A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER
No one organization alone can meet every community need. We’re honored that our nonprofit partners have come together to share why a strong, connected system of support matters for the people we serve. Their leadership reflects what’s possible when our community invests in shared solutions through United Way of South Central Michigan.
Chris Sargent
President & Executive Officer
United Way of South Central Michigan
A LETTER FROM OUR NONPROFIT PARTNERS
As nonprofit organizations in South Central Michigan, we work every day alongside individuals and families striving for stability, opportunity, and a better future. While our missions may differ, we share a common truth: community challenges are interconnected, and meaningful change happens when we work together.
That spirit of collaboration is why we support United Way of South Central Michigan, and why we urge you to do the same.
The nonprofit community has faced significant challenges in recent years. Rising costs, shifting funding landscapes, and growing community need have stretched organizations across our region thin. In times like these, the connective tissue of our community matters more than ever.
United Way plays an essential role in strengthening the network of organizations that serve our communities — connecting people to resources, aligning partners around shared focus, and directing support to where it is needed most, even when the system is under strain.
We believe that when United Way is strong, the entire system benefits. And sustaining that strength, now more than ever, requires all of us.
We hope you'll choose to show your support with a financial gift to United Way of South Central Michigan. Your investment benefits not just one organization, but strengthens the entire network of care.
Whether it’s $5 or $5,000, your gift makes a difference.
Together, we can build a more resilient and connected community.
Signed,
Partner Perspectives
Supporting United Way strengthens our community because it brings people and organizations together to address challenges families face. By working collectively, we can create stronger systems of support and greater opportunity for everyone.
Jose Orozco, Voces
Our work is stronger because United Way creates partnerships so we can lift each other up!
Bob Powell, Family Service & Children's Aid
The nonprofit sector is seeing the impact of recent federal policy changes in real time. As new requirements for food assistance and other supports increase the need for job search and community engagement, more families are turning to organizations like ours for help. Community support is essential right now to ensure people have the guidance and resources they need to stay stable.
Teresa Momenee Young, Woman's Co-op
United Way has been the single greatest financial and structural supporter of Isaiah’s Hub since our early stages. They didn’t just provide funding, they provided credibility, infrastructure, guidance, and belief in our vision when we were still building. Through fiduciary oversight, strategic support, and consistent investment, United Way helped give Isaiah’s Hub its wings. Quite honestly, without United Way’s partnership and commitment to our mission, Isaiah’s Hub would not be where it is today. Their support laid the foundation that allowed us to grow into the independent, community-impacting organization we are now.
John Willis, Isaiah's Hub
Organizations like United Way of South Central Michigan help ensure that nonprofits can work together to strengthen our community. We are grateful for their leadership and proud to add our voice in support.
Susan Terranella, MRC Industries
Our work is stronger because of our partnership with United Way. Their support allows organizations like ours to meet people where they are and respond to urgent needs ensuring that seniors in our community have access to stability, support, and dignity.
Yolanda Pope, DAP Service and Resource Center
Our work is stronger because the United Way provides funding as well as connections with other organizations fostering collaboration and cooperation within our community.
Tamara Dindoffer, MyPlace
Our work is stronger with the support of United way in our community because they respond in real time to what is occurring in our community and support the organizations that really do the work to uplift our comminity.
Takisha Johnson, Young Kings and Queens
Our work is stronger because United Way invests in the collective impact of organizations working every day to build a brighter future for the children and families in our community.
Joseph Yang, Boys and Girls Clubs of Lansing
If you're a nonprofit or community partner who would like to sign on to this letter, please email marketing@uwscmi.org.