United Way of  
Midland County
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT UNITED WAY OF MIDLAND COUNTY








First Call For Help 835-2211

Dear , 
 
As a leader in meeting community needs in these challenging economic times, United Way of Midland County hosted a summit for area non-profits called "Weathering the Economy." The summit encouraged collaboration, sharing of best practices, forming of strategic alliances and an opportunity to put ideas into action.
 
Speakers included: Terry Moore, MidMichigan Health president emeritus; Representative Jim Stamas; and Kyle Caldwell of the Michigan Non-Profit Association.  
 
Working together, united, we are making a difference!  
  
Best regards,
 
Ann T. Fillmore                   



 
 

APRIL IS
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH  
 
 



Project Lifesaver
The Arc of Midland
Reaching Out a Hand
 
Hollie is an adventurous nine year old girl with autism.  Like many girls her age, she loves to spend time with her friends, dancing and practicing cheer routines.  Unfortunately, Hollie wasn't able to live the carefree childhood her friends were enjoying.  Her mother, Trisha Kayden, was afraid to let Hollie out of her sight because of the risk that she might wander off. Her inhibition, combined with her natural curiosity, made her mother nervous to let her lead a "normal" life.
 
While watching an episode of Extreme Home Makeover, Hollie's mom found the answer to her prayers--Project Lifesaver, a device that would give her daughter the independence she craved and provide the security she needed. The program uses a wristband that emits a tracking signal.  When caregivers notify the police of a missing person, a search and rescue team responds while a mobile tracking system is activated. Search times are reduced from hours and days to minutes.
 
Determined to give Hollie the best life possible, Trisha went on a mission to bring Project Lifesaver to Midland. Partnering with The Arc of Midland and the Midland County Sheriff Department, Project Lifesaver was launched here in April 2008. Currently, fifteen people participate in the program, and are safer as a result.  
 
With the help of Project Lifesaver, Hollie is blossoming; she is able to walk to school every day without her mother.  She enjoys play dates, and like the other third graders, doesn't have to bring her mother along anymore. 



 

Did you know?
Shelterhouse provided
4,887 nights of shelter
to victims of domestic violence 
last year.



 Shelterhouse's A.C.E. Group
Healing the Affects of Domestic Violence

"My favorite color is purple and I like crab legs," revealed Katie*, a member of Shelterhouse's A.C.E. (Advocacy/Connections/Empowerment) group to a response of warm applause. Members cheered her on; knowing that the abuse Katie endured had literally robbed her of the right to have preferences, let alone the confidence to speak them.       
 
A.C.E. is a small, confidential support group offered by Shelterhouse for the survivors of domestic violence. These unsung heroes have experienced a pattern of physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual battering and now discover strength in each other. Members meet weekly in this safe haven to work through the affects of this cruelty with a licensed social worker. The atmosphere is warm, supportive and caring.
 
Each woman takes the time to share their horrifying and heart-wrenching stories of survival. One woman recounted the damage caused by being called worthless for so long that she accepted it as truth. The constant demeaning comments chipped away at her self-confidence, leaving her feeling hesitant and powerless.

Another survivor shared her fear of admitting her terrible abuse. As a successful and visible member of the community, she didn't want to endure further humiliation by revealing to her friends and family the terror of her home life.
 
One member described the arguments with her husband that predictably escalated into violence.  One night, in a fit of rage, her husband wrapped his hands around her neck, choked and shook her, and left her for dead. Another brave participant admitted to relief at the escalation of her husband's anger, feeling that the only thing she had any control over was when he would begin swinging. 
 
Members learn that it's common for the first attack to appear to be an isolated incident, but often spirals into a cycle of violence.  First, tension builds through anger, accusations and verbal abuse. Then, violence erupts and may take the form of hitting, slapping, kicking, sexual abuse or threats to take the kids. Afterward, the abuser may deny the violence, make excuses, ask for forgiveness and promise that it won't happen again.  As the victim loses self-esteem, the abuser gains control and the cycle of abuse escalates.
 
Under the direction of the trained, caring Shelterhouse staff, these survivors learn coping mechanisms for dealing with the aftermath of abuse--for themselves, their children and even the abuser themselves. Victims learn to comfort themselves with positive and soothing self-talk and grounding; focusing on being in the moment. Gaining power over their situations, these former victims become empowered survivors.
 
If you are experiencing violence in your home, call the crisis line at 989-835-6771 or 877-216-6383. The mission of Shelterhouse is to eliminate domestic and sexual violence by providing advocacy, education and shelter. 
 
*Not her real name.
 
 





GIVE




2008 United Way of Midland County Campaign

We are grateful to our business community for their incredible support of the 2008 United Way Community Campaign.  Together, donations from the top 25 organizations exceeded $3.8 million representing 75% of the $4.9 million raised!  
 
 Top 10 Organizations
 The Dow Chemical Company
Dow Corning Corporation
MidMichigan Health
Chemical Bank
Midland Public Schools
City of Midland
Fisher Contracting
Deloitte and Touche
SC Johnson Wax





ADVOCATE




 
Shelterhouse

Girls on the Run
 
Last year more than 100 third through fifth graders participated in Girls on the Run, an after school program with a mission of empowering girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.  National research shows that girls who complete the program reported increased self-esteem, a healthier body image, and an increase in physical activity.  
 
Trained coaches lead twenty-four sessions over a twelve-week season, encouraging these girls to celebrate their unique selves, to make and keep good friends, and how to make a difference in their communities. 
 
"Currently, nearly 100 girls from Carpenter, Chippewassee, Floyd, Parkdale and Pine River Elementary Schools are participating in the program.  At the end of this season, the girls will have their own start time in the Dow Run/Walk on Saturday, June 6!
 
Each girl is matched with a positive and energetic Running Buddy, who will encourage the girls to meet their 3.1 mile goal.  Whether the girls run, walk, wheel, skip or cartwheel, the object is to keep moving!
 
If you would like to get involved with Girls on the Run, please contact Sara Jacobs Carter at (989) 835-6771 or [email protected].
 





VOLUNTEER




The impact of Volunteering!

National Volunteer Week, created in 1974 as an annual celebration of volunteers, was held this year from April 19-25. United Way of Midland County is honored to celebrate the incredible impact that volunteers have on our community.
 
The philosopher Ghandi once uttered: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
 
We are fortunate to live in a community that embraces that philosophy, giving of their time, their talents and even their treasure. 
 
Thank you to everyone who has turned off their televisions, computers and video games to touch the life of another. You are making a difference each and every day.
 
If you have never volunteered, but want to find out more, call us at (989) 631-6770 or visit our website.
 





April is
National Autism Awareness Month



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