Our local communities are unique. They also share similar challenges and dynamics. By joining our United Ways regionally while keeping a local focus, we can deliver far more impact than ever before.
2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: Celebrations and Volunteerism
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed each year on the third Monday of January, is both a day to reflect on the profound impact Dr. King had on civil rights and social justice, and also a day to put his values into action. Known as a “Day of Service,” this is an opportunity for individuals…
Read More
Empowering Families, Brightening Futures: The Impact of UWSCMI’s Program Assistance Center
UWSCMI’s Program Assistance Center (PAC) does more than help light up houses through utility assistance; they also light up lives. Take Jackie.* When she called PAC to address her past-due utility bills, Jackie felt she’d reached a low point. A single mom of three, she didn’t have a job and was struggling financially. PAC provided…
Read More
United Way unveils fresh, new look
United Way is rolling out a new look and a new message to underscore its ongoing commitment to transforming lives. Angela F. Williams, President & CEO of United Way Worldwide, called the global brand refresh, formally unveiled this fall after robust research, “a significant milestone” in the organization’s history of impact. “It signifies our organization’s…
Read More
Community Consultants Play Key Role in Addressing Homelessness
KALAMAZOO – In a recent Second Wave Media article, “Confronting racism’s impact on affordable housing access in Kalamazoo,” the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC) program was highlighted for its role in addressing homelessness, as well as its efforts to gain critical engagement and feedback from members of the community who have experience in being…
Read More
United Way Kicks Off 2024 Campaign
As United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) kicks off its annual fundraising campaign, it’s not doing so alone. Local partner organizations are adding their voices to UWSCMI’s “We Show Up” campaign, highlighting how the relationship benefits their work and the community as a whole. “What does it take to tackle the toughest issues in…
Read More
Recapping Our 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge
For 21 days within the month of August, United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Disability Network of Southwest Michigan, hosted their 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge. This virtual challenge provided one email per day with various topics, exploring disability from a position of equity and pride. It’s designed to raise awareness, increase understanding,…
Read More
Volunteer Fair Coming Sept. 21 to MSU
United Way to Host Event at MSU Aiding Local Nonprofits LANSING – United Way of South Central Michigan will help local nonprofits recruit volunteers to serve their community through a Volunteer Fair at Michigan State University. The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Michigan State University’s Student Services Building, 556…
Read More
VITA: Tax Services With Purpose
Thousands of households in our region received more than $7 million in tax refunds and saved thousands in preparation fees through United Way of South Central Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this past year. VITA is a volunteer-focused tax service dedicated to making a meaningful impact on individuals and families with limited incomes…
Read More
United Way Drives $23.6 Million in Impact
BATTLE CREEK/JACKSON/KALAMAZOO/LANSING, Michigan – United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) announced that local support and outside grants in 2023-24 totaled more than $23.6 million to drive efforts addressing financial hardship and basic needs among households across six counties. UWSCMI also said it began the next round of local allocations — unrestricted dollars from United…
Read More
Workers in Common Low-Wage Jobs Worse Off Than 10 Years Ago
Some low-wage workers are financially worse off today than a decade ago despite recent wage gains, according to a new report from United Way of South Central Michigan and its research partner United For ALICE. Recent wage increases for low-wage jobs have been no match for the surging cost of essentials and a decade of…
Read More