Our newly merged United Way brings together the core values, cultures, and commitments of our three legacy organizations. 

We will:

  • Address the most pressing social issues locally and regionally, especially those related to financial instability among marginalized and underrepresented people.
  • Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, embedding equity and antiracism throughout our work.
  • Engage with local partners in our communities to drive lasting impact and volunteerism that meets local needs.
  • Honor the intent of our donors. Gifts given for local impact will be invested locally. Support for regional impact will be invested in regionwide needs.
  • Develop and grow our staff to enhance our community impact.

Community Impact

2023-24 Agenda

Battle Creek/Kalamazoo

Stated Impact Goals:

  • A Safety Net for ALICE: In the region, all individuals and families with an immediate need for shelter, food or other necessities are connected to a robust support system that can meet their needs.
  • Pathways for ALICE: A community that initiates and supports efforts to ensure that individuals and families have pathways to financial stability, living above the ALICE survival budget thresholds.
  • Community Building for ALICE: A community that understands challenges individuals and families face and makes commitments to address inequities and improve conditions for those struggling financially.

 

Capital Area

Stated Impact Goals:

  • Health: Providing access to essential basic services such as nutritious food, healthcare and prescription medicines, clothing and safe shelter.
  • Financial Stability: Helping individuals and families pave a path to financial independence with resources to secure and maintain safe, affordable housing, build savings and assets, and maximize income/work supports and access.
  • Education: Helping children succeed and achieve their educational potential through high-quality, affordable learning opportunities that enable them to build social and emotional capacity, physical and motor skills and language and cognitive skills.

Jackson

Stated Impact Goals:

Financial Stability: Envisioning a community rich in opportunities to eliminate poverty and allow all people to achieve financial stability and success. To realize that vision, the goal is to help 5,000 Jackson County residents develop a pathway to financial success by 2025 via the following priority areas:

  • Meet basic needs (housing, utility assistance, food, clothing, transportation, child care, and healthcare including mental health)
  • Pathways to Financial Stability (helping to move households struggling to make ends meet to stability (enough income to meet basic needs, plus the resources and knowledge to make it through financial hardships).
  • Equitable Access to Opportunity (addressing a demonstrated disparity between specific populations)