Batavia United Way there for us and you

If you are in any way connected to the community of Batavia, you, or someone you know, have most likely been touched in some way by the Batavia United Way. If you have any doubt, just visit bataviaunitedway.org and take a peek at the list of nonprofit partners it supports.

During its 60-plus years of existence, the Batavia United Way, formerly called Batavia Community Chest, has always been committed to funding nonprofits that support the needs of local residents. Batavia United Way partners helped more than 5,000 Batavia residents in 2010. That is about one out of every five residents. It has given more than $1.5 million to support local partners during the past 15 years. The donation of funds, large and small, is provided by local businesses, major corporations and many, many local residents.

We love to support the Batavia United Way because of personal experience with some of their nonprofit partners during stressful family situations. No one could have predicted our father would be afflicted with Parkinson’s disease while still in his 50s. Always a hard working man, our dad needed to retire earlier than expected at 62. Not able to fully care for himself at home, he needed day care assistance while our mother continued working. The Elderday Center, currently in Batavia’s Bethany Lutheran Church, was the ideal place for dad to spend his daytime hours. We will always be grateful that Elderday was there.

On another occasion Day One Network was able to assist us in securing long-term housing needs for a suddenly handicapped family member. Before Day One there was a series of nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, but not the stability we have today.

The Batavia United Way has survived for many years because people see the results all around them. Check out their website and consider a donation. Check with your employer or visit the website to set up an automatic payroll deduction.

John and Marcy Dillon

Elburn