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Please join us for the
United Way of Midland County Annual Meeting on Feburary 17th at The H Hotel.
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United Way welcomes Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center to its family of partner agencies. Safe & Sound is a non-profit organization that works to prevent child abuse and neglect through a number of targeted education, prevention and advocacy programs. Their overall vision is to create a community where children are safe and nurtured.
"We are honored to be welcomed into the United Way of Midland County family of agencies and for the recognition of the importance of reaching out to our most innocent and vulnerable citizens--kids who are at the center of a child abuse allegation," shared Karen Adams, Executive Director of Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center.
United Way funds will support Safe & Sound's forensic interview program. This interview and case management service focuses on the child victim of suspected sexual or severe physical abuse. The highly trained forensic interviewer works to minimize or eliminate trauma to the child by coordinating the questions and concerns of the response team into one non-threatening, fact-finding interview.
The interviewer works with teams comprised of legally-mandated representatives, to ensure the welfare of the child through the investigation. In addition, the case coordinator provides the non-offending caregiver with support, counseling resources, and information to empower and support them. Following the interview, the team members meet to review their findings and coordinate their response to best protect the child.
"We are pleased to welcome Safe & Sound into our family of agency partners," said Ann Fillmore, UWMC Executive Director. "The work they do is vital to the well-being of our children and their families, and is a unique addition that complements our range of critical services to the community."
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A turning point for our friends and neighbors has arrived. By dialing 2-1-1, callers will be connected with a trained, caring professional who will assess their situation, identify their needs and refer them to local resources that can help. Individuals who want to help or have items to donate can also connect by calling 2-1-1.
United Way 2-1-1 is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 2-1-1 provides information and referral for:
- Basic Human Needs: food, clothing, shelter, utility assistance and more.
- Physical and Mental Health: medical information, crisis intervention services, support groups and counseling, etc.
- Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, etc.
- Support for Older Americans and People with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, independent living, workforce training, Meals on Wheels, etc.
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: quality childcare, early childhood programs, after-school programs, summer camps, mentoring, tutoring, etc.
- Crisis Calls: suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, Public Health Emergencies, etc.
"Never before have life-changing resources been so easy to find. The United Way 2-1-1 Call Center has the ability to improve the quality of life for our friends and neighbors in need," said David Ramaker, 2-1-1 of Northeast Michigan board chair.
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OPEN YOUR HEART.
JOIN HANDS.
LEND YOUR MUSCLE.
FIND YOUR VOICE.
GIVE 10% GIVE 100%
GIVE 110%
GIVE AN HOUR.
GIVE A SATURDAY.
JOIN US. |
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BE AN ADVOCATE
Forward this eNewsletter |
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You can LIVE UNITED by helping us spread the word. Imagine how many people we could touch if everyone forwards this to five friends.
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United Way "Check Off" Fund to Help Local Families
This year United Way of Midland County is encouraging residents to "check off" for the United Way Fund on Michigan tax returns. Form 4642 on the 2009 income tax return will allow people to donate all or part of their 2009 Michigan tax refund to the United Way Fund. This fund will help to provide food, clothing and shelter for Michigan's low to moderate income families.
"The Michigan Legislature has created a quick and easy way to donate resources that help ease the burden for our local families," stated Ann Fillmore, Executive Director of United Way of Midland County.
Donations made by taxpayers in Midland County will be automatically sent to our community to help our neighbors in need. The address and zip code on your return will determine the county that receives funding, so you simply need to check the box on the form. This year, please be sure to "check off" for the United Way Fund. Giving has never been so easy.
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Project Homeless Connect
Reaching out to provide resources
With the increase in unemployment and the high cost of heating this winter, many local families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Midland County Continuum of Care assembled 28 agencies and churches together on one day to provide resources for families and individuals who are homeless or at-risk for homelessness.
More than 163 individuals participated in the event, representing 310 people in households. They enjoyed lunch and received personal care and winter clothing items. "It's such a great way to provide services in one location for people struggling to meet even basic needs," said Sharon Mortensen, event organizer and chairwoman of the Midland County Continuum of Care. "Homelessness in an area like Midland County is somewhat invisible as it expresses itself in individuals or families doubling up and couch surfing, rather than actually living on the street. With the economy the way it is, such support will become even more necessary." |
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Sharing Tree
Wolverine Bank Volunteers Reach Out
This year has brought significant economic challenges to Midland County residents in need. Gifts under the Christmas tree were, unfortunately, not at the top of the list.
Wolverine Bank and its employees know the joy a child feels when there is a special gift just for them under the tree. The United Way Sharing Tree program has become a heartwarming holiday tradition for the folks at Wolverine.
As soon as the Sharing Tree tags are ready, Wolverine Bank staff decorates the branches of their Christmas tree with the requests from all over the community. Committed to filling all of the needs, Wolverine Bank gift givers put their hearts into buying just the right items for each individual.
The elves from Wolverine Bank give their time to make sure all of the Sharing Tree gifts are wrapped in festive holiday style. The Sharing Tree program is the most valuable gift of all - a reminder of what the holiday season is truly about and just how wonderful our community is. |
This year our community came together to fill 10,000 Sharing Tree tags. Nearly 17% more gifts than last year were distributed, meeting the targeted needs of our friends and neighbors. | |
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