United Way of South Central Michigan Social Media Community Standards

Welcome to the United Way of South Central Michigan (Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn/YouTube) community! We invite you to learn more and inspire others to help create strong, caring communities where every person is valued, thriving and connected for the common good. To ensure a positive and respectful experience for all, please review and adhere to the following community…

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Data for Difference: The 2024 Kalamazoo Point-in-Time Count

KALAMAZOO- More than 20 volunteers fanned out across Kalamazoo County to participate in the unsheltered portion of the 2024 Kalamazoo Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The PIT Count, organized by United Way of South Central Michigan’s Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care program, is a literal count of all the people experiencing homelessness in our community on a…

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Warming Centers for Winter Weather

It’s January in Michigan and cold and wintry weather is here. United Way of South Central Michigan is committed to working with area agencies to assist unhoused people during the cold and stormy days of winter. With temperatures dropping, high winds, and snow on its way, here are the following locations in our region whose…

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Celebration: 2024

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as such. The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans…

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You See Me: Year in Review 2023

2023 was a year to remember for United Way of South Central Michigan. As we reach the end of this year, we reflect on our first full year as an organization and the accomplishments and impact we have made within our community. We have dedicated ourselves to fostering a positive change with programs and initiatives…

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Request for Proposal: Public Policy Planning/Government Relations Facilitation

TO:  Prospective Bidders FROM:  United Way of South Central Michigan CONTACT:  Lyonel LaGrone II (he/him), Community Impact Director RE:  Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide public policy planning & government relations facilitation services DATE:  October 30, 2023  ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN  United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) gathers the power of three legacy organizations—Capital Area…

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Food Inspired: Clark’s Special Kitchen

“Food is where my heart is. Food makes me happy.”  These are the words of Isa Clark, who as owner and founder of Clark’s Special Kitchen, wants to share his passion for food and make others happy, too.  Since 2022, Clark’s Special Kitchen has been serving the Kalamazoo community with some incredible Nigerian Fusion cuisine.…

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Day 2: Intersectionality

Rainbow background with text that reads Day 2

Intersectionality “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde, civil rights activist A discussion of any marginalized group is not complete without a broader discussion of intersectionality. The Combahee River Collective, a group of Black, lesbian women is often credited for…

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Tackling Local Hunger: South Michigan Food Bank

JACKSON – For most of us, the biggest uncertainty about our next meal is what we’ll eat. But for thousands in Jackson County, the unknown is where that meal will come from. United Way partners with South Michigan Food Bank to support food distribution and local pantries to make sure people can feed themselves and…

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