MISSION
United Way of Long Island’s mission is to ensure that every child, family, and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, life, and work. We focus on improving lives through youth opportunities, healthy communities, financial security, and community resilience. It’s the way we rally in hard times to provide support so people can build a better future. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need across the island, United Way is there. We take a proactive approach to every challenge, responding directly to local needs.
United Way offers many programs to create pathways to stability and success. The Workforce Development Training Academy opens doors to better-paying jobs. Mission United supports veterans with career training, employment assistance, and emergency financial aid. Project Warmth delivers emergency heating assistance to families struggling to afford their energy bills. We build attainable and sustainable housing to support families for generations to come. The Dreams for Youth Scholarship Fund closes opportunity gaps, helping students attend college or vocational school. Stuff-A-Bus equips children for school success with new backpacks and supplies. Safe at Home for Seniors helps older adults age in place. The 211 Call Center connects people to essential community services. Additionally, United Way invests in a network of organizations to ensure all of our neighbors get the help they need.
OUR OUTREACH
We do this by developing programs and funding with community partners. Together, we invest in education to ensure children succeed in school and achieve their potential. We help families become financially stable and independent. And, we ensure our communities have access to healthcare, food, and positive lifestyle choices. Our leadership team, supported by a high profile Board of Directors, bring together partners and volunteers from across Long Island to discuss issues, raise funds and develop programs for the building blocks of a good life:
- A quality education that leads to a stable job
- Enough income to support a family
- Workforce readiness
- Good health
United Way of Long Island holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is a Candid (formerly GuideStar) platinum-rated charity. United Way has also met all BBB® Standards for Charity Accountability and is BBB Accredited. For every dollar contributed, 86 cents supports our program impact.
We offer an effective, efficient and caring way for Long Islanders to make the greatest year-round impact in their hometowns. These days, with so many choices to make with your charitable dollars, United Way of Long Island can be your partner to ensure your contribution improves people's lives in the communities where you live, work and play. Most importantly, donations made on Long Island, stay on Long Island.