United Way of Southern Chautauqua County

10/28/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐪𝐮𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧! 💙

From Cherry Creek to Clymer, UWCHQ staff were on the road this week, visiting Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union branches — where the teams at each location welcomed us in to share more about United Way’s 2026 fundraising campaign.

We appreciate SCFCU’s commitment to the communities it serves — helping people across Chautauqua County with more than their banking needs. Through support and partnerships with organizations like United Way, SCFCU helps strengthen the communities where its members live and work.

United Way yard signs are also on display at Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s branches, putting that local support on display for the community!

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲?
Simply place a yard sign in front of your home or business and show the community that you are committed to making a positive impact in Chautauqua County!

These yard signs are all about awareness, starting conversations and reminding our community that local giving is what fuels the programs that our family, friends and neighbors rely on.

Reach out for a yard sign today! Snap a picture and tag us! We’d love to see where these signs end up — and share them to our social media feeds!

Every sign helps spread the word. Every gift helps make a local impact. Call Nick Dean to get yours. Simply dial 716-483-1561 or email [email protected].

𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝟔𝟑,𝟐𝟒𝟗 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬.

Make your gift now and help continue that local impact. Text “UWCHQ” to 91999 or click the link below:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/MOP1OQ

10/27/2026

🎙️𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫!
Click though and listen to the full audio of this interview!

Earlier this month, UWCHQ Executive Director Amy Rohler and Communications & Marketing Manager Nick Dean joined WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley on the station's 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 program to talk about our 2026 fundraising campaign, the impact of United Way across Chautauqua County, and upcoming events.

From the programs and partnerships supported by local giving to the ways our community can get involved, it was a great opportunity to share more about the work happening right here at home.

Thanks to Julia Hanley and WRFA for making space for this conversation and helping spread the word about United Way’s work!

🎧 Missed the conversation? You can listen to the full interview here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/pPt3qROvuIDEBNeqFG

United Is The Way. 💙

A county-wide campaign is underway in Chautauqua County. We meet with folks from the United Way of Chautauqua County to find out what this year’s goal is and how their efforts help thousands of peo…

10/22/2026

A commitment to helping others can take many forms — from standing up for working people to serving families in need.

At last night’s Salute to Labor dinner, the 2026 recipient of the Joseph H. Mason Award, James B. McIntyre, spoke about the connection between the two.

A retired member of IBEW Local 106, Jim has spent decades supporting fellow electrical workers and mentoring the next generation of electricians.

His commitment to service extends well beyond the workplace, too. Alongside his wife, Julie, he has volunteered through their church, participated in mission trips to Mexico, and helped lead the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, which served approximately 1,600 client visits and distributed nearly 80,000 pounds of food to local families last year.

During his remarks, Jim reflected on how volunteering strengthens a person’s commitment to helping others and how that same spirit of service connects community involvement with organized labor. He encouraged those in attendance to find ways to serve, bring younger generations into that work, and continue supporting the labor movement.

United Way of Chautauqua County Executive Director Amy Rohler presented Jim with the award, along with a commendation from U.S. Rep Nick Langworthy. County Executive PJ Wendel and State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor were also on hand to present commendations recognizing Jim’s contributions.

UWCHQ Board Member Dan Gullotti welcomed attendees at the beginning of the dinner, recognizing past Joseph H. Mason Award recipients, the labor organizations in the room, and fellow UWCHQ board members and staff.

The evening also offered a fitting photo opportunity outside the historic Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution, where members of IBEW Local 106 gathered with Jim, his family, and representatives of event sponsor Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric Corp.

The setting carried a special connection to the electrical trade: Thomas Edison personally wired the Athenaeum following its construction in 1881, making it one of the earliest electrically lit hotels in the world.

Congratulations to Jim on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to Jim, Julie, and everyone who continues to strengthen our community through service, solidarity, and a commitment to helping others.

10/22/2026

It’s always a great start to the day when one of our favorite volunteers drops by — as Mark Nelson from Alliance Advisory in Jamestown did yesterday.

Mark stopped by yesterday to say hello to the UWCHQ team, pictured here with Executive Director Amy Rohler — and pick up some brochures and campaign supplies.

Mark is a member of our Campaign Cabinet here in southern Chautauqua County, which is a group of community volunteers who help connect United Way with workplaces and businesses throughout the county.

Mark is helping us build support in the finance sector, starting conversations with people he knows and trusts about how their generosity can make a difference right here in Chautauqua County. (And remember, 100% of every gift stays local!)

We’re grateful for Mark’s time, his connections and his commitment to helping us spread the word about United Way’s impact.

And the thing about connections? You have them, too.

Maybe it’s a coworker, a neighbor, a business down the street or a group you belong to. If you’d like to help us share the story of United Way’s local impact, send us a message. We’d love to connect!

United Is The Way. 💙

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰: 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝟔𝟑,𝟐𝟒𝟗 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫.

Make your gift now and help continue that local impact. Use the link in our profile or the url below:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/MOP1OQ

10/16/2026

Thank you to CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services for including United Way in yesterday’s White Cane Walk in recognition of National White Cane Day!

The white cane represents independence, confidence, and greater accessibility for people living with vision impairments. The annual observance also raises awareness about the importance of accessibility and the rights of people who are blind or have low vision.

UWCHQ Community Impact Manager Eric Rinaldo joined CBA Vision Rehabilitation Executive Director Megan Maynard, City of Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund, and community members at Baker Park to recognize the day and celebrate the independence the white cane provides.

Mayor Ecklund marked the occasion with a proclamation recognizing National White Cane Day in the City of Jamestown.

As a funded United Way Community Partner, CBA Vision Rehabilitation helps individuals with vision impairments navigate daily life with greater independence. We’re proud to support local agencies like CBA that provide essential services and help people in our community live fuller, more independent lives.

Building a stronger community means expanding access, elevating the work of our partners, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

10/15/2026

Sometimes a connection with United Way can grow into a partnership that spans decades.

Such is the case for one Northwest Bank employee named Valerie — who UWCHQ Executive Director Amy Rohler connected with after a recent campaign presentation.

In recent weeks, Amy and UWCHQ Director of Growth and Engagement Leslie Wille have been at local Northwest branches — presenting to employees as part of the bank’s annual workplace giving campaign.

Valerie has been a Northwest Bank employee for four decades — and Northwest has been connected to United Way of Chautauqua County for even longer.

Throughout those years, Valerie has continued to give through her paycheck at Northwest, knowing that her contributions help support programs and initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.

At another Northwest presentation, we met two employees whose United Way giving journeys started long before they joined the bank. They began giving while working for other companies — one at Tops and one at Wegmans — and now continue that same commitment through Northwest.

Three workplaces. One connection that continued.

Because Northwest offers employees the opportunity to give through their payroll, those employees can make supporting their community a part of their work life each year — whether they’re starting out or continuing a tradition they began years ago.

A dollar given through a paycheck may seem small. But when employees across a workplace come together, those gifts become part of something much bigger.
That’s the power of connections.

We’re grateful to Northwest Bank and its employees for being part of the United Way community — and for showing how workplace giving can create lasting impact across Chautauqua County.

Want to learn more about starting a workplace campaign at your business? Contact Nick Dean at 716-483-1561 or email [email protected].

10/07/2026

School campaign season is wrapping up, and Amy Rohler stopped by Panama Central School yesterday to pick up the district’s completed 2026 United Way campaign pledges. 💙

We’re grateful to the teachers and staff who took the time to participate and support programs and opportunities for people across Chautauqua County.

These pledges are another example of what can happen when people come together and connect their generosity to the needs of their neighbors.

Thank you, Panama Central School, for being part of this year’s annual United Way fundraising campaign!

Truly, United Is The Way. 💙

10/06/2026

Connections are at the heart of this year’s United Way fundraising campaign — and our Leadership Circle reception in southern Chautauqua County last week was a great example of how bringing people together can result in positive impacts across our community. 💙

On Wednesday, we spent the evening on Chautauqua Lake with Campaign Co-Chairs David Maternowski and Danielle Patti, UWCHQ staff and many of the supporters who help make our work possible.

It was an evening centered around a shared commitment to this community — connecting people who care about Chautauqua County to the work happening here.

And we have to give a special shoutout to Ricky and Heather Turner for being such gracious hosts. Their hospitality made for a wonderful evening, and Heather’s connection to United Way made this year’s event a little more special.

Heather is a former United Way Campaign Co-Chair, and this year she played an important role in connecting UWCHQ with Danielle Patti. Heather helped create the opportunity for United Way and Danielle to meet, talk and ultimately make the ask that brought Danielle into this year’s campaign as Co-Chair.

That’s a pretty great example of what we mean when we talk about connections.

A connection between people.
A connection between community leaders.
A connection that opens a door and creates a new opportunity.

And ultimately, a connection between generosity and the local programs supported by this community’s gifts.

We’re grateful to Ricky and Heather for opening their home, to everyone who joined us on the lake, and to our Leadership Circle donors for their continued commitment to United Way and to Chautauqua County.

United Is The Way. 💙

10/05/2026

Today is the deadline to RSVP for United Way’s “Salute To Labor l” dinner, recognizing Jamestown resident James B. McIntyre as the recipient of the 2026 Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award.

Purchase individual tickets to the dinner or a table of 8 using the link below:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/K75BIS5TNJITT47AAOQ7ZCTO

Now in its 46th year, the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes the exceptional community involvement and volunteerism of a local union member.

McIntyre will be recognized with the award on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 2026 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric Corp.

𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃
Named for Joseph H. Mason, a long-standing United Way board member who exemplified labor’s commitment to community service, the award honors an individual whose commitment to serving others reflects the important role organized labor plays in strengthening communities.

𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐁. 𝐌𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐘𝐑𝐄
A retired member of IBEW Local 106, McIntyre spent more than 39 years with Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric in Jamestown, beginning as an apprentice electrician in 1987 and progressing through roles as a journeyman, small and large project foreman, and ultimately Senior Estimator and Project Manager. He retired from the company in March 2026.

His commitment to service extended well beyond his career with Ahlstrom Schaeffer. For more than three decades, McIntyre has dedicated his time and expertise to training future electricians through the IBEW Local 106 apprenticeship program, while also serving approximately 12 years on the union's executive board.

He also developed and taught a foreman’s program, giving leadership instruction to apprentices in the final year of their apprenticeship.

McIntyre’s volunteer service includes work through his church, for the local food bank, youth programs and community projects.

Tickets for the 2026 Salute To Labor Dinner can be purchased by using the link above. Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. For questions, or to RSVP for the event, contact Nick Dean by calling (716) 483-1561 or emailing [email protected].