A Statement from United Way of South Central Michigan

White box on blue background with text that reads A statement from United Way 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…

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UNITED IS THE WAY HOME: Cooking up a Future for Jackson Youth

Young woman giving hug to her cute little son with brown soft teddybear while both sitting on sleeping place prepared for refugees

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. JACKSON—Like many young people aging out of foster care, Julia* stepped into a world of risks.…

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ALICE 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…

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FEMA 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…

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Kalamazoo and Jackson Expungement Fairs

Use the links below to register for the upcoming Expungement Fairs in Kalamazoo and Jackson, hosted by Nation Wide. Jackson: https://bit.ly/3vALcAE Kalamazoo: https://bit.ly/3vqcud7

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Jackson Nonprofits Join JobSTAR Cohorts

JACKSON – Federal funds have made it possible for eight Jackson-area nonprofits to join JobSTAR, the business resource network led by UWSCMI. Launched in 2018, JobSTAR (Support, Talent And Retention) embeds Success Coaches Scott Walker and Kristy Warner at participating organizations, connecting employees to services and support programs so they can get beyond barriers to…

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Alyssa Stewart Reflects On UW Career

Alyssa Stewart sits in a chair and smiles.

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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Martin 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…

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JobSTAR: Success Through Coaching

JobSTAR (Support Talent and Retention) is a resource for employers to help their employees overcome obstacles that may impede their ability to work. A Success Coach confidentially works with employees of participating businesses. Workers are connected to services and support programs to help them overcome challenges that affect their job attendance and performance. A Success…

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