Request for Proposal: Public Policy Planning/Government Relations Facilitation

TO:  Prospective Bidders FROM:  United Way of South Central Michigan CONTACT:  Lyonel LaGrone II (he/him), Community Impact Director RE:  Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide public policy planning & government relations facilitation services DATE:  October 30, 2023  ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN  United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) gathers the power of three legacy organizations—Capital Area…

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Food Inspired: Clark’s Special Kitchen

“Food is where my heart is. Food makes me happy.”  These are the words of Isa Clark, who as owner and founder of Clark’s Special Kitchen, wants to share his passion for food and make others happy, too.  Since 2022, Clark’s Special Kitchen has been serving the Kalamazoo community with some incredible Nigerian Fusion cuisine.…

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Tackling Local Hunger: South Michigan Food Bank

JACKSON – For most of us, the biggest uncertainty about our next meal is what we’ll eat. But for thousands in Jackson County, the unknown is where that meal will come from. United Way partners with South Michigan Food Bank to support food distribution and local pantries to make sure people can feed themselves and…

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Breaking Down Barriers Early: Student Advocacy Center

connection corner, "jackson" with student advocacy center of michigan logo

JACKSON – Studies show that a quality education is a vital investment in a person’s lifelong success. That investment must begin at the earliest stages of schooling. The Student Advocacy Center, funded in part by United Way of South Central Michigan, works collaboratively with underserved students, and their families, to stay in school, realize their…

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Building through Reading: Kalamazoo Literacy Council

united way of south central michigan logo, connection corner followed by kalamazoo with picture of 4 individuals.

At its core, Kalamazoo Literacy Council works to enhance the lives of adults by improving their reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills.  The organization achieves this in a number of ways, one of which is their adult learning plan, which helps students set goals and overcome educational barriers. The impact carries far beyond each individual…

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Catching the Dream: A Name That Speaks for Itself

Since 2021, Catching the Dream Learning Center has been providing educational services to Burmese American children ages 0-5 as they begin their educational journey in a new land. Founded by a passionate group of Burmese Americans, Catching the Dream looks to provide a new opportunity to receive education and participate in the community as equals.…

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Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget Signed with Significant Investments for ALICE

United Way of South Central Michigan applauds the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer for successfully negotiating a final state budget deal that included many wins for our region and the work we do to support ALICE and the families we serve.  Some highlights of the budget allocations that will benefit our community include: The UWSCMI…

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Connection Corner: Partial to Girls

JACKSON – Over a third of households countywide are single-parent households, nearly all of them female-led and many struggling financially. Those realities motivate Partial To Girls – Women Taking Action (PTG) to support underserved women and children in the Jackson area. United Way is a proud partner. Here’s an example of this partnership making a…

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Juneteenth in UWSCMI 2023

We all know what July 4 means to this country, but did you know about our nation’s other day of independence?  On June 19, 1865, institutionalized slavery of Black Americans was ended in Texas, the last state where it remained in practice, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That date is now known as…

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The Power of Financial Literacy: Lily Missions Center

JACKSON – An essential part of being financially stable involves learning to manage a budget. That’s a skill that isn’t always understood. Our partnership with Lily Missions Center does two things: it provides an after-school program for kids, and it offers money management skills for parents. “Monica” is a single mother of five living in…

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