Capital Area
The 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…
Read MoreNominations Open for Capital Area Volunteer of the Year
Annually, the United Way of South Central Michigan-Capital Area Volunteer Center recognizes community volunteers for their significant impact on nonprofits in the Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties through their gifts of time and talent. These awards recognize individuals who provide valuable volunteerism to our community through their dedication and hard work, making a difference in…
Read MoreMartin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Celebration: 2024
In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as such. The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans…
Read MoreTake the LGBTQIA+ Equity Challenge
United Way of South Central Michigan is partnering with OutFront Kalamazoo to offer a 21-Day LGBTQIA+ Equity Challenge as an opportunity for our communities to learn, come together and break down the systems and biases that keep many people from living a flourishing, equitable life. You will receive one email a day throughout the month…
Read MorePerspective: Recovery Tide Isn’t Lifting All Boats
Editor’s Note: On this Labor Day, President & CEO Chris Sargent offers insights on the economic struggles of ALICE households – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Sadly, there are two starkly different economic realities in America. There’s one in which middle- and high-wage workers saw savings and wealth increase throughout the pandemic. And there’s another…
Read MoreAnalysis: Cost of Essentials Outstrips Inflation, Making Things Even Tougher for ALICE
The cost of six household essentials in Michigan has risen at a faster clip than inflation, leaving low-wage workers priced out of affording the basics. That’s the latest analysis from United Way and its research partner, United For ALICE. Over the course of 15 years, low-wage jobs didn’t keep up with the increased cost of…
Read MoreUWSCMI Announces Federal Grants for Food, Shelter, Utilities
United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) facilitated a grant process that provided $460,437 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…
Read MoreSee Photos from the Women United Lighting the Path Luncheon with AG Dana Nessel
Dozens of community members attended United Way of South Central Michigan’s 22nd Annual Lighting the Path Luncheon on May 3, featuring Attorney General Dana Nessel as the guest speaker. Launched locally in 2002 by Capital Area United Way, Women United has energized women to join forces to impact the lives of middle school girls…a notably…
Read MoreA Night of Volunteerism: The 2022 VOTY Awards
LANSING – April was National Volunteer Month, and United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Fox 47 News, celebrated with the 2023 Capital Area Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nominees, nominators and community members gathered April 19 at the Marshall Street Armory in Lansing to watch a previously recorded video celebrating volunteers in…
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