news article
UNY donates $20,000 to continued tornado recovery in Rome
June 10, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: United Methodists of Upper New York donate $20,000 to Connected Community Schools for Ongoing Tornado Recovery in Rome
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications (shelbywinchell@unyumc.org)
Liverpool, NY — The Upper New York Conference (UNY) of The United Methodist Church donated $20,000 to Connected Community Schools to support continued recovery efforts in Rome, NY, following the devastating EF-2 tornado that struck the region last summer.
“Connected Community Schools has been an incredible community partner to a number United Methodist Churches for many years. We are grateful for their collaborative, compassionate spirit that helps all people feel heard, valued, and loved,” said Kristina Clark, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator.
The Rome Recovery Fund was created as a response to the storm’s aftermath. The outpouring of generosity across the conference included donations from 79 local churches and 71 individuals, contributing more than $45,000 for UNY Disaster Response.
"Thanks to the compassionate giving of our congregations and individuals across Upper New York, we’re able to continue walking alongside communities still recovering from last summer’s disasters,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “This donation to Connected Community Schools is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to long-term recovery and resilience.”
Connected Community Schools, a Rome-based organization committed to serving children and families, has been instrumental in helping the community recover and rebuild. The donation from UNY will further their efforts to meet immediate needs and foster long-term restoration.
"We can not be any more appreciative to the members of the Upper New York Conference for their generosity and support of not only our Connected Initiative, but our community. Our Rome community is still facing many hardships since the tornado and is far from fully recovered. It is with this donation that we can continue to support those in need. Our partnership-friendship with the conference has been based on a mutual mission of ensuring those in need have the support and resources they are looking for. We seem to both agree we are always better together," said Melissa Roys, Connected Community Schools Co-Leader.
Last summer, UNY Disaster Response supported eight communities impacted by severe weather across the region. Assistance included funding for local partners, coordination of volunteer work teams, and the delivery of disaster relief materials.
To contribute to ongoing relief efforts, visit https://bit.ly/UNYstormrelief.