United Way of Chautauqua County - Dunkirk Office

09/15/2026

Did you know our longtime United Way board member and familiar face around Chautauqua County, 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧, also pilots the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry? ⛵️⚓️💦

And he’s taking us out on the lake tomorrow!

Join us at At 4:30pm tomorrow as we kick off this year’s United Way Fundraising Campaign.

We’ll be boarding the ferry with our 2026 Campaign Co-Chairs, Dave Maternowski and Danielle Patti — and the public is invited to join us!

We’ll leave from the Bemus Point landing at the Village Casino and ride to Stow and back, with a special stop in the middle of Chautauqua Lake to officially launch our 2026 campaign.

We’ve got a pretty great captain, a pretty great crew and a pretty great reason to get together. Come aboard and help us kick things off! 💙

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕟 4:30 p.m.
📍 Bemus Point-Stow Ferry, Bemus Point Landing

Pictured here is the Captain himself with UWCHQ Director of Finance & Administration Michael Krepps.

09/10/2026

Even though we don't kick off our 2026 Fundraising Campaign until later this month, the work is already underway!!

Recently, our Northern Chautauqua Campaign Cabinet gathered for its first meeting, bringing together community volunteers and representatives from businesses across a variety of sectors.

Led by Campaign Co-Chair David Maternowski, the Cabinet works alongside Executive Director Amy Rohler and our team throughout the campaign to connect United Way with workplaces throughout Chautauqua County.

Cabinet members help open doors, build relationships, share the story of United Way’s local impact and connect us with employees who want to chip in and support their community. Their connections and their time help us reach people we might not otherwise reach — and give more people an opportunity to be part of the work happening right here in Chautauqua County.

We’re grateful to David, Amy and our 2026 Northern Cabinet: Stephanie Stevens of YWCA Westfield, Melanie Witkowski of Prevention Works, Daniel Shin of Daniel Shin Chiropractic, Kevin Astry of HBKS Wealth Advisors, Pam and Beth Burmaster of Liberty Vineyards & Winery, David Dengler of Larson-Timko Funeral Home, and UWCHQ Board member Kyle Leikam.

Thank you for lending your time, connections and voice to the campaign! United Is The Way. 💙

09/08/2026

Our man Dan in the Dunkirk office has started a new job with the Kevin Guest House in Buffalo.

We said farewell to our colleague and friend recently at the White Inn in Fredonia, wishing him well as he begins this new chapter.

For the last two years, Dan has lent his talents to the workings of United Way in northern Chautauqua County and beyond — from coordinating our annual golf tournament and giving campaign presentations to being an inquisitive presence at nonprofit conferences.

Our send-off at the White Inn was a great opportunity to share stories over snacks and reflect on his time as a part of our team.

We’re grateful for the work Dan put in, the enthusiasm he had for the impact United Way is making here in Chautauqua County, and the energy he brought to the table.

We’ll miss you, Dan — but we’re cheering you on in Buffalo!

09/03/2026

We’re taking the news of our work across Chautauqua County, sharing the impact of United Way programs and initiatives with teachers and school staff as they prepare for a new school year!

Yesterday, UWCHQ Director of Growth & Engagement Leslie Wille was at Pine Valley Central School, connecting with staff and talking about how United Way brings people, partners and resources together to create lasting change in our community.

For more than 100 years, United Way of Chautauqua County has been on the pulse of our community’s needs — mobilizing resources, aligning partners and investing in solutions that strengthen the systems families rely on every day.

Through our four focus areas — Youth Opportunity, Health Equity, Community Resiliency and Self-Sufficiency — we work with trusted local agencies to expand opportunity, elevate solutions and create lasting impact.

And the breadth of that impact may surprise you.

United Way donor dollars support 46 local programs operated by 38 community partner agencies, many of which directly benefit children, families and individuals throughout Chautauqua County.

Whether you realize it or not, chances are you know someone who has been impacted by United Way and our community partners. We help your friends, family and neighbors — and sustaining these programs today helps ensure they’re there tomorrow, when someone needs them.

Our 2026 fundraising campaign officially kicks off later this September, but the school year is starting now. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with educators and staff while they prepare for another year.

United Is The Way.

09/02/2026

We had a great evening at the Fredonia Central School District’s annual Wheelock Jamboree earlier this week!

United Way of Chautauqua County staffers joined families, school staff and community partners for the annual event — which helps prepare students entering UPK and kindergarten for the start of the school year.

Director of Growth & Engagement Leslie Wille and Northern Chautauqua Community Relations Coordinator Dan Siracuse represented UWCHQ, connecting with families and the school staff who support us in our mission.

For us, the event is an opportunity to share details about the resources available throughout the community.

We’re grateful to Fredonia Central School District for bringing schools, families and community partners together to help local children start their school journey with confidence. 💙

United is the way.

09/01/2026

Another busy morning for the UWCHQ staff as we visit school districts throughout Chautauqua County!

Over the past two days, our team has been connecting with school employees across the county to share the story of United Way and how local giving makes an impact.

Yesterday, our Director of Growth and Engagement Leslie Wille and UWCHQ Executive Director Amy Rohler visited Frewsburg Central School District, while Leslie and our Northern Chautauqua Community Relations Coordinator Dan Siracuse were at Cassadaga Valley Central School.

Today, Dan has been at Brocton Central School and Silver Creek Central School, while Leslie has visited Westfield Academy & Central School and Ripley Central School.

And we’re not done yet! Presentations continue this afternoon, and you’ll find UWCHQ staff at several back-to-school orientation events happening in communities tonight.

Our 2026 fundraising campaign officially kicks off later this September, but the school year is starting now — and we’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with these employees while they’re preparing for another year.

We’re sharing how local donor dollars are pooled to support 46 programs operated by 38 local community partner agencies, many of which directly impact students and families.

This is what it looks like to be on the pulse of our community — showing up, making connections and building a stronger Chautauqua County.

09/01/2026

Thank you to the Fredonia Central School District for your support of United Way!

Our 2026 fundraising campaign doesn’t officially kick off until later this September, but the school year waits for no one. So we’re grateful for the opportunity to begin sharing United Way’s story with school employees now — while we have their attention and before the halls fill with students.

Yesterday we were at Wheelock Early Childhood Center in Fredonia to speak with Fredonia Central School District staff about United Way and the impact of local giving.

UWCHQ Executive Director Amy Rohler and Northern Chautauqua Community Relations Coordinator Dan Siracuse were joined by 2026 Campaign Co-Chair Dave Maternowski for the presentation.

This is a special year for UWCHQ and county schools, as our two Campaign Chairs have strong ties with local districts.

These annual presentations are an important opportunity to connect with educators and staff at a time when they’re preparing for the year ahead — and to share how United Way works to strengthen the communities where they live and work.

United Way donor dollars are pooled together to support 46 local programs operated by 38 community partner agencies — many of which directly benefit students, families and individuals right here in our county.

And 100% of donations stay local here in Chautauqua County.

Workplace campaigns like this are at the heart of United Way’s fundraising efforts. By pledging just a small amount from each paycheck, employees turn everyday generosity into lasting support for programs that build Youth Opportunity, improve Health Equity, strengthen Community Resiliency, and grow Self-Sufficiency across our county.

This is how local change happens — workplace by workplace, paycheck by paycheck, pledge by pledge.

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

08/31/2026

We were so thankful to have Refresco’s help again this year for Day of Caring!

The Refresco team lent a hand at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County on Friday, Aug. 21st — and we loved seeing their commitment continue.

As part of Day of Caring, their volunteers showed up up, rolled up their sleeves and put their time and talents to work for an organization that plays such an important role in the lives of local children.

Day of Caring is about mobilizing volunteers and connecting them with local organizations that can use an extra set of hands — and Refresco is a great example of a workplace that continues to show up for our community.

Thank you, Refresco, for coming back and being part of Day of Caring again this year! And thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for welcoming our volunteers and putting them to work. 💙

United is the way!

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐪𝐮𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐇𝐐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚.

Live CHQ Univera Healthcare

08/31/2026

We’re proud to see United Way of Chautauqua County Board Member Ivory Brooks-Seay recognized for her outstanding work supporting mental health and the SUNY Fredonia community.

Ivory’s commitment to expanding access, fostering belonging and helping students connect with the support they need is making a meaningful difference.

Congratulations, Ivory, on this well-deserved statewide recognition! 👏

A mental health counselor at SUNY Fredonia has earned statewide recognition for her work with students and the campus community. Ivory Brooks-Seay of Fredonia's Counseling C

08/27/2026

We were glad to be part of Tuesday’s 2026 Capacity Lab Retreat alongside more than 60 nonprofit leaders from across Chautauqua County — including many of the organizations that make up United Way of Chautauqua County’s network of Community Partners.

The Capacity Lab put together an exceptional day focused on something every nonprofit needs: the opportunity to step back, recharge, learn, connect with peers, and bring new ideas back to the work.

From resilience and leadership to collaboration, governance, wellness and practical tools for working smarter, the retreat offered meaningful opportunities for nonprofit leaders to strengthen both themselves and the organizations they lead.

We’re grateful to The Capacity Lab for creating a space that recognizes an important part of building a stronger nonprofit sector: investing in the people doing the work.

When nonprofit leaders have the opportunity to expand their capacity, elevate their effectiveness and strengthen their organizations, our entire community benefits. We were proud to be in the room.