Susquehanna Valley United Way Releases 2024 Impact Report
Highlighting Unmatched Community Collaboration.
Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Impact Report, a testament to the transformative power of partnership, listening, and collaboration. This year’s report highlights achievements made possible through the combined efforts of nonprofits, for-profits, government agencies, and funders working together to address the region’s most pressing needs.
“2024 has been a year of extraordinary collaboration,” said Adrienne Mael, President and CEO of Susquehanna Valley United Way. “Whether tackling transportation challenges, housing issues, or creating opportunities through the Mobile Makerspace, these advancements would not be possible without the collective passion and dedication of our community partners.”
Some key achievements featured in the report include:
The For the Cause Teen Center’s new Bloomsburg location opened in January of this year and is serving as a vibrant hub for youth, thanks largely in part to funding secured through SVUW. In April, the annual Day of Action mobilized over 260 volunteers at 31 regional nonprofit sites. SVUW also offered $3,250 in mini-grants, which helped the project sites cover any event-related expenses.
In June, six program directors and 13 community board members gathered for a strategic planning retreat to strengthen our mission and vision. Later that month, we hosted round table discussions for nonprofit leaders to provide valuable networking opportunities and gather feedback to guide future United Way planning. We were also able to start offering behavioral health training opportunities to support both their staff and programs.
The Annual Day of Giving in October achieved a remarkable total of $18,640, which included $8,000 from our matching gift sponsors. In November, SVUW was once again selected to manage the disbursement of federal funds via the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. A total of $105,189 will provide vital food assistance and shelter services across all five counties, ensuring that essential resources are accessible to those in need. This funding adds to the $290,000 allocated earlier this year to support more than 56 nonprofit partners, significantly enhancing our collective impact in the region.
Recent community needs assessments confirm that housing is a top priority in the region. To build on local efforts, the Housing Solutions and Barriers Taskforce convened in Fall 2024 and is planning a regional housing summit for early 2025.
“We’re proud to collaborate with so many dedicated groups and continue doing what we do best: bringing people and organizations together to tackle our community’s most pressing needs,” said Mael.
United Way’s programs have driven tangible outcomes across our region. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals, foster resilience, and build stronger communities while responding to the unique needs of our local ALICE households (unitedforalice.org).
The United in Recovery Program supported over 150 individuals through the Oasis Recovery Community Club and Post Overdose Response Team, with 33 entering treatment. They also distributed 2,315 doses of Narcan—850 more than last year—and over 4,000 fentanyl and xylazine testing strips for overdose prevention.
SVUW continued to facilitate regional collaboration for MakerSpace programming and facilitated over $18,000 in equipment purchases this year to serve children at more than a dozen locations. With $29,000 approved for purchases so far, these efforts will deliver STEM and STEAM programming that will impact thousands of youth across our region.
The Family Services Department, formerly the Education Department, empowered 26 families through Parents as Teachers, supported four families with evidence-based parenting strategies in Triple P, and helped 15 families improve communication and confidence through Active Parenting.
United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provided free tax preparation services, generating $551,176 in household refunds this past tax season. VITA clients saved an estimated $130,240 in tax preparation fees, and, on average, each household received $1,381 in refunds, ensuring more of their hard-earned income remained available to meet their essential needs.
As the need in the region continues to rise, especially among ALICE households, SVUW is committed to fostering transformative collaborations to meet these challenges head-on.
“Our region is one of the most proactive and collaborative communities I have ever had the privilege to serve,” said Mael. “Together, we can continue to improve lives and lower ALICE statistics, turning our shared vision into reality.”
The full 2024 Impact Report is now available online at svuw.org. For more information about Susquehanna Valley United Way and how to support its mission, please visit svuw.org or contact Adrienne Mael at info@svuw.org or (570) 988-0993.
Media Contact:
Danielle M. Velkoff, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
t: (570) 360-5009 | e: marketing@svuw.org
