United Way named an accredited charity by Better Business Bureau

pWATERTOWN — The United Way of Northern New York has been deemed an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York — the only nonprofit in the three-county region to hold this designation./ppThe organization has supported the work of nonprofits in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties since 1921 by encouraging citizens to give, volunteer and advocate./ppMost visibly, the United Way asks employees at local businesses to make weekly contributions through payroll deduction./ppAccording to a news release, the organization completed requirements involving financial disclosures and public transparency, surpassing the bureau’s threshold for the funding it brings in and gives out./ppKelsey Rebmann, community programs coordinator for the bureau, stated in the release this accreditation gives donors trust in the nonprofit./pp“The process gives charities an opportunity to showcase transparency and their dedication to ethical practices,” Ms. Rebmann said. “Donors want to feel confident that their money is going to a worthy cause.”/ppThe designation comes during United Way of NNY CEO Robert D. Gorman’s final week in the position, with his last official day set for Monday./ppMr. Gorman held the position for six years and announced his resignation in January. James L. Cox will be taking on the role, with help from Mr. Gorman until June 28./pp“We are proud to lead the way in Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties in gaining this accreditation,” Mr. Gorman stated./p