Albion-Homer United Way (AHUW) has entered a business alliance with United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) in which AHUW will come under the operational umbrella of UWSCMI while strengthening its local focus and impact.
Marcia Starkey, AHUW Executive Director, said the alliance preserves the local United Way’s ability to invest local dollars in programs that benefit the Albion and Homer communities.
[Marcia Starkey, Executive Director, AHUW]
“We recognize that the needs we focus on locally—Early Childhood Success, Youth Success, Financial Stability, and Healthy Communities—are the same in surrounding communities, too,” said Starkey. “By allying with UWSCMI, we bring vital support to our operations, knowledge and planning, including opportunities to tap new resources to address those needs. At the same time, we’ll continue to make sure dollars given locally go to local impact.”
Starkey said the move comes at a time when demand for charitable programs is growing while fewer resources are available. The alliance will create a more efficient and stronger United Way presence serving the local community.
Eventually, Albion-Homer United Way will adopt UWSCMI’s name and brand as part of the alliance agreement, said Starkey. However, AHUW’s local staff, programs and funding decisions will remain in place. Also, the AHUW board will become the local advisory council to provide guidance and recommendations on activities and investments in Albion and Homer. Members are Carolyn Amos, Art Kale, Michael Leskowich, Isabel Nazar, Jenny Wilbur, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.
United Way has more than 70 years of impact in the Albion-Homer area. Among the many programs AHUW has supported are Museum For All membership aid at the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum, reading programs through the Homer Public Library and Harrington School, area food distribution through Community Table, infant and adult health initiatives through the Albion Health Care Alliance, and back-to-school clothing for area students through Charitable Union.
Chris Sargent, President & Executive Officer for UWSCMI, said the regional United Way is excited to become part of the Homer and Albion communities.
[Chris Sargent, President and Executive Officer, UWSCMI]
“At UWSCMI, we’ve long admired United Way’s legacy of impact in Albion and Homer. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of their amazing work,” he said. “UWSCMI has a strong track record of providing strategic and operational leadership region-wide so local staff can stay focused on local programs, partnerships and needs. We’re confident this alliance will enhance that local legacy for the future.”
