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2009 United Way
Campaign Chair
Robert S. Rathbun, Community President and Senior Lender of Chemical Bank, has been named the 2009 United Way of Midland County Campaign Chair.
Rathbun will oversee a critical United Way campaign in what may remembered as one of our most challenging economies. "We are pleased to have Bob's strong leadership in these challenging times when many of our friends and neighbors are reaching out for help," said Ann Fillmore, United Way of Midland County Executive Director, "Our partner agencies are seeing an increase in demand for assistance in meeting basic needs--help with food, shelter and utilities are top requests."
A lifelong volunteer, Bob understands the needs of our community and is committed to mobilizing our community to improve lives. Bob has served on numerous boards and is currently chair of the Operating Board of the Midland Community Center, Immediate Past Chair of the Board and Executive Committee, a member of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the board of CBM Services, Inc. A graduate of Leadership Midland Class of 1997, Bob has served on the Leadership Midland Steering Committee and Midland County Youth Leadership Steering Committee.
The United Way of Midland County Community Campaign will take place from September 18 through November 9, 2009. To get involved, please contact Michelle Wilkins, Campaign Director, mwilkins@unitedwaymidland.org. |
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OPEN YOUR HEART.
FIND YOUR MUSCLE.
LEND YOUR VOICE.
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Michael's* marriage was over, he was living in a homeless shelter, was unemployed, and had just completed a jail sentence for his third drunk driving offense. Stripped of the last shreds of dignity, Michael had hit rock bottom. Today he says that losing everything was the best thing that ever happened to him.
Just a few years earlier he had completed a career in the military, was successfully employed in the healthcare industry, built a new home, and enjoyed life's luxuries with his wife and son. But he describes this seemingly happy existence as a house of cards that could come tumbling down at any moment. He felt disconnected from his family, bored at work, consumed with resentment and had a deep emptiness he tried to fill with alcohol. Michael had made many half-hearted and unsuccessful attempts at recovery, but only after losing everything was Michael able to commit to a path of sobriety.
His second chance at life began at The Open Door. The welcoming staff provided him with a safe place to stay, warm meals and the encouragement to get his life back on track. Michael filled his days with searching for work; he spent hours filling out job applications and connecting with potential employers.
He credits the generosity of the Midland community for giving him the tools he needed to keep his life moving forward. The American Red Cross provided the veteran with Dial-A-Ride tickets so he could get to his appointments and a cellular phone so potential employers could contact him. Midland Area Homes helped to secure a small apartment. Caregiving Network helped to provide furniture and paid his first utility bill. A local bicycle shop gave him a gently used bike for transportation. MiTech Plus provided career counseling. Michigan Works assisted in his job search. Michael says Midland is a great place to start over. People from this caring community did so much more than the bare minimum to help him, they worked together to provide the resources he needed to get back on his feet.
Today, Michael is sober and grateful to have two jobs; he is the maintenance technician at his new apartment complex and enjoys his work as groundskeeper at a local church. Although his life may seem simple, he says he has never been happier. He finds his volunteer work at his church satisfying and is thankful to be part of a community that places a priority on giving back. He looks forward to one day being able to offer help to a struggling neighbor.
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United Way of Midland County proudly recognizes the
2008 Leadership Circle
It is our privilege at United Way of Midland County, to recognize and celebrate those who have been so generous in their support of our community. Members of the Leadership Circle have demonstrated incredible commitment to reaching out to those in need by investing $1,000 or more in our community.
This level of financial support is even more critical during these challenging economic times, as an increasing number of our neighbors are struggling.
In 2008, 915 Leadership Circle members contributed more than $1.9 million of the $4.9 million raised. There were 153 new members and 139 who increased their gift. Because of their generosity, United Way received the extraordinary matching grant of $105,000 from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.
The incredible kindness and compassion of Leadership Circle donors serves as the foundation for real change and continues the strong legacy in our community to reaching out to those in need. It is through these community visionaries that real and lasting change is taking place.
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Kids Care Clubs
Working Together to Help Others
Eager fourth graders at Longview Elementary School meet weekly during the school year to help solve our communities' problems. These caring kids have identified issues in their school and neighborhoods and are putting together service projects to provide solutions. They have planted flowers for and have become pen pals with the residents of Nottingham Place.
Kids Care Club is dedicated to developing compassion and inspiring a spirit of volunteering in elementary and middle school children.
"Teaching kids at an early age that they can make a difference in their school and community is empowering," says Janet Fergin, United Way Volunteer Center director. For more information, contact Janet at jfergin@unitedwaymidland.org. |
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Deloitte Volunteers Help West Midland Family Center on 10th Annual IMPACT Day
More than twenty-five Deloitte volunteers headed out to West Midland Family Center to make a difference amidst a challenging economic climate, kicking-off the organization's 10th Annual IMPACT Day. IMPACT Day is a one-day celebration of Deloitte's longtime commitment to community involvement and workplace volunteerism.
Deloitte employees took on landscaping projects, including trimming shrubbery, spreading woodchips, removing stumps and spreading dirt through low areas of the playground. The pool areas, basketball courts and outdoor restrooms also received attention from the team of volunteers.
"The 10th Annual IMPACT Day is a salute to Deloitte's decade of service," said Don Riegger, Tax Partner. "It is rewarding to have a positive impact on local organizations like the West Midland Family Center, which are so important to the Midland Community." The Midland contingent is part of a huge mobilization of talent and good will; all 40,000+ Deloitte people across the country are encouraged to volunteer on IMPACT Day. | | |
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