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Analysis: Cost of Essentials Outstrips Inflation, Making Things Even Tougher for ALICE
The cost of six household essentials in Michigan has risen at a faster clip than inflation, leaving low-wage workers priced out of affording the basics. That’s the latest analysis from United Way and its research partner, United For ALICE. Over the course of 15 years, low-wage jobs didn’t keep up with the increased cost of…
Read MoreSargent Named Communicator of the Year
M&C Wins Silver Award Chris Sargent, President and CEO for United Way of South Central Michigan, earned honors from the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America as the region’s Communicator of the Year. The annual award goes to a person in west Michigan who is an exceptional communicator and isn’t in the marketing or…
Read MoreUWSCMI Announces Federal Grants for Food, Shelter, Utilities
United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) facilitated a grant process that provided $460,437 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…
Read MoreJuneteenth in UWSCMI 2023
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 as…
Read MoreThe Power of Financial Literacy: Lily Missions Center
JACKSON – An essential part of being financially stable involves learning to manage a budget. That’s a skill that isn’t always understood. Our partnership with Lily Missions Center does two things: it provides an after-school program for kids, and it offers money management skills for parents. “Monica” is a single mother of five living in…
Read MoreSee Photos from the Women United Lighting the Path Luncheon with AG Dana Nessel
Dozens of community members attended United Way of South Central Michigan’s 22nd Annual Lighting the Path Luncheon on May 3, featuring Attorney General Dana Nessel as the guest speaker. Launched locally in 2002 by Capital Area United Way, Women United has energized women to join forces to impact the lives of middle school girls…a notably…
Read MoreA Night of Volunteerism: The 2022 VOTY Awards
LANSING – April was National Volunteer Month, and United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Fox 47 News, celebrated with the 2023 Capital Area Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nominees, nominators and community members gathered April 19 at the Marshall Street Armory in Lansing to watch a previously recorded video celebrating volunteers in…
Read MoreFrom Despair to Stability: Catholic Charities
JACKSON – Becoming financially stable is key to a successful life. But that’s not the only stability that matters. Finding emotional stability through mental health is just as crucial. That’s why United Way of South Central Michigan is pleased to work with Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties on a voucher program that…
Read MoreALICE: Calhoun County sees 6% rise in struggling households
CALHOUN COUNTY – The United Way network and research partner United for ALICE released its latest report in April, giving us our first look at ALICE data since the COVID-19 pandemic began. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than…
Read MoreAdvocacy Brings Impact: AWARE Shelter
JACKSON – Our partnership with AWARE Inc. promotes social change by empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence. That work includes helping survivors who face financial challenges. Here’s an example: A survivor staying in AWARE’s Jackson shelter received a housing choice voucher for subsidized housing. She successfully located an apartment with the help of AWARE. …
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