United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Brings Holiday Relief and Vital Resources to Former Sumitomo Workers

  • November 25, 2024

BUFFALO, NY, November 25, 2024 – Today, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) provided tangible support to 500 former Sumitomo Rubber employees and their families, distributing turkeys and $50 Tops Markets gift cards to help ease the burden of the holiday season.

Held at UWBEC headquarters on Delaware Avenue, the Thanksgiving distribution event was made possible through the United Way Community Resilience Fund, established to address urgent community needs following the December 2022 Blizzard. In addition to immediate holiday assistance, UWBEC is offering former Sumitomo employees and their families free access to its Work/Life Solutions Program through May 31, 2025.

This program will provide six months of resources designed to reduce stress, improve financial well-being, and navigate the complexities of this transition. Benefits of the program include:

  • Access to a Resource Coordinator who can connect families with mental health support, food assistance, child care, and more.
  • Financial Education to help manage budgets and plan for the future.

“The Sumitomo closure has deeply impacted our community, and while providing a meal is a meaningful way to show we care, we know that these families need more than short-term help,” said Trina Burruss, President and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. “Programs like Work/Life Solutions allow us to extend a hand to those in need, empowering them to navigate difficult times with personalized financial guidance, action plans, and a direct line to vital resources.”

UWBEC has a long-standing legacy of supporting working families in partnership with the labor community, reflecting a shared vision of building a community where everyone can thrive. This initiative is the latest demonstration of UWBEC’s commitment to mobilizing resources and providing hands-on support in times of need.

For more information on United Way’s Community Resilience Fund or the Work/Life Solutions program available to former Sumitomo employees, our Community Resilience Fund page.

 

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