Jackson County

“I want to do what I can to help others. It’s as simple as that.” Ted Ykimoff is a longtime volunteer with United Way of Jackson County.  For 22 years he has helped as a solicitor, chaired our General Business Campaign, volunteered at local events and engaged in countless other ways.  This year Ted is…

Financial Stability has been one of United Way’s focus areas for years, along with Education, Health, and Capacity Building. But given how often people ask me what it means, I guess we haven’t done a good job of describing it. A financially stable household has these four things going for it: 1.) Enough income to…

There’s an old, familiar proverb: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” When it comes to poverty, that proverb has a dire—and often literal—meaning. As you read this, 18 percent of households in Jackson County are stuck in poverty. Another 23 percent may skirt the federal definition of poverty, but they remain one car…

“It’s Important to invest in our community.” Mindy Bradish-Orta has been a volunteer board member for the United Way of Jackson County for roughly 6 years.  Mindy always seems to be working or volunteering.  She loves Jackson and she does everything she can to make our community a better place.         “It’s important to invest…

Working parents have difficult decisions.  Think about the single mom who is working multiple jobs just to stay ahead.  She has three young children–two struggling in school, and a preschooler not school-ready. She works full time. How does she make sure they can succeed in school, go on to post-high learning and have rewarding careers? Access…

We believe that teaching individuals how to take control of their personal finances puts them on their pathway to financial stability. Because of your support, United Way of Jackson County is able to fund Financial Stability Workshops through the Community Action Agency.  These workshops help low and moderate income individuals enhance their financial skills and…

We believe Jackson County’s older citizens should have their basic medical, nutritional and emotional needs met and a place they call home. Because of your support, we can make sure that nearly 50 senior women have access to assisted living, proper nutrition, medical care and counseling through the Jackson Friendly Home.  Each woman was living…

“It only felt right to give back.” – Lynda Waldron Lynda Waldron has been volunteering with our campaign leadership for three years, and she has been a member of the Women’s Leadership Council for five years.  Lynda works for Henry Ford Allegiance Health as their gift shop supervisor.  When she’s not volunteering with United Way…

Click here to see Day of Caring opportunities! Volunteering has always been a central pillar to the United Way mission. Now more than ever we see the need to rally people, organizations and businesses around the community in support of one another. A united effort works best with a united beginning. That’s why United Way…

We want kids who are facing adversity to reach their fullest potential.  By supporting United Way of Jackson County we are able to fund site based mentoring through Big Brothers, Big Sisters.  Children who are struggling in school, dealing with difficult issues at home, at risk of falling behind are paired with caring adults.  Once…