Jackson County
IMPACT! Partnering to Change a Family’s Future
Trauma can have lasting effects on a person’s—and even a whole family’s—mental health. Jackson County residents struggling with tough times are getting the help they need through a partnership with Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, and Family Service & Children’s Aid—a partnership we’re proud to help fund. A family of five experienced…
Read MoreIMPACT! A Home for the Holidays and Beyond
Owning your own home is the most basic element of the American dream. Sadly, big hurdles exist for many who strive to make that dream a reality. For one local family struggling to get ahead, Community Action Agency helped them blaze a pathway to homeownership. A single mom on Social Security Disability and working part…
Read MoreIMPACT! Keeping a Senior from Homelessness
Many people lack the financial resources to get legal help and defend their rights. Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) is a United Way partner agency striving to make sure every person can tap legal assistance when needed, regardless of income. Here’s a story of how LSSCM kept a senior citizen from losing his…
Read MoreIMPACT! Protecting Two Generations
Domestic violence often involves more than two adults. Children can be at risk, including those yet to be born. United Way partner AWARE Shelter’s counseling services recently helped protect a pregnant mom and her unborn child from a threatening situation: An AWARE counselor was working with a survivor of domestic violence for several months. Her…
Read MoreIMPACT! Making A Family’s Life Better
Child care costs rate as one of the biggest expenses for working families. For a family that’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed (ALICE), child care can take as much as 20% of their monthly survival budget. Our partnership with Child Care Network is helping families deal with these expenses and build a better life:…
Read MoreIMPACT! School, Home and In Between
Imagine a child from a homeless family facing a challenge as seemingly simple as getting to school. It’s not far-fetched; it’s happened right here in Jackson County. Fortunately, our support for the Student Advocacy Center’s Bridges To School program made a difference—not just for the student, but for the whole family: A 4th-grade student was…
Read MoreIMPACT! Returning To Active Citizenship
After an offender has paid their debt to society, it’s important to help that person re-engage with life. That includes helping them embrace their role as a citizen of the community. The Jackson Chapter of Nation Outside helps re-entering citizens make that connection, from navigating the job search to discovering the power of voting: Nation…
Read MoreIMPACT! Counting on Financial Literacy
A key piece of becoming financially stable is learning how to manage a household budget. It’s not always simple, especially for those who were never taught how to do it. For those who are trying to learn but also facing challenges as basic as feeding their family, it’s tougher than ever. Lily Missions Center, which…
Read MoreIMPACT! Partial To Girls Helps Families Escape Homelessness
Women and families are the fastest-growing groups among those experiencing homelessness in the United States. Domestic violence, poverty and social inequities are factors driving this growth. Driving solutions, on the other hand, is what United Way of Jackson County strives for every day. One of our community partners making a big difference is Partial To…
Read MoreGetting Back To The ‘New Normal’
by Ken Toll I’m looking forward to normal life—even if I’ve almost forgotten what “normal” looks like. Nearly 14 months ago, our whole world was upended by the tiniest of intruders, a spiky virus that spread like wildfire. As I write this, nearly 150 million people have been infected with COVID-19 globally, and 3.1 million…
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