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United Way of the

Eastern Upper Peninsula

GIVE, ADVOCATE, VOLUNTEER.

ENEWS FROM YOUR UNITED WAY

	March 2015 ENewsletter
	March 2015 ENewsletter

Greetings from United Way!

What makes United Way different...

This year has once again 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 I anticipate us being able to grant $85,000-$100,000. Historically we used to be able to raise near to $300,000+ in the EUP, but this year we are only at $220k. This means that not only will be have less money to award, but will be once again looking at cuts internal to our office, which is running on a shoestring budget.

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:

#342 donors that gave last year did not donate yet this year totaling over $30k.

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.

Please contact me if you have questions about our viability and or planning as we will be faced with making hard decisions this spring.

Together we can be the difference.

Tracey Laitinen

Executive Director

United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula

tracey@unitedwayeup.org

Local Residents Help Direct United Way Funds

This year's Citizen's Review Panels took place on February 26th a the Department of Human Services. Residents from across Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties gathered to help decide how the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula will distribute funds from its 2014 fundraising campaign.

Donald Henderson, Ginny Johnson, and Barb Searight talk about some of Habitat for Humanity's programs.

Each non-profit agency seeking United Way funds is given the opportunity to present to the Citizen Review Panel and address what services their agency provides, how they will use the funds to further their mission and goals, and any other information they would like to share. Members of the review panel then have a chance to ask questions for the agency representative. After each presentation, review panel participants use a worksheet to score each agency's request, using a variety of benchmarks.

CRP members from Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties review an agencies application prior to their presentation

The United Way's Allocations Committee, Finance Committee scores from Citizen's Review Panels, along with results from the Community Survey, to make the final determination of how much funding each requesting agency will receive. For more information on the process of how funds are distributed contact: Tracey Laitinen,Executive Director UWEUP.

Baking up a fundraiser with The Eagle

On February 12th, The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and The Eagle 95.1 teamed up for the Give from the Heart Dessert Extravaganza. Eleven area bakers brought in a variety of carefully crafted desserts that were auctioned off as a fundraiser raising $1185 for the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula's programs and partner agencies.

The event featured a great mix of area residents who bake for fun or as treats for friends, and professional bakers. Participating bakers were: Jackie Landis's with a Giant Flower Bouquet Cupcake; Sweet Creations with Mini-Cakes, Brownies, & Cherry/Raspberry pie; Mary Jo Duvall's Brownie Blitz, Shula's Bakery / Malcolm High School with a Hybrid Layered Cake and Truffles; Amy Hjerstedt's with a Hummingbird Cake, and Black Metal Forest Brownies; Ski Country Farms with a Cupcake Bouquet & Pie; TSC Cheesecake Co. with a Cherry Covered Cheesecake; Michelle Boursaw-Alexander with Strawberry Kolachys; Simply Unforgettable with Lover's Quarrel variety set, and Cupcakes; Cup&Cake's with a Huge Strawberry Filled Cupcake, and Cake Pops; and Michelle LeFabre Vanilla Cupcakes.

Each of the bakers went on the air with Paul VanWagoner from The Eagle 95.1 for thirty minutes to talk about their creation, what inspired it, and how they got into baking.

Prizes were also awarded to some of the bakers. Mary Jo Duvall received the highest bid with her Brownie Blitz selling for $325. The Weirdest Ingredient went to Michelle Boursaw-Alexander for using home-made almond flour as part of her gluten-free dessert. Amy Hjerstedt's Hummingbird Cake garnered the award for best recipes story. Top Rookie, awarded to a baker who either does not bake professionally or is new, was awarded to Jackie Landis, and the team of Shula's Bakery and the students from Malcolm High School earned best presentation.

A huge thank you to all the bakers who participated, the Eagle 95.1 for helping arrange for the event and hosting the auction on-air, Pro Sports, Cup of the Day, Day Makers Spa, and Thinking of You for providing prizes for the bakers, and to everyone who listened in and bid on desserts!

St. Mary's Students Support the United Way

In January, during Catholic Schools Week, students at St. Mary's Catholic School donated money in order to participate in a student favorite "Color Day". On the last Friday of each month, students are allowed to wear modest traditional clothing instead of the standard school uniform, but in doing so, must pay it forward. Each student is encouraged to give 25 cents on Color Day. These funds generally go towards helping a sponsored child, "Junior" from Honduras, through the UNBOUND Christian sponsorship program. This time United Way was chosen to be the worthy recipient of $202.81. Director Tracey Laitinen met with the students and explaining that $200 is a lot of money and that it could feed #200 individuals. For more information on St. Mary's please visit them on Facebook at St. Mary's School. Kindergarten Round Up is next week Friday, March 6th!

Students from St. Mary's present a check for $202.81 to the United Way of the EUP

*due to privacy issues some students cannot be published

How does United Way help?

These aren't actors. They are local members of our Community that help to make a difference each and every day! Please learn more about United Way of the EUP and how we work to make a difference in schools, with employers and with our children.

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

For more information call 906-632-3700x2 or email Tracey at tracey@unitedwayeup.org.

Save the Date

Sven Heikkinen Memorial Golf Tournament @ Wild Bluff

Thursday, May 14th!

Volunteer of the Month

Do you know someone who volunteers their time and is under appreciated? Would you like to see a group or business 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 Volunteer of the Month can be submitted by anyone for individual, and community partner categories. Winners are selected monthly, and each winner is surprised with a rally of recognition where they receive a framed certificate and and other tokens of appreciation. Individuals will also receive a certificate for lunch for two at a local eatery.

To nominate and individual, group, or business as our Volunteer of the Month, fill out the nomination form, or just email Stephen and tell him why your nominee deserves to be recognized!

Check out the United Way website to see more of our past winners!

Salvation Army's Hours and Services

Food Pantry Hours

10am-NOON * 12:30-2:230pm Monday thru Thursday 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

Bread Rack

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.

Call and ask to speak to Rachel

at 906-632-6521.

How Can You Volunteer in the EUP?

Starting in 2015 The United Way's Volunteer Center will be using All For Good, to help advertise volunteer opportunities in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Check out the Volunteer! tab on the United Way's Facebook page, or visit www.AllForGood.org and enter your zip code to see a list of opportunities to volunteer. Or contact Stephen to sign up for the weekly Volunteer Center email to get a listing of volunteer opportunities and other ways to hep in your community delivered to you inbox every Friday!

Did you know you can GIVE to United Way when you shop at Amazon and it won't cost YOU a Penny???

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