We put our UU values into practice by supporting local justice and service organizations. The Share Our Plate program gives half of all weekly plate donations to a local nonprofit organization. If you know of a worthy project or organization or would like information about other ways to help this year’s organizations, please contact the UUSO Office at uuso@uuso.org or (607) 432-3491, or the coordinator of the Share Our Plate program at socialaction@uuso.org.
The organizations for 2024-2025 are listed below. For further information, please click on each organization’s name to be redirected to its website.
September: Your Safe Haven
Your Safe Haven, formerly The Lord’s Table and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, a program of St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta, became an independently operating nonprofit organization in mid-2024. The pantry continues to serve hot meals for the community in the same location as before, now renting the building from the church for $1 a year.
October: Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., Violence Intervention Program
Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program (OFO, VIP) offers free and confidential support to victims, survivors, and families impacted by violent crime such as domestic violence, sexual assault, physical assault, elder abuse, stalking, hate crimes, motor vehicle assault, and homicide. The program promotes safe environments, self-determination, and self-worth, and envisions a future where people are free from abuse and oppression.
November: The Otsego Refugee Resettlement Coalition
Many of us are the descendants of refugees and immigrants. Some of us are refugees or immigrants ourselves. We are committed to extending the same welcome and promise that was offered to our families to those who need a place to call home. In so doing we are convinced that welcoming refugees will help to build a stronger economy and community.
December: Oneonta Warming Station
The Oneonta Warming Station was established in 2021 as a safe and warm space in Oneonta for people without shelter during the cold nights of the year. It is open from November 1 to March 31 on a drop-in basis and provides shelter, food, and social services.
Christmas Eve Special Collection: Caring Connections
Caring Connections works with individuals and families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Assistance includes a listening ear; referrals to and education regarding existing programs and services; budgeting assistance; advocacy; and when needed, material goods and financial assistance.
January: Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc. (FOR-DO)
FOR-DO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting addiction recovery through every available means, including advocacy, education, and peer support. FOR-DO affirms the power and possibility of recovery; provides education and awareness activities to reduce stigma and discrimination related to Substance Use Disorder; advocates for legislation and services that support recovery from a Substance Use Disorder; and operates community recovery centers providing peer-based support, life-skills education, social activities, informational resources, and a place for mutual-support meetings for individuals in recovery and their families.
February: NAACP Oneonta Branch
The Oneonta Area NAACP branch was organized in 1993. Its mission has been to eradicate racism, eliminate racial profiling, and secure justice. The NAACP promotes equality before the law, equity in education and employment, and fairness in housing and financing.
March: Oneonta Boys and Girls Club
The Oneonta Boys and Girls Club (OBGC) is an independent, unaffiliated nonprofit organization, founded by Carl J. Delberta in 1947. Its mission is to build a community that raises strong, kind, confident kids. Children ages 6 to 16 have the option to participate in a wide range of activities, including art, archery, cooking, dance, boxing, basketball, floor hockey, wrestling, and basketball. The facilities include a homework room, game room, gym, snack bar, and fitness room. Summer programs are also offered. The membership is a sliding fee determined by the family’s financial resources.
April: Otsego County Conservation Association
Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County’s natural resources through research, education, advocacy, planning, and resource management and practice. As a county-wide environmental organization addressing a broad spectrum of basic environmental concerns, OCCA plays a key role in initiating and carrying out programs designed to improve or protect Otsego County’s air, land, and water. “Wide support from county residents enhances our ability to accomplish our mission.”
May: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Greater Central NY (AFSP)
AFSP’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, bringing together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. AFSP’s Greater Central NY Region covers 16 counties, including Otsego and its surrounding neighbor counties. Its grassroots work focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
June: Otsego Pride Alliance
Otsego Pride Alliance’s mission is to support, raise awareness, and create understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community and its needs in the Otsego County area. OPA works to foster open-mindedness and the creation of safe places for members of the community, allies, friends, and family to express themselves freely. By recognizing the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity OPA seeks to promote an environment in which all feel welcome.
July: Super Heroes Humane Society
Super Heroes Humane Society was founded by local grassroots animal activists in 2017 as Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans, in response to an urgent demand in the Oneonta area for low-cost spay/neuter programs, a pet-food pantry, and assistance obtaining emergency veterinary care, and became an official humane society in 2018. A vital army of volunteers helps carry out the mission. Understanding how important a home setting is for animals’ well-being, a robust network of foster homes was created.
August: Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., Violence Intervention Program
Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program (OFO, VIP) offers free and confidential support to victims, survivors, and families impacted by violent crime such as domestic violence, sexual assault, physical assault, elder abuse, stalking, hate crimes, motor vehicle assault, and homicide. The program promotes safe environments, self-determination, and self-worth, and envisions a future where people are free from abuse and oppression.