Posts by briangmail

Nearly one million Michigan children live in households that can’t afford basic necessities, with stark differences based on race and ethnicity, according to new research released by United Way. Based on 2019 data, the ALICE In Focus: Children Report found 44% of kids statewide fall below the ALICE Threshold for Financial Survival, with 17% living…

The start of a new year is my favorite time to pause and reflect on the successes and setbacks of the last year. It doesn’t need to be said that 2021 had its challenges. A blog by Nikkia Hurlbert In Jackson, we saw a student homelessness rate of over 20% in some school districts, our…

Mental health can be influenced in many ways—traumatic events, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, and much more. Jackson County residents struggling with issues like these can connect to counseling services through a voucher program offered by Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, and Family Service & Children’s Aid—a partnership we’re proud to help fund. An…

About one of every eight people in Jackson County—that’s more than 20,000 people—is food-insecure, according to Feeding America. United Way believes no one should have to worry where their next meal is coming from. That’s why we partner with South Michigan Food Bank to make sure every person has access to food. South Michigan Food Bank serves eight…

The great team at Partial To Girls, a United Way partner, recently shared this unique perspective on what we mean when we say “partnership”: “In April 2021, Partial to Girls was able to help a 19-year-old pregnant woman who had a 3-year-old son from sleeping in her car for almost three weeks straight. She also hadn’t had…

If you’re active in the Battle Creek community at all, you might know Rose “Rossie” Miller. She’s worked with the South Michigan Food Bank, operated a food pantry, served on the Yes we can! initiative through the Battle Creek Community Foundation, chaired the board for what is now Grace Health, and served multiple terms on…

Felecia Parker is looking forward to purchasing a new home this year, and planning to put in a garden with her children. She’s currently in the 21st year of her career as a medical assistant, overseeing remote learning for her 5- and 7-year-old, and actively searching for that new property with space for a garden. She’s…