Jackson County

by Ken Toll Standing on the stage at Forty Nine South, I took in an amazing sight: a gathering of nearly 100 leaders of government, business, education, nonprofits and others who care deeply about Jackson County. A thought struck me: With this much energy and passion, we can do anything! I’m talking about Leaders ENGAGE!,…

WE LIVE UNITED by empowering women to escape abusive relationships and helping them to build a life of financial independence and stability. United Way of Jackson County’s partnership with AWARE, Inc. provides women and children safety and sanctuary while offering the opportunity to start over. Through your support, these families are creating a new life…

We want Jackson County to be a community rich in opportunity and free from poverty. We want our community to be a place where everyone has the chance to achieve financial stability and success. However, the reality is 42% of our households are living at or near poverty. Our friends and our neighbors are struggling…

by Ken Toll There’s a quote from the classic book, Alice in Wonderland: “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” That’s certainly true of the ALICE I want you to meet. Every day brings a new challenge to the people who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed –…

UNITED WE FIGHT for the financial stability of every person in Jackson County. It’s understood that no one can improve their financial situation without first having their basic needs met, which includes safe and affordable housing. Through your support, United Way of Jackson County is able to partner with the Jackson Housing Commission to offer…

UNITED WE WIN by helping families and individuals who are struggling find their own path to stability. Each year, thousands who are in need are connected to a variety of health and human services through Central Michigan 2-1-1 in Jackson County. Jeff’s story is one example of how your UWJC support is creating real IMPACT…

United for Equity in Jackson County by Ken Toll For a while now, you’ve read my blogs or heard me speak about poverty. You’ve heard the statistic: 4 in 10 households are financially unstable, with a full 15 percent of Jackson County residents living below the poverty line. That poverty line is far too low…

WE LIVE UNITED by providing the opportunity for anyone in need to maintain or regain their stability. Central Michigan 2-1-1 is a collaboration between United Way of Jackson County and LifeWays. It is the single most powerful tool we have to connect those in need with available health and human services. Last year, Central Michigan…

UNITED WE FIGHT for the financial stability of every person in our community. Some students have unique obstacles they need to overcome in order to maintain regular school attendance. When children attend school regularly, they have a better chance of graduating high school and being prepared for college or a career. With your support, United…

UNITED WE FIGHT FOR individuals and families of Jackson County who are vulnerable to homelessness. Because of your support, United Way of Jackson County is able to resource a partnership between Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Jackson District Court, and several other non-profit agencies that make up the Jackson County Mediation / Eviction Diversion…