United Way of New York City

is upon us and you can almost see the glitter in the air. From parades and festivals to art making and stargazing, here’s your guide to FREE Pride events happening throughout June. 🌈

New SNAP work requirements are now in effect, and they may affect some New Yorkers who receive food assistance.

If you're between 18 and 64, don't have a medical exemption from working, and don't live with a child under 14, you may now need to work, volunteer, attend job training, or complete other approved activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep your SNAP benefits.

Check your mail and your ACCESS HRA account for any notices, appointments, or requests for documents.

You may still be exempt if you're pregnant, have a health condition that keeps you from working, are caring for a child under 6 or someone who's incapacitated, are in school or job training, are in treatment, or receive disability benefits (SSI, SSD, or VA disability). If any of these apply, contact HRA as soon as you can.

Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth: you used to be automatically exempt, and that's changed. Call HRA to check your status. You may still qualify based on other circumstances.

One thing to know: missing the requirements won't cut your benefits overnight. You get up to 3 months of missed requirements in any 3-year period before SNAP stops, so use that time and act now.

For more information:

- ACCESS HRA: unitedway.nyc/4ehgQGV

- NYC SNAP Work Requirements: unitedway.nyc/4nZOpkh

- Free help in your community and language: unitedway.nyc/4uKcYE6

- HRA SNAP Hotline: 718-762-7669 (Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM, Sat 11 AM–4 PM)

If you receive SNAP, review your case details now instead of waiting for your recertification date. Knowing whether these rules apply to you today protects your benefits tomorrow.

Our Read, Write + Code (RWC) Fellowship helps middle and high school humanities teachers integrate computer science and AI into their classrooms to expand digital equity—ensuring all students have the technological resources and skills to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

UWNYC and Beam Center held RWC trainings over several months this year. These all-day learning sessions helped 23 RWC fellows build confidence in AI literacy and digital skills.

Teachers left the trainings with several important takeaways:

🔹 AI can be a creative tool for storytelling and self-expression

🔹 Humanities and technology can work together to deepen engagement and critical thinking in the classroom

🔹 Young people thrive when they see themselves as creators and innovators rather than consumers of AI

🔹 Responsible AI use is essential in class, and teachers should develop ethical practices as they explore AI in lessons

RWC is not working to replace humanities instruction but giving teachers new approaches to make it more interactive and meaningful in the age of AI.

A big thank you to Google and Waymo for supporting this innovative initiative.

Financial insecurity can affect more than someone’s ability to cover everyday expenses. It can also take a serious toll on mental health.

Swipe to learn more about the connection between financial stress and mental health—and how we’re helping New Yorkers build stability by increasing access to food and benefits.

Give now: unitedway.nyc/4vieNZ2

Source for data: Kaiser Family Foundation / CNN Survey

Today, alongside emergency food providers, advocates, and elected officials, we rallied at City Hall to call for $100 million in baseline funding for Community Food Connection in the FY27 budget.

As food insecurity rises and SNAP cuts threaten even more New Yorkers, our city must invest in the pantries and soup kitchens families rely on every day. Food security is not optional; it’s essential.

Join us in urging the city to fund CFC and protect access to food for all New Yorkers.

Our team recently visited RiseBoro Community Partnership—an organization we support through the Atlas Program—to hear directly from participants, therapists, and program leaders about how this work is transforming lives.

Atlas is a public health initiative that prevents violence by connecting justice-impacted young people at elevated risk with free, evidence-based family therapy and supportive services.

During the visit, two Atlas participants shared powerful reflections on their journeys—highlighting the challenges they faced and how the program helped them heal, grow, and move forward.

Jermaine D. entered Atlas FFT after experiencing multiple arrests connected to a difficult relationship and the emotional toll of being separated from his child. Through Atlas, he found a judgment-free space to reflect, take accountability, and ultimately become depression-free and anxiety-free while building a stronger foundation for his family’s future.

Demitrius R. came to the program facing legal challenges in connection with a violent incident, the loss of his housing, and separation from his son. With consistent support from his therapists, he stabilized his life, secured new opportunities, and is now focused on building a better future for himself and his child.

United Way of New York City will continue working alongside community partners and city government to help young people involved in the justice system forge pathways to stability, healing, and opportunity beyond incarceration.

Last night’s Gridiron Gala brought together the New York Jets, New York Giants and the United Way of New York City community to huddle up for our city. 🏈

Thanks to our supporters, we raised over $2.6 million to strengthen UWNYC community programs. These initiatives support New Yorkers who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet--the New Yorkers who are ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

We were proud to recognize our exceptional honorees:

Harrison Phillips
Defensive Lineman, New York Jets

Brian Burns
Outside Linebacker, New York Giants

Christopher J. Perry
President, Broadridge

Kathryn Wylde
Former President & CEO, Partnership for New York City

Gridiron Gala Cohosts Chris Canty and Tina Cervasio brought their A-game and took us through this unforgettable evening.

If you couldn’t join us, you can still get in the game.

Donate here: unitedway.nyc/4dap7My

Learn more about the Gridiron Gala and how you can get involved next year: unitedway.nyc/3RazkQn

Advancing Health Equity Through Partnership 🤝💜

Together with our Connect2Care partner Commonpoint, United Way of New York City was proud to support a Community Baby Shower at the Queens Museum—bringing holistic, community-centered care to moms and families in Queens.

Through UWNYC supported Community Baby Showers, families received essential maternal and infant supplies, culturally responsive health education in Spanish, access to local resource providers, and free health screenings—addressing real needs and strengthening pathways to care.

This event is a powerful example of how strong cross-sector partnerships can help reduce financial burdens, improve healthcare access, and advance health equity for mothers and families. We’re grateful to partner with Commonpoint to help meet community needs and support parents where they are.

We look forward to welcoming more families at events across the five broughs over the next few months.

Support work like this: unitedway.nyc/4toOezS

We were thrilled to celebrate the 3rd Annual Rising Stars Celebration with CIBC.

The evening brought together our 2026 Rising Stars and Alumni, honored each year at our Power of Women Luncheon. We were also happy to welcome members of UWNYC's Board and Women United Leadership Committee, UWNYC partners,
and new friends to honor the impact of young professionals driving change across NYC.

A sincere thank you to our partners at CIBC for launching this celebration to honor our community and create a space rooted in connection and mentorship.

The Rising Stars community continues to grow, strengthening our shared commitment to creating opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive--especially at a time when too many are struggling with the rising cost of living.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and made the evening such a success.

The Gridiron Gala silent auction is now live, and it’s the most exciting lineup yet (no offense, boys).

Bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences ranging from Super Bowl LXI tickets, dinner at New York City’s “Most Impossible Table,” Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a luxury escape at an iconic hotel on one of the best beaches in the world, and more.

Some of our favorites include:

🏈 Two Tickets to Super Bowl LXI: See the most anticipated game of the year live in Los Angeles. Plus, get two passes to the Super Bowl LXI Experience, and 100,000 Hilton Honors points to cover your stay. (Psst: Rumor has it Taylor Swift is among those vying for the halftime show.)

🥘 Dinner for Four at Lincoln Center’s Tatiana: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience at Kwame Onwuachi's iconic Lincoln Center restaurant, otherwise known as NYC's most sought-after table.

🎥 Two Tickets to Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen: Join the 22-seat live studio audience for a kiki session with Andy and a housewife or two in the infamous Bravo Clubhouse, where tickets are limited and the shotskis are plenty.

☀️ Four Nights at the Iconic Hotel Del Coronado: Enjoy a four night luxury escape at the hotel frequented by royalty, celebrities, and presidents—set directly on Coronado Beach, San Diego, one of America’s top 10 beaches.

Check out all the items, place your bids, and keep an eye out for more items to be added: unitedway.nyc/gridironauction