IMPACT! Action Changes a Teen’s Life

Teenage years should be full of fun, learning and growth as they prepare for adulthood. Sadly, for many it can be a time of crisis—and that can set them up for lifelong challenges. We partner with Do’chas in support of their crisis intervention strategies to help teens thrive. One particular program, Teens In Action, has…

Read More

IMPACT! Bringing Tax Dollars Home

Imagine the impact on local families and the local economy when every resident gets the tax refund they deserve! Yet “doing your taxes” is stressful, confusing and time-intensive. For families struggling financially, that’s an added burden. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Community Action Agency to support Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. VITA deploys volunteer…

Read More

IMPACT! Caring for Our Children

Nothing is more precious than our children. They’re the future of our community and of our world. They also require compassionate, stable care—and that often presents problems for working (or ALICE) families. When a child is sick or out of school due to vacation, for instance, the cost of emergency child care may go beyond…

Read More

IMPACT! How Compassion Makes a Difference

Sometimes it takes just a little empathy for another person to make a profound and powerful difference. Among the champions of compassion in Jackson County are Trusted Advisors, part of the Great Start Collaborative led by Jackson County Intermediate School District with support from United Way. Here’s one example of how a little effort and…

Read More

IMPACT! A Stable Home Changes a Life

Financial stability means stability in every element of a person’s life. United Way of Jackson County’s partnership with the Jackson Housing Commission and its Support Services transformed a local life in an amazing way. Here’s the story: “Michael” set his mind to buying a fixer-upper home so he and his family wouldn’t have to keep…

Read More

IMPACT! Moving from Trauma to Educational Success

Trauma has a direct impact on a student’s ability to learn and succeed in school. They’re distracted in class, unable to study or do well on a test, and can have lower IQ scores and reading ability. In fact, some victims avoid school altogether. That’s where United Way funded programming through Family Service & Children’s…

Read More

IMPACT! Empowering a Financially Stable Future

Giving people the tools they need to build their own financially stable futures is a key element of United Way’s work in Jackson County. We’re investing in Community Action Agency’s Financial Empowerment Program to do just that. Check out this recent success story: During a conversation with a CAA client who recently completed the online…

Read More

IMPACT! Long-term Mentoring Changes Lives

None of us is born with all the knowledge and experience we need to succeed in life. At some point along the way, others teach and mentor us. Knowing this, United Way invests in site-based mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County, bringing Bigs right to the classroom, library, community center or other…

Read More

IMPACT! Finding Hope Beyond Addiction

Achieving a financially stable life isn’t just about money. Many people face barriers that keep them from believing in a hopeful future. Domestic violence and addiction are two such barriers. Our partnership with AWARE Inc. does more than provide shelter for victims of violence; it also puts people who are struggling with substance abuse on…

Read More

IMPACT! Tackling Trauma

Research shows that trauma has lifelong effects. Even trauma experienced by a young child can influence that person well into adulthood. United Way knows that helping people deal with trauma is a crucial part of building a pathway to financial stability. That’s why we partner with Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties on…

Read More