Capital Area
A Statement from United Way of South Central Michigan
On January 27, the President issued an Executive Order halting payments from federal grants and loans to nonprofit and government programs nationwide. Described as temporary to allow the Administration time to make sure those programs align with its priorities, the funding pause has been blocked until Monday by a federal judge. While the effects of…
Read MoreNew Mobile Office to Bring Free Tax Preparation To Eligible Households in Lansing, Capital Area
A new, rolling tax preparation office will make it a little easier for eligible households in Lansing and beyond to get their tax returns done this year. United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) announced the RV-size Free Tax Prep Mobile today. A feature of UWSCMI’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, the Free Tax…
Read MoreUNITED IS THE WAY HOME: Equipping Families in Capital Area
Note: During the month of February, United Way is mobilizing to raise dollars for initiatives and programs that address homelessness and housing insecurity. By making a gift today, you can make a difference—right in the community where you live. LANSING—Think of someone experiencing homelessness, and you probably conjure an image—someone standing on a street corner…
Read MoreEmpowering 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 MoreVolunteer 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 MoreVITA: 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 MoreALICE Report: Financial Hardship Rises
Today the Michigan Association of United Ways, in collaboration with United For ALICE, Consumers Energy Foundation and local United Ways statewide, released an updated report on financial hardship among Michigan households. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – individuals earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses. The latest…
Read MoreFEMA Grants Bring $466K For Local Relief
UWSCMI facilitated a grant process that provided $466,232 in federal funds to local organizations providing food, shelter and utility assistance to people in high-need areas. The emergency funding was announced in February and provided through the Emergency Food And Shelter National Board Program (EFSP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency…
Read MoreThe 2023/24 Volunteer of the Year Awards
LANSING – April brought National Volunteer Month, and United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Fox 47 News and WLNS TV6 celebrated with the 2023 Capital Area Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nominees, nominators, and community members gathered April 24 at the Marshall Street Armory in Lansing to watch a previously recorded video…
Read MoreAlyssa Stewart Reflects On UW Career
After a decade as a driving force in United Way’s work, Alyssa Stewart is moving on to a new challenge – but she is still a United Way champion. Stewart, who has been UWSCMI’s Executive Impact Officer, is joining the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, where she will direct impact activities, grantmaking and scholarships. It’s a role…
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