Celebrating Gratitude and the Partnerships that Transform Our Community.

Nov 28

At Susquehanna Valley United Way, we believe in the transformative power of partnership, listening, and collaboration. These are not just values we talk about—they are the very heartbeat of our work. When we practice these skills alongside our local community, the results are extraordinary.

2024 has been a year of unmatched partnerships, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. Whether tackling transportation challenges, housing issues or creating opportunities through the Mobile MakerSpace, none of these projects would be advancing without the incredible synergy of nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and funders. Together, with a shared passion for meeting community needs, we’ve been able to take critical first steps: convening conversations, identifying strengths, and bridging gaps.

Our region stands out as one of the most proactive and collaborative communities I’ve had the privilege to serve, and I am deeply thankful for that. This year, we've convened a Housing Solution and Barriers Taskforce with local organizations, and together, we’re planning a regional housing summit for Spring 2025. Our Mobile MakerSpace partners have been able to purchase over $18,000 in equipment for STEM and STEAM pdrograms, impacting 1,250 youth annually across more than a dozen locations in our five-county region, with an additional $29,000 approved for future purchases. Through our VITA Program, we generated $551,176 in refunds, saving clients $130,240 in tax preparation fees and providing an average refund of $1,381, directly supporting the financial stability of our region's ALICE population.

These accomplishments are only possible because of the incredible people behind them—dedicated individuals who show up day after day to make our communities stronger. To our phenomenal staff and visionary board members, thank you for your unwavering leadership. To the countless non-profit teams, business leaders, government officials, and funders, your dedication inspires us.

Meeting community needs in the areas of health, education, and financial stability isn’t easy work. It’s challenging, often emotionally taxing, and yet incredibly rewarding. We’re fortunate to work alongside so many passionate individuals committed to making a difference. Here at United Way, we know we couldn’t do this work without you.

A special thank you goes to our incredible donors, whose generosity and belief in our mission make all this work possible. Your support fuels programs that directly improve lives and provide hope for so many in our region. We are humbled and grateful for the trust you place in us to create meaningful change.

As the need in our region continues to rise—especially for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households—we recognize the road ahead is steep. But we also believe we’re on the brink of transformative collaborations that will truly move the needle, improving lives and lowering our local ALICE statistics.

If you’re inspired to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to me at ceo@svuw.org. Together, let’s continue to LIVE UNITED.

With deep gratitude,