Book Buddies is a new United Way initiative created with AECSD to help students build confidence, improve literacy, and enjoy reading with a caring mentor. Launched last fall at Genesee Elementary, the pilot paired 14 students with volunteers who met twice a month during lunch to read together—boosting enthusiasm for reading and even increasing attendance, some by more than 50%. This program is completely volunteer-driven. Community members who live or work in Cayuga County answered the call to serve as Book Buddies, and each volunteer was thoroughly vetted by United Way and AECSD before the program began. Teachers saw students thrive, and volunteers loved forming meaningful connections.

If you’re interested in becoming a Book Buddy 2026-2027 season or if you're a business interested in sponsoring the program, please contact United Way’s Office & Programs Assistant Administrator, Sarah Sayles, ssayles@unitedwayofcayugacounty.org.

Student United Way represents the next generation of Community Leaders. In partnership with the Auburn High School, Student United Way focuses on education, health, and financial stability - the essential components of a good quality life. 

What do Student United Ways do?

We mobilize our peers to make lasting community change. Student United Ways figure out what their youth communities most need (in education, financial stability and health), then we all work together to meet those needs. Does your nearest high school have low graduation rates? You can tackle the problem in a preventative way, as a volunteer reading buddy to help young kids improve their reading skills and get on a long-term path to success. Do your lower-income neighbors lack savings accounts? You can help implement a financial literacy course that helps them save more of their hard-earned money and provide for their families. Are many children in your community uninsured? You and your peers can create a campaign to raise awareness about affordable insurance options. 

Free tax preparation provided by IRS Certified volunteers to those with low to moderate incomes.

Tax Season has arrived and CA$H is open by Appointment Only!

To schedule your appointment call the number below and leave your contact information. An IRS certified volunteer will return your call within two (2) weeks to set up your appointment.

Thank you to our IRS Certified volunteers who processed more than 200 returns and thank you to Cayuga Community College for hosting this program again this year!

 SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT, CALL: 315.294.8797

An online, free tax preparation services for individuals and families filing a simple return. Last year, some 500 Cayuga County residents save the cost of filing their return and brought back $500,000 to our community.

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Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — in Cayuga County 21% of our community works, often more than one job and cannot make ends meet. ALICE is a study that is changing the conversation about what it means to survive.

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United Way of Cayuga County is the administrator for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for Cayuga County.  In 2020 Cayuga County received $31,618 which was distributed among 9 local nonprofit agencies. EFSP was appropriated supplemental funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and our community received an additional $45,078 that was distributed among 10 local nonprofit agencies.

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Crisis, hunger, and poverty can affect anyone, at any time. Connecting people in need with local resources is a critical part of our mission. Whether you are in crisis, or need a little support, we’re here to help.