Funding from the United Way of Cayuga County is helping local organizations provide everything from scouting programs to music education and mentoring opportunities for young people across the county.
Through its Youth Opportunity Impact Grant program, the United Way awards grants to nonprofit organizations serving children and young adults from birth through age 21. The funding supports a wide range of services, including child care, before- and after-school programs, summer camps, performing arts, and scouting.
“These are specifically grants given to agencies supporting children from birth until the age of 21 in a variety of different ways,” said Julissa Stone-Szpachier, development and engagement manager for United Way of Cayuga County.
The organization is expected to announce its 2026-27 member agencies later this week.
Among the agencies receiving Youth Opportunity Impact Grants are Scouting America’s Longhouse Council and Perform4Purpose, both of which use the funding to expand opportunities for young people in Cayuga County.
Executive Director Ed Theetge said the Longhouse Council, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America Longhouse Council, changed its name after opening its programs to girls in 2019 and rebranding as Scouting America in 2025. Today, the organization focuses on serving entire families while emphasizing character development and outdoor education.
Theetge said United Way funding helps support a staff member dedicated to Cayuga County, whose job is to establish new scouting units and connect more young people with programs that teach leadership, outdoor skills, and character development.
Another grant recipient, Perform4Purpose, uses music and the performing arts to teach teamwork while giving back to the community.
The nonprofit offers children and teens opportunities to learn instruments, perform publicly, and raise money for local causes, including food pantries and women’s shelters.
Enrique Hernandez, a senior mentor with Perform4Purpose, said one of the most rewarding parts of the program has been watching younger performers develop their confidence and skills.
“I’ve gotten to see some of the younger kids … grow up so much, and they’ve gotten so good at performing,” Hernandez said. “I think it’s very endearing to see that there’s still a younger generation out there that wants to perform and grow.”
Beyond music, Hernandez said the organization teaches valuable life skills.
“Perform4Purpose is very much about teamwork and collaboration,” he said. “It’s not just performances. It’s setting up all the equipment, tearing it down, making sure we’re respectful of the events we’re playing at. I think all of that plays into your professional development.”
Stone-Szpachier said donor support makes the grants possible and allows United Way to invest in organizations that strengthen communities throughout Cayuga County.
