Archive for December 2022
Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants: Fall 2022 Recipients Announced
KALAMAZOO- The fall 2022 round of the Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) program has come to a close, and United Way of South Central Michigan has announced 60 new recipients. KMEG, one of three United Way small business programs, provides $5,000 grants to eligible businesses within the city of Kalamazoo and is designed to bring…
Read MoreIMPACT! Defending the Most Vulnerable
When vulnerable people in our community face legal worries, they can’t count on winning the day like an episode of “Law & Order.” They need experts to defend their rights. Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) is a United Way partner agency striving to make sure every person can tap legal assistance when needed,…
Read MoreUWSCMI Pauses Activities on Twitter, Stands Against Hate Speech
The shocking rise in hate speech on Twitter, especially in recent months, troubles all of us at United Way of South Central Michigan. No social media platform is immune to willful disinformation and hateful posts. Yet Twitter seems markedly prone to it. A recent Tufts University analysis noted a major increase in toxic tweets —…
Read MoreIMPACT! Inspiring Life and Advocacy
The Jackson Chapter of Nation Outside helps formerly incarcerated citizens reconnect with life, employment and community. We partner with them to support the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. The story that follows shows how working together helps families and inspires advocates: Nation Outside met a young pregnant woman who was struggling with maintaining rent and…
Read MoreImpact Week In Review, and a Message From Alyssa Stewart
Impact Week has come to a close at United Way of South Central Michigan, and we’re glad you joined us! Please take a moment to hear a message from our Chief Impact Officer, Alyssa Stewart. Last week, we highlighted the ways in which UWSCMI is looking to ALICE data to drive our investments, partnerships, and programs.…
Read MoreImpact Week Day 5: Caring for Young Families, Supporting Latino Community and Improving Housing in Kalamazoo
It’s Day 5 of Impact Week at United Way of South Central Michigan, and today we are taking a closer look at what’s happening in Kalamazoo County. ALICE* data tells us that overall, 39,433 households – 39 percent – are struggling financially, living either in poverty or below the ALICE threshold. But a deeper dive…
Read MoreImpact Week Day 4: Enrichment for Kids and Better Food Access in Jackson County
It’s Day 4 of Impact Week at United Way of South Central Michigan, and today we are taking a closer look at what’s happening in Jackson County. We know, based on ALICE* data, that 24,781 households in Jackson County – 41 percent – are struggling financially, living either in poverty or below the ALICE threshold.…
Read MoreImpact Week: Day 3 Making College Accessible and Maximizing Tax Credits in Capital Area
It’s Day 3 of Impact Week at United Way of South Central Michigan, and today we are taking a closer look at what’s happening in the Capital Area (Eaton, Ingham, and Clinton counties). ALICE* data tells us that overall, 79,611 households across the three counties – 42 percent – are struggling financially, living either in…
Read MoreImpact Week Day 2: Supporting Mothers and Feeding Children in Battle Creek
It’s Day 2 of Impact Week at United Way of South Central Michigan, and today we are taking a closer look at what’s happening in Battle Creek. ALICE* data tells us that overall, 21,822 households in Calhoun County – 39 percent – are struggling financially, living either in poverty or below the ALICE threshold. But…
Read MoreIMPACT! Rebuilding After Trauma
Trauma can have terrible effects on families. Jackson County residents struggling with tough times are getting the help they need through Family Service & Children’s Aid‘s clinical counseling voucher program—a partnership we’re proud to help fund: With funding by United Way, FSCA ensures that families that have experienced traumatic events can get affordable mental health…
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