Jackson County
Connection 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…
Read MoreNew ALICE Report Shows Pandemic Impact in Region
While aid programs during the COVID-19 pandemic likely eased financial stress on many households, the risk of more families struggling is rising, according to a new report on financial hardship in Michigan. ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship, released today by Michigan’s United Way network and the research organization United For ALICE, shows…
Read MoreChild Care Strengthens Family: Child Care Network
JACKSON – One of the biggest expenses for families, regardless of income level, is child care. When finances are tight, that expense becomes much harder to bear. So imagine how tough that is when a series of unexpected events pushes your family over a financial cliff. That’s the challenge faced by “Sally” and “Robert.” Both…
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