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Workers in Common Low-Wage Jobs Worse Off Than 10 Years Ago
Some low-wage workers are financially worse off today than a decade ago despite recent wage gains, according to a new report from United Way of South Central Michigan and its research partner United For ALICE. Recent wage increases for low-wage jobs have been no match for the surging cost of essentials and a decade of…
Read MoreJuneteenth 2024 in UWSCMI
We all know what July 4 means to this country, but did you know about our nation’s other day of independence? On June 19, 1865, institutionalized slavery of Black Americans was ended in Texas, the last state where it remained in practice, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That date is now known…
Read MoreCereal Sale Collaboration Raises $10K for UWSCMI
The Battle Creek Cereal Sale, co-sponsored by Post Consumer Brands and WK Kellogg Co. as part of the recent National Cereal Festival, raised $10,212 to benefit the Battle Creek community through United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI). The two companies donated 10,000 boxes of their popular cereal brands, from Fruity PEBBLESTM to Kellogg’s Froot…
Read MoreNew Faces & Roles at UWSCMI
New faces, new roles and a continued commitment to changing lives mark recent moves at United Way of South Central Michigan.
Read MoreALICE Report: Financial Hardship Rises
Today the Michigan Association of United Ways, in collaboration with United For ALICE, Consumers Energy Foundation and local United Ways statewide, released an updated report on financial hardship among Michigan households. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – individuals earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses. The latest…
Read MoreFEMA Grants Bring $466K For Local Relief
UWSCMI facilitated a grant process that provided $466,232 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 Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency…
Read MoreThe Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of South Central Michigan Partner in Support of Tornado Relief Efforts
Kalamazoo, Mich. – United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) will join Kalamazoo County emergency response teams in providing support to those affected by the May 7 tornadoes via joint crisis funding. These emergency grants, distributed through UWSCMI’s Disaster Relief Fund and KZCF’s Community Urgent Relief Fund, will be…
Read MoreThe 2023/24 Volunteer of the Year Awards
LANSING – April brought National Volunteer Month, and United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Fox 47 News and WLNS TV6 celebrated with the 2023 Capital Area Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nominees, nominators, and community members gathered April 24 at the Marshall Street Armory in Lansing to watch a previously recorded video…
Read MoreDriving Economic Success For Workers & Businesses
JACKSON – United Way of South Central Michigan is proud to serve the companies and employees of the Jackson region with JobSTAR (Support Talent and Retention). JobSTAR is a resource for employers to help employees overcome obstacles that may impede their ability to work. In this program, a Success Coach connects workers to services and…
Read MoreKellanova Volunteers Feed Battle Creek Kids, Community Spirit
BATTLE CREEK – When it comes to community caring, Kellanova employees lead by example. About 20 Kellanova employees from Battle Creek volunteered at the South Michigan Food Bank on April 4, packing more than 1,300 food packages in less than two hours. The packages will be shared with students at Battle Creek Public Schools who…
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