United Way of the

Eastern Upper Peninsula

This year has been tough at United Way.  We recently hosted Citizen's Review Panels as you can see in the article that follows, and at this point we will be allocating quite a bit less money than in previous years.  Historically we have always been able to raise near to $300,000 in the EUP, but this year we are only at $217,506.  This means that we will have less funds to allocate as well as less to run programs with internal to United Way.  

My fears for the upcoming year are of course funding, but there is a lot more than just money that keeps me up at night.  If United Way were to close and no longer be in operation one day...who would carry on the programs that we run? who would be there for all the calls and help that folks need in the EUP?

Unless you have used our services-received that meal or had us help you keep your lights on and home warm, you might not see the importance of United Way.  You might know that we  "do good things" but the clients we care for, your neighbors and mine, really understand that we are a first point of contact and sometimes a last resort for help.  

We run solely on private donations and do not receive State or Federal funding from the government.  This means that YOU decide whether we stay or go.  Some statistics this year:

Corporate donations are down 52%

#429 donors that gave last year did not donate yet this year

We understand ,based on your feedback, that you are wary about future health care costs and that most of you have not received raises in several years while the cost of living has gone up.  This is unfortunate and we understand.  Thank you for letting us know that you still believe in us and support our cause.

Because our dollars are down, we are extending our campaign and we are doing a follow up mailing.  Please contact me if you have questions about our viability and or planning as we will be faced with making hard decisions in March and April 2014. 

Together we can be the difference.

Tracey Laitinen

Executive Director 

United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula

tracey@unitedwayeup.org 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/UnitedWayEUP

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/traceyordiway/helping-our-community-thrive/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayEUP

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvTXHKYAQsfgUXsVb5uFmWA

The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula held Citizen Review Panels in the Huntington Bank Basement on Thursday, February 13th. Each year the United Way invites individuals from Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties to participate in the CRP's and help determine how United Way funding is distributed. CRP participants listened to presentations given by each non-profit agency that is seeking United Way funds, and then had the opportunity to ask questions to the agency representatives about the programs, services, and anything that may affect funding. Agencies were scored on the intended impact and outcomes their programs will provide, the capacity of the agency to achieve program goals, and the community need the programs meet.

Captain Dan Voss from the Salvation Army gives his agency presentation to the Citizen Review Panels

Scores from the Citizen Review panel are used in conjunction with the results of a community need survey, as well as scores determined by the United Way Board's Financial Review Committee, and the United Way Director.

A group of students from Sault High participating in the CRP's fill out score sheets after an agency presentation

Every year local individuals and business entrust the United Way with making sure their charitable dollars and used where they are needed most. Citizens Review Panels provide an opportunity for the residents themselves to give valuable feedback in determining how those funds will best benefit the community. Thank you to all the volunteers who participated and help score agency proposals!

Nobody volunteers for the recognition, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve it. We all know people, groups and businesses that go above and beyond to give back in the EUP. Help them get recognized for their hard work and generosity. The United Way's Volunteer Center is constantly searching the community for people we can shine the spotlight on. 

Nominations for the Spotlight Recognition can be submitted by anyone for individual, group, and business neighbor categories. Winners are selected monthly, and each winner is surprised with a rally of recognition where they receive a framed certificate,  and a flower and balloon arrangement. Individuals will also receive a certificate for lunch for two courtesy of Cup of the Day.

To nominate an individual, group, or business just fill out the nomination form, or email

 

Sault Ste. Marie Farmer's Market

Contact Volunteer Market Master Teri Foust if you would like to become a Vendor or ask questions terifoust@gmail.com

Pickford Farmer's Market

The Pickford Farmer's Market is seeking a VOLUNTEER to manage the 2014 season. Please contact (906)647-8500 with questions or to express interest.

V O L  N T E E R

The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and The Eagle 95.1 held a Give from the Heart, Dessert Extravaganza on Valentine's Day. Area bakers created exquisite desserts that were auctioned off as a fundraiser for the United Way. 

Some of the desserts created for the Give from The Heart auction, waiting to be picked up by the winning bidders.

Bakers participating in the event were Marcy Misner, with a Heart Shaped Chocolate Cake; Mary Jo Duvall, with a chocolate turtle cake and brownies, Tracy Blankenship from Edible Creations with a white chocolate raspberry torte; Jillena Rose, with a red velvet cake; Caryn Routhier from Vie Délicieux Bake Co. with a cake pop Valentine's Day arrangement; Dulcy Garber from Salty Wench Caramels with a pie and pampering set; Cady Bauer's with a assorted candy gift basket, Candace Warner from Muffin's Delight with an assorted muffin package; Sandra Hall from Cup & Cakes, with a pink velvet cake and cupcake love pack; and Doni Donnay with her Modern Day Cinderella cake.  

The event was broadcast live on 95.1 with each of the ten bakers spending 30 minutes on the air talking about their creation. Bids on the desserts totaled to $1300, all of which will go to support the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and their partner organizations.

Prizes were also awarded to the bakers for their desserts. Cady Bauer was the highest bid winner, with her goody basket going for $300. Caryn Routhier from Vie Délicieux Bake Company was awarded Best Presentation for her 24 cake pop Valentine's Day arrangement. The Weirdest Ingredient went to Tracy Blankenship from Edible Creations for incorporating a sterling silver necklace into her cake design. Top Rookie, awarded to a baker who either does not bake professionally or is new, was awarded to Sandra Hall, and Marcy Misner won for best recipe story.

This huge goodie basket, made by Cady Bauer, featuring caramel corn, chocolate cover pretzels, chocolate pops and much more, received the highest bid - $300!

A big thank you goes out to all the bakers who participated, the Eagle 95.1 for helping arrange for the event and hosting the auction on-air, and to everyone who listened and bid on desserts!

• Learn how to set up a spending plan
• Get tips to make your dollar stretch
• Speak with a Financial Empowerment coach about one-on-one help
• Find out about local and state resources available to help during your most difficult months

UPCOMING EVENTS

 Read more...

Golf information...   

If you know of anyone who needs home repairs in the following communities, please send the completed forms to the address on the bottom of the form by April 1, preferably:

Germfask, Curtis, McMillan, Seney, Grand Marais, Engadine, Newberry, Hulbert, Eckerman, or Paradise.

We can not do electrical, plumbing, windows or doors.  We can build wheelchair ramps, porch entrances, hang drywall, paint, side homes, lay down rolled linoleum flooring, clean yards, help in cleaning homes.  We do not work on buildings or structures that are not part of the living structure of the home (not garages, sheds, pole barns, etc.).  We can install fences to help for children or animals close to the home.

Our mission teams of volunteers from all over the place - work on projects in the months of June and July.  We do not have volunteers that are with us during the year and so can not unfortunately really help with projects during the school year.

Advance number 982942 Director of God's Country Cooperative Parish PO Box 382, Paradise, MI 49768 

The Diane Peppler Resource Center is currently updating its Community Resource Directory for 2014. This directory of EUP resources is distributed to over 1500 community members in Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties. The directory categories currently include County offices/agencies, Attorneys, Educational Institutions, Victim Services, Housing, Youth , Medical, Police, Churches, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Library, etc.  Please submit any changes or additions to the hankm@dprcenter.org. 

Listing is free of charge.   Please include name of organization/agency etc. address, phone, website, and a brief description of services if applicable.