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Greetings from United Way!
June was a very busy month at United Way and in the past it was not, historically speaking. Our board, planning committee and campaign team came together for several meetings and we focused on the future and what that would look like, for United Way. Board members from all 3 counties gave their input on what they would like to see us transition to in the next 1 to 5 to 10 years.
 | | Here Michelle Walk, UWEUP Board President uses her MSU Extension talents to lead our strategic planning session. |
We still have a lot of work to do and will be meeting with our agencies and community members in the months to come. If you have a special interest and want to make sure we include you please email me.
 | | UW Board Members Gregg Rathje (Luce Co.) and Marielle Calcaterra (Mackinac Co.) highlight the areas they see as most important. |
The public still sees us as a mainly a fundraising entity for other nonprofits and while that is a part of what do we, it is not the larger picture. We have changed over the years and since 2010 have been providing direct service (not duplicated) in the EUP. We have become a hub for referrals and wraparound services from not only other nonprofits, but also human service providers
Here is a short list of what we work on throughout the year:
-National Days of Service including MLK Day, Day of Action, Global Youth Service Day and 9/11
-Project Backpack-Chippewa County
-VITA/AARP Tax Aide
-Our Help Program (Navigator Program)
-MIBridges Outreach
-Spotlight Recognition
-Removing barriers to Education-Malcolm Alternative School
-Removing barriers to Education-Kincheloe Alternative School (KAS)
-Continuum of Care
Save the date for some upcoming events!
- Sept/Oct Lake Superior State University Hockey Spaghetti Dinner. We will need volunteers! More to come.
- U.P. Non-Profit Conference Oct 9th NMU.
Together we can be the difference.
Tracey Laitinen
Executive Director
United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula
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Your Gift CAN Make a Difference...
When people are hurting you help. Your charitable gift touches those in need today. The world's problems aren't easy to solve, but your gifts build solutions. The charitable organizations you support right here in the Eastern Upper Peninsula also touch the future. They will be creating your vision for a better world long after your lifetime. Their work, and the lives they touch, can be your legacy. Read more...
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Americorps Progress Update
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AmeriCorps service has kept me busy this month with client meetings, a workshop, mid-year training in Lansing, and planning for the St. Ignace Back to School Carnival in August.
While attending my AmeriCorps Mid-Year Training in Lansing, I was able to catch up with my 4 fellow coaches and discuss what's been working for them, and what hasn't, in some of Michigan's larger cities. We discussed setback and the goal of our own pilot program. There was discussion of how the program could, or should, change if they're able to carry on in the future. I was also able to catch up with the remainder of my AmeriCorps service members - they are the last batch of Community Resource Navigators. The CRN program was designed to assist Department of Human Services roll out their MI Bridges portal. It was a successful program, and I look forward to hearing about what might come next.
In July, I'll be implementing a series of mini-workshops through two partner agencies in our community. I'll walk clients through applying for and managing MI Bridges benefits, using them to supplement income they may already have, tips and tricks to stretching their dollars, planning for winter utilities and creating some obtainable financial goals. I can't wait to see how this works out!
I am still open to take referrals as well. If you'd like to speak with me about the best way for your organization to refer clients to workshops or one-on-one coaching please feel free to contact me.
In addition to my Financial Empowerment Coaching, I'm also looking forward to August and the Back to School Carnival that will again be hosted at Gateway Lanes in St. Ignace on August 27th. If you're able to volunteer your time to this great event please email me and we'll discuss where you might be able to lend a hand. We'll need ticket takers, survey helpers, snack supervisors, and more.
As always, if you have any questions about my service or what I may be able to do to help your clients, email or call - americorps@unitedwayeup.org or 906.632.3700 ext. 4#
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Spotlight Recognition
May 2014
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Individual - Judge Elizabeth Church is extremely active and supportive in many programs and organizations including the Community Service Jail Porgram, the Christopher Columbus Fall Craft show, the American Legion Washington Tea, the local Women in Business group, Diane Peppler Resource Center, and Girls on the Run. You will find her frying fish and volunteering for events at the Elks Lodge, volunteering to support and participating at the Relay for Life, and volunteering her judging talents to the Chippewa County Fair Queen Pageant, I-500 Pageant and the United Way's Chili Cook-off.
She and her family have made numerous donations of books and products to the Pickford friends of the Library group, especially the teen library. She organizes the local Attorney Association's LAW DAY essay contest, is on the Pickford Library Board, she contributes to our local schools and to girl's and boy's troop activities. She is also a sponsor of a girl's Little League Team.
Elizabeth Church is an exceptional member of our community. Not only is she a well-respected professional, but her support and contribution to many organizations and committees is such that everyone likely wishes she had more time!
Group - The six ladies that make up the Hearthside Assisted Living Board of Directors donate countless hours of their time. They include: Tracey Holt, Chris Lundquist, Lynn Farnquist, Laura Aikens, Kathy Cairns and Rosemary Blashill. Each one of these ladies not only has a passion for Hearthside, but each is heavily involved in with several other organizations as volunteers as well. Board Meetings are held monthly and each of the women participates on sub-committees. Most of the Board Members have been with Hearthside since they took it over in 2007 when it was about to be closed by the previous owners. They gathered volunteer community members, restructured it as a non-profit, then called Superior Health Support Systems, and built it up to what it is today! Hearthside fills an otherwise unmet need in our community and is one of only two facilities in Michigan to be state licensed. This comes from perseverance and guidance from the Board of Directors.
Business Neighbor - Fred's Pub in St. Igance hosts many benefits for medically challenged families. They donate space and services to many non-profit for events such as Strike out the Violence and a free family back to school carnival connected with Project Connect. The use of their facility and staff time has positively impacted many families in Mackinac County. Fred's Pub also gives back to the community in the form of sponsoring youth athletic teams which removes a large expense from families, as well as making consistent donations to local silent auctions to support their community and community member needs.
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Upcoming Farmer's Markets & Food Related Activities
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Engadine
When: Saturdays, 9:00am until Noon.
Where: In the Township Pavillion located in Mill Pond Park.
Newberry
When: Thurdsdays, 3:00 - 6:00pm
Where: Newberry, Avenne
Pickford
When: Thursdays 4:00 until 6:00 PM
Where: Township Parking Lot behind Historical Museum under shade tree. Flea Market will be in the Northwest corner of the Township parking lot behind the Township Hall
Les Cheneaux
When: Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: 2900 West M-134, east of the M-134/Three-Mile Road blinker
Sault Ste. Marie
When: Wednesday 4:00 until 6:30 PM
Where: Crossroads of Sault Ste. Marie: Portage and Ashmun Streets. (Under the Twin Peaks, behind the Eagle's Nest).
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MI Bridges Information 
You are invited to register for a MBA and MI Bridges Navigation Training Session - July 22, 2014, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Sault Ste. Marie
Michigan Benefits Access promotes the use of a multiple benefit application system, called MI Bridges, through community outreach. MI Bridges is a system developed and maintained by the Department of Human Services. The Michigan Association of United Ways provides training to community organizations to enable staff/volunteers to assist persons directly with applying for public benefits on MI Bridges, as well as, informing the community about the availability of the system for anyone to use on-line.
A MBA and MI Bridges Trainer will share the goals of initiative, the expanded features of the technology, possible levels of engagement for community based organizations, and how to navigate MI Bridges when assisting an applicant.
Please register in advance for this training. There is a limit on the number of attendees. If the training fills to capacity, please contact Jeanine Stanley, MBA Program Director at stanleyjstanley@uwmich.org@uwmich.org to be added to a waiting list.
MBA & MI Bridges Training, July 22, 2014, 9 AM - 12 PM - Sault Ste. Marie
Click here to register
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Lunch and Learn
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The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula hosted two Lunch & Learn training workshops this spring. Trainers from Great Lakes Centers for Youth Development presented on the topics "Volunteer Programs with Impact" on May 21st, and a double session featuring "Low Cost of High Morale" and "Looking Glass Leadership" on June 18th. The program was available to all United Way partner organizations, as well as any other non- or for-profit organization or business for a small fee.
 | | Linda Remsburg from Great Lakes Center for Youth Development discusses features of UPVolunteer.org as part of "Volunteer Programs with Impact" |
Eighteen attendees from thirteen EUP businesses and organizations came take in the workshop and enjoy lunch. We are already discussing the next Lunch & Learn series. If you have an idea of a topic you would like to see addressed a training you would like to see held in our area please email Stephen@UnitedWayEUP.org
 | | Bob and Chad from GLCYD take ideas from attendees on managing morale l in "Low Cost of High Morale" |
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Roll out the Buses
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Chippewa County's Project Backpack is set for August 15th and the supply drive is getting started! We need your help to stuff the buses with backpacks and school supplies for Chippewa County students Pre-K through Middle School. Donated items can be dropped off at the United Way office, or look for the Project Backpack School at businesses and organizations across town.
If your business would like to help by setting up one of the school buses and collecting supplies, please email
Stephen at the United Way, or call 906-630-3700 and hit extension 3.
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Have Coffee with a Cop
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Join your neighbors and polices officers on July 8th for a FREE coffee and conversation. No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood!
Officers from the Michigan State Police and other area law enforcement agencies and community members will have the opportunity come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.
All community members are invited to attend the FREE event. The event begins at 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Studebakers Restaurant, 3583 I-75 Business Spur, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Please contact Trooper Ailene Bitnar with questions: (906)632-2217 or bitnara@michigan.gov.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department's work in Sault Ste. Marie's neighborhoods.
Check out the flyer for more details. |
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Kincheloe CCSS Students Give Back
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Eight students from the Kincheloe Alternative High School, a Consolidated Community School (CCSS), set out on June 3rd to learn more about local business and to put in some sweat equity at the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CC EDC). CCSS are a consortium of seven local school districts providing alternative, adult and community education programs and the Kincheloe site serves approximately 34 students ages 14-20.
 | KAS students Jacob, Jessy and Cole sweep piles of dust, birds and trash into the CC EDC front end loader.
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"A lot of individuals and businesses don't even realize that the school exists." said Tracey Laitinen, Director of United Way of the EUP. "We want to get the students out and build a rapport with local organizations and have the students take pride in giving back and building community relationships." Besides organizing community volunteer opportunities, United Way provides basic needs and life skills to the students through a program named Removing Barriers to Education. Director Laitinen also noted that corrections officers and staff from the local correctional facilities have been instrumental in obtaining some of the clothing, bedding, food and hygiene items that the students have needed.
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Pilot Evan explained all the logistics and answered questions about the Hawker 850XP Jet.
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The day started out wet, but the students didn't notice as they were able to take a private tour of a 2006 Hawker 850XP. The students were very excited to see the inside of this luxury jet and to check out the cockpit. The two pilots, Evan and Mike, gave a great tour and answered all the students' questions. Then Mr. Gregory laid out some sweeping projects in the hangars and the students were able to test out their manual labor skills. At lunch KAS youth were treated to pizzas from the Pizza Patch, thanks to Mrs. Beaseau.
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L to R: Joe Servia-KAS Lead Teacher, Billie Jo Ennes-KAS Paraprofessional, Tim Gregory-CC EDC Maintenance Supervisor, Tammy Beaseau-CC EDC Airport Manager, Shelby Fhlug, Brandon Johnson, Kimberly Munoz, Nicole Mahar, Cole Maahs, Jacob McQuade, Jessy Farley, Shyanne Rolston-Rudd, Tracey Laitinen-Director UWEUP and Raulaniesa Aranda- AmeriCorps Financial Empowerment Coach at UWEUP
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Thank you to Tom Ewing, President of the CC EDC for partnering on this project with the United Way and the Kincheloe Alternative School. Plans are in place to partner on another street clean-up project this fall. For more information on CCSS visit: http://ccss.eup.k12.mi.us .
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SuperValu Steak Sale
Steak Sale Pre-order form
Project Backpack
Project Connect
Mark your calendars for upcoming Project Connects in the Eastern U.P.
Luce County - August 21st, American Legion Hall in Newberry. Agency Form. Event Flyer
Mackinac County - August 27th, Hope Check in St. Ignace
Chippewa County -, October 23rd, Avery Square in Sault Ste. Marie. Agency Form
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Nugget of History
Previous UW Goal
1979 $77,000
1980 $80,000
1981 $99,340
1982 $100,000
Today's Goal
2014 $300,000
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Hearthside Assisted Living
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Hearthside is looking for donations of framed pictures or artwork, from the 1950s era or older, that show a recognizable geographical location in the U.P. or Michigan. The pictures can be of buildings, old cabins, bridges, water-front areas etc... Anything that is able to be identified with a place card or through reminiscing can be used.
If you have a picture or artwork please email hearthsideactivities@yahoo.com or call 635-6911, option 4.
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Salvation Army's Hours and Services
Food Pantry Hours
10am-3pm Monday thru Friday for social services including the food pantry. Clients fill out application and present a picture ID and SS#'s for household members.
Breakfast M-F 8:30-9:30am
Lunch M-F 12-12:30pm
Dining Hall open until 1pm
Breadrack
Distribution of perishable food items begins at 9:30am
Clothing and Furniture Vouchers
Based on emergency or need. Clients complete application with caseworker.
Utility Assistance
As funding is available. Clients must call to set an appointment with the caseworker.
Personal Care Products
Clients can fill out application to receive products every 3 months.
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Diane Peppler Center Wishlist:
Laundry - Soap Diapers - Shampoo -
Tooth paste - Twin bed sheets - Conditioner -
Dishes - Silverware - Pots and Pans -
Tooth brushes - Hand soap - Towels -
Dish soap - Razors - Deodorant -
Hair Brushes - Note Books - Nail clippers
If you are able to donate, please call us at
(906) 635-0566, or stop by our office.
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Do you know what is going on at your local library?
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For the month of May 2014, CHAC screened 6 clients and completed 3 enrollments, bringing our current total to 180 enrolled clients in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties for the Volunteer Program. CHAC completed 5 referrals to other community programs. CHAC's volunteers and placement workers contributed 14 hours this month! Thank you to everyone who has made these numbers possible.
CHAC has certified Navigators answering questions and enrolling individuals into insurance plans. Through May 2014, CHAC has organized 28 outreach/education events and has reached 5198 consumers with information regarding the Affordable Care Act including premium tax credit information for insurance through the Marketplace as well as information regarding Healthy Michigan (expanded Medicaid).
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Take your Volunteer Search Online
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Have you used www.UPVolunteer.org yet? This is a great resource for both volunteers and organizations.
Are you interested in volunteering? Browse opportunities throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Create an account and you can express interest in opportunities with one click!
Do you have an organization that regularly uses volunteers? UPVolunteer.org lets you create and post volunteer opportunities, and will notify you whenever anyone is interested in helping out.
If you have a business and would like to start an employee volunteer program UPVolunteer.org can help you too! Register your business, answer a short questionnaire and your employees can access volunteer opportunities specifically recommended for your business.
Take a few minutes and check what UPVolunteer.org can do for you. If you have any questions or need help getting started, email Stephen or call 906-632-3700 x3
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BEES HELP POLLINATE US$200 billion worth of crops each year. Bees are behind 1 of every 3 bites of food we eat, including almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, kiwis, melons, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, sunflower seeds, and watermelons, as well as alfalfa eaten by cattle. Of the 100 crops that make up 90 percent of the world's food supply, 71 are pollinated by bees. Sixty percent of the bee colonies in the United States are needed to pollinate California's $4 billion almond crop. There are more than 16,000 species of bees, but only seven make honey.
The Rotarian July 2014
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Hospice Wish List
Canned Fruit
Wipes
Bleach
All donations are greatly appreciated. If you are able to make a donation please stop by the Hospice House or call 906-259-0222
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