now celebrating their 10th anniversary, has raised more than $3 million in support of United Way of New York City's youth empowerment initiatives. The WLC's efforts comprise much more than fundraising, such as panel discussions on topics that affect young people in our community to networking events with other members.

About United Way of New York City
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. We design and invest in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health.  We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance citywide policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide.

On March 5, Macy’s Senior Vice President of Government & Consumer Affairs & Diversity Vendor Development Ed Goldberg and Vice President for Corporate Communications & Employee Giving Margaret Grioli presented UWNYC President & CEO Gordon Campbell with a check for $344,000. Macy’s corporate gift will provide broad support for UWNYC’s poverty-fighting efforts, which include boosting on-time graduation rates in underserved public high schools and helping low-income New Yorkers access nutritious food.