Jackson County
Breaking 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…
Read MoreConnection Corner: Partial to Girls
JACKSON – Over a third of households countywide are single-parent households, nearly all of them female-led and many struggling financially. Those realities motivate Partial To Girls – Women Taking Action (PTG) to support underserved women and children in the Jackson area. United Way is a proud partner. Here’s an example of this partnership making a…
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 MoreThe Power of Financial Literacy: Lily Missions Center
JACKSON – An essential part of being financially stable involves learning to manage a budget. That’s a skill that isn’t always understood. Our partnership with Lily Missions Center does two things: it provides an after-school program for kids, and it offers money management skills for parents. “Monica” is a single mother of five living in…
Read MoreSupport in Later Years: Jackson Guardian Program
JACKSON – As people age, they can face a lot of health issues that leave them unable to care for themselves. United Way partners with Family Service & Children’s Aid on the Jackson Guardian program, helping older adults feel safe and fulfilled in the twilight of life. “Abel” is one of those older adults. In…
Read MoreALICE: 30% of Households in Jackson County are ALICE
JACKSON COUNTY – The United Way network and research partner United for ALICE released its latest report in April, giving us our first look at ALICE data since the COVID-19 pandemic began. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than…
Read MoreFrom Despair to Stability: Catholic Charities
JACKSON – Becoming financially stable is key to a successful life. But that’s not the only stability that matters. Finding emotional stability through mental health is just as crucial. That’s why United Way of South Central Michigan is pleased to work with Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties on a voucher program that…
Read MoreALICE Speaks: Personal Stories Mark Report Rollout
LANSING – A news conference spotlighting financial hardship in Michigan included powerful stories of life for families that have experienced that hardship. The April 26 news conference, spearheaded by the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW), shared the latest findings on ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households are those with…
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