Advocate

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 Advocate for the Boys Scouts of America

The Rome and Western Oneida County United Way seeks examples of how your contributions support our member agencies.  Our Executive Director, Ralph Varano knew that my wife Ruth and I had been involved for many years with the Boy Scouts of America, and suggested that I explain how this agency has affected our lives.

At Ruth's encouragement our oldest son Andrew joined Cub Scouts in 1984 and subsequently our sons Paul and Daniel joined scouts.  Ruth and I moved to a reduced activity when Dan finished in 2000.  I am still a registered member (26 years now) but now only work on fund raisers and when they call me.

Our sons used all of the opportunities provided by Scouting: weekly meetings to work on their development as good citizens of this country, monthly camp outs to enjoy their friends in scouting and to work on merit badges, and attended summer camps to make progress toward roles of greater responsibility in the pack and troop.  All three sons attained the rank of Eagle and thoroughly enjoyed their time in scouting (Ridge Mills, Ft Stanwix, and Denti School packs and troops).

No only did our boys benefit from the United Way's support to Scouting, I also enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of the fine adult leaders who volunteered extensively so that the organizatioin could deliver its service to the community.

 The word ADVOCATE from the Dictionary is described as a person who speaks or writes in support of or in defense of a person or cause, etc.

SPREAD THE WORD!     SHARE YOUR STORY!!

As a community, our lives are affected everyday by one of our partner agencies.  They provide us with the support our family members, friends and neighbors may need in times of struggle.

Tell us how they have made a difference in your life or someone you know who has been affected by the many services and programs that our agencies provide.

BE AN ADVOCATE!

uwromeny@unitedwayromeny.org

Rose's Story:

                        Sometime ago, when I was a young mother, my son was born with a handicap.  With no where to turn I contacted the United Way and they directed me to Upstate Cerebral Palsy.  What a Godsend!  Services were provided to help my son advance in language, motor skills and occupational therapy.  Schooling was provided and he received individual one on one counseling.  It also provided me with peace of mind knowing that my son was on his way to a better future.  That was a number of years ago and he is now a healthy and productive member of the work force.  I do not know where he would have been without this service.  My family is very grateful for everything they provided.