United Way of the

Eastern Upper Peninsula

April 2014 Newsletter

 We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all of our United Way supporters that have contributed financially or with the valuable gift of volunteering. Because of people like you we are able to support much needed programs and agencies that directly impact our community, neighbors, friends and family.

We are fortunate to live in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The endless beauty, the caring citizens, and the sense of community truly make this a unique and enriching community...a place where in times of need, the community rises to the challenge.

With the support of United Way, 17 local agencies in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties are able to assist the health and human service needs of many individuals. These 17 agencies rely on funds raised by United Way and unfortunately the campaigns over the last few years have fell short of their fundraising goals. As we approach the end of this year's campaign we are presently at 74.5% of our $300,000 goal, a shortfall of $76,481.

This enormous shortfall has tremendous impacts on the 17 local agencies that rely on the financial support of United Way. Agencies such as; Hospice, Hearthside, Boys Scouts, CHAC, and more will not receive the much needed funding they rely on to operate. The impact of these agencies on our community is far reaching. We are asking everyone who believes in helping their neighbors, friends, and family who are struggling with hunger, illness, or lack of shelter to contribute what they can. The amount our campaign strives to reach is needed to meet the necessities of our community members - the critical needs that will go unmet without help.

During these challenging times, your support is greatly needed. It is not about meeting a goal, it is about meeting a NEED. While, we understand the economy of our region has diminished and has impacted our supporters we are thankful for all of those that continually support United Way. Your contribution truly makes a difference. We also understand many of you have contributed as much as you can and may not have the means to contribute more financially at this time. However, if you are in the financial position, please consider increasing your contribution and rising to the challenge of our community in these difficult times. If you have given and are able to give more please consider our cause. If you are unable to give at this time we understand. Donations can be made using the enclosed form.

Every dollar we raise makes a difference in the lives of real people in your own community. If you have questions about how your gift will make a difference in our community, please feel free to contact us or the United Way office.

Sincerely,

Mark & Jessica Savoie

United Way Campaign Chairs

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

Great things coming up!

I have some terrific groups and workshops coming in April, I hope you'll help spread the word.

March was such a fun month; I was able to attend a few family fun events and spoke with lots of families about the importance of saving money. I spoke with several children who had some awesome financial goals - everything from saving up for a new bicycle to putting money away for college!

I have even more planned for April - including a fun community and business volunteer opportunity based on a favorite children's book.

April 8 - Luce County LINK: Join me for my 'Don't Go Broke' group workshop for adults and older teens. Learn about creating financial goals and the importance of spending/saving wisely! Space is limited, reserve your spot by calling me or get in touch with Mary at The LINK 906-293-3729.

April 10 - Cedarville Public Library: 'The Trouble With Money' is a hands-on reading group. We'll use The Berenstain Bears' "Trouble with Money" book to help children understand how to avoid money troubles. An adult or high-school aged sibling must attend with younger children.

April 11 - Global Youth Service Day project - With the help of Sault High students we'll be putting together financial literacy kits based on The Berenstain Bears' book "The Trouble with Money". 150+ kits will be given away to children in the Eastern Upper Peninsula thanks to a Global Youth Service Day grant and Soo Co-Op Credit Union! (Thanks again for all of your help!) Volunteers joining us between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this day will help create and assemble activities pieces and fill our kit bags. Anyone interested in helping out should contact me as soon as possible for more details. If you can't help out on April 11th but would still like to volunteer or donate in some other way, let me know!

April 16 - United Way of the EUP: 'Don't go Broke' presentation for adults. I'll discuss ways to tweak a monthly budget and resources that might be available to help you get through those tough months. Space is very limited! Reserve your seat by calling me at the United Way office!

April 21 - Kinross Recreation Center: We'll host another fun family night in the Kinross area with more hands on activities for parents and children to learn about money - where it came from, how we use it and why it's a good idea to save some! Young children will need to be accompanied by an adult.

As if that wasn't enough to keep me busy, I'll also be available to answer questions about finances and frugal living at the 2nd Annual Wal-Mart Vision Center Health Fair being held Saturday, April 26th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. inside the Sault Ste. Marie Wal-Mart.

As always, if you'd like to invite me over to speak with your client base about money and spending plans or if you have questions about the free services I provide, please feel free to contact me.

MI Bridges note:

As many of you know, on April 1, 2014 our state plans to open the application submission process for Healthy Michigan. These applications will be submitted through the MI Bridges portal. If your staff plans to assist clients with this online application process they'll need to be trained as MI Bridges Navigators. Along with all of the other hats I wear, I am also MI Bridges Navigator Stipend Trainer and am able to host trainings throughout the E.U.P.

You may request trainings by filling out the form found here: http://mibenefitsaccess.org/partners/training/in-person-training/

If you have questions about this process, feel free to contact me as well. 

Happy spring!

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

• Repair/Replacement of windows, exteriors, doors, and roof.
• Air-sealing measures such as caulking or weatherstripping.
• Insulation of pipes, skirting, roof area/attic

To view these form FULL size click here.

The new Healthy Michigan Plan begins enrollment April 1st! Is your organization planning to assist clients with the online application process?

Below is a registration link to the only currently offered MI Bridges training in our area. We can only accept a maximum of 20 registrants at this time - reserve your spot fast!

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you choose to register for this training you must make sure your parent agency submits its application for MBA/MIB Community Partnership FIRST. This is a newer requirement. Applications can be found by visiting http://mibenefitsaccess.org/partners/become-a-partner/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 Read more...

More Information...

Food drive 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