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American Red Cross
Safety Town
Courtney Talicska, Safety Town Volunteer
What three things should you do if your clothes catch on fire? Who is a stranger? What color should the traffic light be when you cross the street? The American Red Cross' Safety Town program answers these and many more questions for area children entering kindergarten.
Last summer, 281 youngsters attended the fun three day summer camp. Sessions were held at Cook, Bullock Creek, Floyd, Sanford, Coleman and Gladwin Elementary Schools. Parents raved about the program. "It covered so many topics we had not yet discussed. Our son had so much fun! This is a great class." Another shared, "At HIS request, he's the new safety patrol in our home!"
Children learn playground safety, how to cross the street, poison awareness, basic first aid and so much more. Peg Gilstad, Safety Town coordinator, credits much of the program's success to the professional staff and trained volunteers. VolunTeens are responsible for leading the children on their safety walk, overseeing the big wheel track, assisting with the craft project and helping children practice calls to 911.
Midland High School senior, Courtney Talicska, has been a Safety Town student volunteer for five years. She encourages everyone to get out there and share their passion with others. "Volunteering is so much fun." |
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Homelessness in Midland County is
On the Rise
Unfortunately, homelessness is not only on the rise in large urban areas, many of our neighbors right here in Midland County are finding themselves in this difficult situation. A survey conducted by the Continuum of Care in January 2009 reported 325 people in Midland County who are homeless. This is a dramatic 48% increase over the last comparable survey that was conducted in January 2007.
The survey relies on churches, agencies and schools who have regular contact with the homeless to count the clients they have contact with on a particular day, creating a point-in-time snapshot of the population. People are considered homeless if they are staying in shelters, with friends or family, or will find themselves without a place to live within seven days.
"While I certainly suspect that the numbers are up given the current economic circumstance," Sharon Mortensen, of Continuum of Care, explained, "I also think we are doing a better job of recording what is taking place in our community."
The current survey recorded only 29 homeless children. Mortensen believes the number is understated, and it will be an area of focus for future counts.
The Continuum of Care is a collaborative effort comprised of representatives from nonprofits, businesses and government, including United Way of Midland County, whose mission is providing housing-related services to those who are homeless or living in substandard housing. The Continuum of Care promotes safe, supportive shelter and affordable housing for all.
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Chemical Bank Partners with United Way to Warm Hearts and Hands
Chemical Bank collected more than 10,000 mittens, gloves and hats for our neighbors in need, especially for area children. Partnering with United Way, more than 1,000 local children had warm hands this winter.
"We were overwhelmed by the support that our customers and community provided to our 'Mittens for Michigan' campaign. We believed we could help our community through this program, but the response we received exceeded our expectations," said David B. Ramaker, Chairman, CEO, and President of Chemical Bank.
"United Way is proud to work with a community partner like Chemical Bank," said Ann T. Fillmore, Executive Director of United Way of Midland County. "Their dedication to our community has no better illustration than touching the lives of our most vulnerable citizens--our children."
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Jalen Parmele
Brings Message of Hope
to West Midland Family Center's
Play with a Purpose Program
Do well in school, be nice to others and stay out of trouble was the advice Jalen Parmele, Baltimore Ravens running back, gave to forty lucky Floyd Elementary School students during a recent visit. Parmele, a 2005 Dow High School graduate, is giving back to his hometown by mentoring local young people.
Students who participate in West Midland Family Center's Play with a Purpose program at Floyd Elementary had the opportunity to race, catch passes and have a photo taken with the local football hero. "Jalen rocked!" and "Jalen's visit was super cool," reported fifth graders Autumn and Matt.
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United Way Volunteer Center Recognizes Top Volunteers
Congratulations to Gretta Coppens, recipient of the 2009 Individual Heart of the Community Award. Susan Dusseau, of Cancer Services, nominated Gretta for dedicating more than 20 years to providing emotional support to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Gretta has crafted and donated thousands of heart-shaped post-surgical pillows for patients.
The Group Heart of the Community Award was presented to the American Red Cross' Talking Newspaper volunteers. Six committed volunteers record newspaper articles for physically and visually challenged community members.
Each year VolunTeens give of their time by mentoring, tutoring, helping at summer camps, visiting seniors and even assisting with non-profit program development. Fifty-one VolunTeens were recognized for their dedication to our community. Additionally, the art of five graphic arts students was recognized.
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