United Way of New York State & 211 New York Inc. Statement on the Release of the 2025-2026 Executive Budget
United Way of New York State extends its deepest gratitude to Governor Hochul for her unwavering support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure this vital initiative continues to receive robust backing. Additionally, we wish to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our local United Ways, whose advocacy was instrumental in advancing this legislation.
However, we are profoundly disheartened by the persistent lack of support for 211.
211 is a critical service that thousands of New Yorkers rely on daily. Through 211, individuals gain access to free, confidential assistance for essential needs, including counseling, food security, healthcare and insurance, stable housing, utility payment support, and employment services. Available to households 24/7/365 for the daily challenges of life, in 2024, 211 additionally supported Oneida and Madison counties after the July tornados devastated Rome and Canastota, as well as Steuben County after the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby.
As highlighted in our ALICE Report, every New Yorker deserves the fundamental right to safe and affordable housing, access to nutritious food, and affordable mental and physical health care. Of the 7.8 million households in New York State, an alarming 46% fall below the ALICE threshold, 31% are considered ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed; working households above the federal poverty level.
It is imperative that funding for 211 is prioritized in this year’s state budget. We are committed to working with the Legislature to ensure this vital resource receives the necessary funding in the final enacted budget. While we appreciate the Governor's support, we remain steadfastly hopeful that the importance of 211 will be fully recognized and reflected in the state’s funding commitments.
As a statewide organization, United Way of New York State works with local United Ways across New York to mobilize resources, advocate for policy change, and create lasting solutions to the challenges facing communities. Through collaborations with individuals, businesses, and organizations, United Way empowers people to improve their lives and build stronger communitie
2-1-1 New York, Inc., a subsidiary of United Way of New York State was designated by the New York State Public Service Commission to develop and oversee 2-1-1 services. 211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, people contact 211 to access free and confidential information about counseling, food, health care and insurance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services, and disaster assistance. In New York State, 211 is available 24/7 and provided by local United Ways, community information and referral services, and the City of New York.
United Way of New York State & 211 New York Inc. Congratulates Kelly Dodd on Her Appointment to the NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council
United Way of New York State is proud to celebrate the appointment of Kelly Dodd, Vice President of United Way of New York State & Chief Operating Officer of 211 New York Inc. to the New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC). Kelly’s dedication to fostering opportunities for children and families across New York State exemplifies the mission of building strong, equitable communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and her administration for this choice.
As a champion for early childhood education, Kelly has been instrumental in advocating for quality programs and resources that empower children, families, and educators.
United Way of New York State is confident that Kelly will bring innovative perspectives, collaborative leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Council's vital work of shaping policies that support the well-being of children and families statewide. United Way of New York State looks forward to the positive impact Kelly will continue to have in her new capacity.
As a statewide organization, United Way of New York State works with local United Ways across New York to mobilize resources, advocate for policy change, and create lasting solutions to the challenges facing communities. Through collaborations with individuals, businesses, and organizations, United Way empowers people to improve their lives and build stronger communities.
2-1-1 New York, Inc., a subsidiary of United Way of New York State was designated by the New York State Public Service Commission to develop and oversee 2-1-1 services. 211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, people contact 211 to access free and confidential information about counseling, food, health care and insurance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services, and disaster assistance. In New York State, 211 is available 24/7 and provided by local United Ways, community information and referral services, and the City of New York.
United Way of New York State Issues Statement on Gov. Hochul's 2025 State of the State Address
United Way of New York State applauds Governor Hochul for including critical essential needs in her 2025 State of the State address. Many of the proposed initiatives align with United Way's mission, such as expanding free school lunches, protecting children's mental health, and securing affordable housing.
We were disappointed yet again not to see the critical funding for 211, and we strongly urge the Governor and the Legislature to fund 211— a service that falls directly in line with the themes of this year’s state of the state-housing, financial stability, and emergency response resources. 211 has been an important governmental partner for 20 years and has proven to be the most efficient way to connect New York families to health and human services.
As we indicate in our ALICE Report, every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to have safe and secure housing, food, and access to affordable mental and physical healthcare. Out of 7.8 million households— 31% qualify as Alice (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) and 46% fall BELOW the Alice threshold. The Governor’s initiatives and measures aim to ease the burden on struggling families, as so many New Yorkers are not able to make ends meet.
The United Way of New York State is thrilled to work with Governor Hochul and the Legislature to improve the safety and security of every New Yorker from Buffalo to Montauk.
Therese Daly, President & CEO United Way of New York State
United Way of New York State and 2-1-1 New York, Inc. Announce Therese Daly as New President and CEO, Albany, NY
United Way of New York State (UWNYS) and 2-1-1 New York, Inc. (211 NY) are pleased to announce the appointment of Therese Daly as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 10th, 2025.
Therese Daly, a respected leader with extensive experience in advocacy, public relations, and government affairs, will lead the statewide organizations in its mission to improve lives and strengthen communities across New York.
Therese Daly brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of accomplishments in the political, transportation, and financial sectors. She most recently served as Chief Advocacy and Government Affairs Officer at the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), where she played a pivotal role in policy development and advocacy. Daly’s expertise spans over a decade in strategy development, business development, communication, public relations, and government relations.
Before her time at NYATEP, Therese served as Vice President at Mercury Public Affairs, where she worked out of both the Albany and New York City offices. Her leadership experience also includes serving as the Director of Correspondence for Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ office, where she served as a key staffer for the Leader for a number of years.
"I am thrilled to join UWNYS and 211 NY at such a pivotal time," said Therese Daly. "I am inspired by the organizations’ dedication to creating lasting change and improving the lives of individuals and families across New York. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at United Way, as well as our community partners, to further our mission and address the needs of our state’s most vulnerable populations. I am grateful to the leadership of Board Chair Darley Willis and Capital Region Executive Director Pete Gannon and looking forward to working with the incoming board chair, Kevin O’Brien and his extraordinary leadership. Together we can make a difference.”
Therese’s career is marked by her commitment to leadership and advocacy. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including Nominee for Forbes 30 under 30, YWCA Resourceful Woman Award, A Siena Saint Who Don’t Sit On The Sidelines, Friends of Recovery 2022 Recovery Community Spotlight Award Recipient. Therese was featured on City and State’s 2022 40 under 40 as part of a feature on the best and the brightest of Albany, a Rising Power Player in New York State by Politics NY and AM Media, City & State's 100 Most Responsible Leaders in NYS, City & State’s 100 Most Powerful People in Economic Development in NYS, City & State’s 2024 Trailblazer in the Nonprofit Sector in New York State, and was most recently named on City & State’s 2024 Economic Development Trailblazer List.
Therese serves on the board of the Shaker Heritage Site, Eleanor’s Legacy, and the NYS Economic Development Council.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Therese Daly as the new President and CEO of United Way of New York State," said Incoming Board Chair Kevin O’Brien. "Her deep experience in advocacy, public affairs, and her commitment to social change make her the perfect person to lead our organization. We are confident that under her leadership, United Way will continue to grow and create an even greater impact across the state."
As President and CEO, Daly will oversee the continued expansion of United Way's efforts to advocate for policy solutions, mobilize resources, and support local initiatives focused on improving education, advancing economic mobility, and promoting public health across New York State.
About United Way of New York State
United Way of New York State is a statewide organization that works with local United Ways across New York to mobilize resources, advocate for policy change, and create lasting solutions to the challenges facing communities. Through collaborations with individuals, businesses, and organizations, United Way empowers people to improve their lives and build stronger communities.
About 2-1-1 New York Inc.
2-1-1 New York, Inc., a subsidiary of United Way of New York State was designated by the New York State Public Service Commission to develop and oversee 2-1-1 services. 211 is a vital service leveraged by millions oof people across North America. Every day, people contact 211 to access free and confidential information about counseling, food, health care and insurance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services, and disaster assistance. In New York State, 211 is available 24/7 and provided by local United Ways, community information and referral services, and the City of New York.
For more information about 211 NY please visit: www.211nys.org