Jackson County
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
Read MoreJackson 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…
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 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 MoreJobSTAR: 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…
Read MoreProgram Assistance Center: A Year in Review (2023)
JACKSON – The Program Assistance Center (PAC), run by United Way of South Central Michigan, administers Michigan Energy Assistance Program funding, providing households with direct energy assistance to pay heat and electric bills. PAC, which serves households statewide, also helps complete a needs assessment for each client, so they are connected with any additional non-energy…
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 MoreTeens in Jackson develop leadership skills while mentoring youth
JACKSON COUNTY – During a summer photo shoot atop a Jackson rooftop, the teen members of DRIP laughed with each other, perfected TikTok dances, and just genuinely enjoyed being together. They are a tight-knit, inclusive and enthusiastic group making a positive impact with the relationships they’re building in the community and with each other. DRIP…
Read MoreBreaking Down Barriers Early: Student Advocacy Center
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…
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…
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