Jackson County
Program 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…
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…
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