Share Our Plate Recipients, 2026-2027
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 coordinator of the Share Our Plate program at socialaction@uuso.org.
The organizations for 2026-2027 are listed below. For further information, please click on each organization’s name to be redirected to its website.
2026
September: Oneonta Community Health Center
Through its volunteer licensed medical professionals, The Oneonta Community Health Center (OCHC) provides free primary health care to low income, uninsured adults and those challenged with health care and insurance costs. OCHC also coordinates resources to help clients in applying for state or federal health insurance programs.
Dr. Benjamin Friedell founded the OCHC in 2007, in coordination with the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta (UUSO) and other community members. Since then, the OCHC has provided quality health care, even in times of uncertainty like the COVID-19 epidemic, and has established a reputation in the community as a reliable and compassionate organization.
October: Oneonta Veteran's Outreach Center
As part of The Utica Center for Development (UCD), the Oneonta Veteran's Outreach Center is committed to empowering veterans and their families in need through comprehensive support services, housing assistance, mental health programs, and community initiatives. By providing veteran-focused programs, stable housing solutions, peer support, emergency aid, and youth development opportunities, and an onsite food pantry, the organization fosters resilience and creates pathways to long-term stability. Located in the Oneonta Armory building at 4 Academy Street, the facility opened in 2025. The hours are Monday-Friday 8:30AM to 3:00PM.
November: 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. The Warming Station serves adults (over 18 yrs.) male and female individuals who are presenting as homeless or in need of overnight accommodations.
December: Family Resource Network
Individuals with special needs deserve every opportunity to achieve their unique potential. The Family Resource Network (FRN) was founded by parents to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs and their families, empowering them to lead productive independent lives within the community. The FRN is a vital part of our community for 25 years, founded to serve a growing segment of our community in need of hard-to-access services.
Christmas Eve Special Collection: Caring Connections
A collaboration with local churches to connect families and vulnerable members of the community with resources to meet basic needs, Caring Connections works with individuals and families who are struggling to get by. 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.
2027
January: Leaf Council on Alcoholism and Addictions
LEAF is committed to reclaiming lives, strengthening families, and building healthy communities. The organization works to support a community where children and adults can thrive free from the effects of alcoholism and other addictive diseases. Services include education, prevention, referrals, collaboration, and public works to support our communities. LEAF also works with schools to support addiction and safety education.
February: NAACP Oneonta Branch
The Oneonta Area branch of the NAACP 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 World of Learning (OWL)
Oneonta World of Learning is a hands-on exploratory space for children to play. OWL believes that play is important to children's intellectual, emotional and social well-being and that children learn best in the company of their parents and primary caregivers. Established in 2008, OWL is a volunteer-led, community-supported nonprofit organization. Events and open play are hosted at the playhouse at 167 Young Road in Oneonta's Fortin Park.
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.
May: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Greater Central NY (AFSP)
The mission of the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Their 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 those individuals who have lost someone to suicide. The chapter coordinates the Out of the Darkness Walks with money raised going to AFSP Greater Central New York.
June: Otsego Pride Alliance
Otsego Pride Alliance’s (OPA) 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 (Super Heroes) was founded because of an incredible demand in the community for low-cost spay/neuter programs and a pet food pantry. The organization was officially registered as a Humane Society in New York State and recognized as a 501(c)(3) in 2018. A growing volunteer group sustains the mission along with a robust network of foster homes. Super Heroes’ shelter facility is located at 160 Pony Farm Road in Oneonta. The organization also works with individuals to prepare a plan in the event their beloved pet(s) outlives them. The demand for Super Heroes’ services has fueled tremendous growth. Over 1,200 animals have been served in the last three years.
August: Your Safe Haven
Your Safe Haven, formerly The Lord’s Table and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, was previously a program of St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta. It became an independently operating nonprofit organization in 2024 and now rents the building from the church for $1 a year. The pantry serves hot meals at 18 Elm Street on Monday through Friday 4:00PM-5:30PM. The Food Pantry is open Tuesday Evening 4:30-6:00PM. An average of 77 meals are served daily to members of the community. Each meal represents care, connection, and a place where people are welcomed just as they are.