News
Local UW Leaders Meet with Biden Administration
Leaders from three Michigan United Ways met with the Biden Administration in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss how pandemic-related federal programs are helping United Ways and their community partners statewide meet local needs, especially for those who are considered low- and middle-income and who identify within the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.…
Read MoreHow Greater Impact Really Happens
Editor’s note: On Oct. 12, United Way representatives from Michigan met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and other administration officials at the White House. They shared how United Ways across the state have collaborated with local elected officials, nonprofits and other partners to help communities recover from the economic effects of COVID-19. Chris Sargent,…
Read MoreUW/Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants Bring $300K to 60 Businesses
A third round of grants totaling $300,000 is lifting 60 Kalamazoo microbusinesses and bringing economic benefits directly to 17 neighborhoods. United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI), the City of Kalamazoo and the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) announced the third round of Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the unique…
Read MoreALICE In Focus: 43% of People with Disabilities in Region Struggle Financially
Nearly 60,000 residents with disabilities in the south-central Michigan region struggle to keep up with everyday living costs, according to a new report from United Way and its research partner, United For ALICE. Titled “ALICE in Focus: People with Disabilities,” the analysis of 2019 data looks specifically at individuals with disabilities who live in poverty…
Read MoreWhat Is Juneteenth & Why Does It Matter?
Americans celebrate July 4th as Independence Day, honoring the day in 1776 that the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the American colonies free of British rule. But do you know about our nation’s second Independence Day? On June 19, 1865, institutionalized slavery of Black Americans was ended in Texas, the last…
Read MoreStatement on Shooting Death of Patrick Lyoya
United Way of South Central Michigan echoes these heartfelt words from our friends at Heart of West Michigan United Way. Tragic deaths like that of Patrick Lyoya shatter all of us. We join with our communities and our colleagues to condemn violence and work together for a safe, vibrant and equitable society that cherishes every…
Read MoreUWSCMI Board Appoints Officers, Executive Leadership
The merger of three United Ways based in south and mid-Michigan became official on April 1, 2022, offering exciting new opportunities to the region while strengthening local impact. Today the new United Way of South Central Michigan announced its board members, board officers and executive leadership. United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) brings together…
Read MoreALICE In Focus: 1 Million Michigan Kids in Financial Peril
Nearly one million Michigan children live in households that can’t afford basic necessities, with stark differences based on race and ethnicity, according to new research released by United Way. Based on 2019 data, the ALICE In Focus: Children Report found 44% of kids statewide fall below the ALICE Threshold for Financial Survival, with 17% living…
Read MoreIMPACT! UW & Labor Partnership Delivers
The start of a new year is my favorite time to pause and reflect on the successes and setbacks of the last year. It doesn’t need to be said that 2021 had its challenges. A blog by Nikkia Hurlbert In Jackson, we saw a student homelessness rate of over 20% in some school districts, our…
Read MoreIMPACT! Tackling Trauma in Teens
Mental health can be influenced in many ways—traumatic events, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, and much more. Jackson County residents struggling with issues like these can connect to counseling services through a voucher program offered by Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, and Family Service & Children’s Aid—a partnership we’re proud to help fund. An…
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