United Way Welcomes ...

 

Denyel Kolka

Hello, my name is Denyel Kolka and I am the Community Resource Navigator serving at United Way of the Lakeshore through AmeriCorps. I hope to make connections between local community-based organizations who work with benefits access and the online DHS program, MiBridges. I also make myself available for direct services at the Muskegon County DHS office and other locations as needed. With everything around the community going technology based, I am hoping to multiply my knowledge many times over in respects to the Benefits Access/MiBridges program through training to better serve my community. If you feel your agency or organization could benefit by having staff/volunteers trained on the MiBridges program or need my direct service until you are able to do so, feel free to contact me at Denyel@unitedwaylakeshore.org.  I look forward to helping you connect. 

 

LaTonya Beene

LaTonya joins United Way and the Muskegon Opportunity staff as a Program Asistant.  She is a graduate of Muskegon Heights High School, Post-Secondary Graduate of Michigan State University. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sociology - with a cognate

in Health Studies and Bioethics and Humanities in May 2007. She worked closely with the Michigan State University's Health Team as a HIV Prevention Counselor and Outreach program Coordinator - Coordinating MSU's first Black AIDs Awareness Event, ever! After graduating, she moved back to the Muskegon area and has held positions in Substance Abuse, working with West Michigan Therapy, Inc. as a Case Manager and with a for-profit organization as a Substance Abuse Counselor. Thereafter, she became an Educational Support Staff member of the TRiO Upward Bound Program housed at Muskegon Community College for a year.  LaTonya enjoys reading, music, and traveling - she loves an adventure, discovering things that she has never seen, or just taking in the beautiful world. 

 

Welcome Denyel & Latonya!

  

United Way

Loaned Executive Program

 

Each year, United Way of the Lakeshore provides a unique professional development opportunity to organizations through our Loaned Executive Program - a training opportunity for a new or future leader in your organization.

 

A Loaned Executive assists United Way in planning, organizing and managing 7 to 10 accounts during the fall campaign from June 20 to November 21, 2013.  Hours are varied and flexible.  The ideal LE is someone who is enthusiastic, organized, a self-starter, and a positive, community-minded person.

 

Before the campaign starts, Loaned Executives participate in a training to focus on enhancing management, interpersonal communications, presentation, sales, and teamwork.  The training will be held on Thursday, June 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at United Way of the Lakeshore in downtown Muskegon.

 

If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Nancy Robbins at nancy@unitedwaylakeshore.org or call (231) 722-3134.

Please join us for ...

United Way of the Lakeshore's

ANNUAL MEETING

Thursday, April 25, 2013

5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

  

Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor

Third Street, Downtown Muskegon

  

5:00 p.m., Social hour and buffet appetizers

6:15 p.m., Annual Meeting, Volunteer Recognition, Awards, Elections

  

$15 per person or $120/table of 8

  

RSVP by Friday, April 19, 2013

or call 877-722-3134

 

 Saturday, May 18, 2013

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Muskegon Community College

A day of FREE family fun! 

 

Student Volunteers Needed:

Serve your community and earn approximately 20 community service hours.  We need your ideas, time, and talents.  If you are interested in helping, please contact Lynn Keech at lynn@unitedwaylakeshore.org.

Day of Caring 2013

  

The 2013 Day of Caring will take place on Friday, June 21, at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds, 6621 Heights Ravenna Road.  The goal will be to complete many projects in advance of the Muskegon County Fair in July. 

 

Day of Caring will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, hosted by the Muskegon Host Lions Club; lunch will be provided by Plumb's at noon.

 

Projects will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by clean-up until 4:00 p.m.  Projects include painting, restoring fences and barns, building shelves, landscaping, brush clearing, mural painting, cleaning, volunteer registration, and more.  Projects will be available for both skilled and non-skilled volunteers of all ages.

 

Donations are being accepted at United Way, 31 East Clay Avenue, for paint brushes, rollers, drop cloths and paint trays.  Volunteers can register online at www.unitedwaylakeshore.org after May 1.  For more information please contact lynn@unitedwaylakeshore.org .

 

Project requests are being accepted for both Oceana and Newaygo Counties.  Please contact Laura Nugent in Oceana County at (231) 907-0515 or Lynn Keech at (231) 722-3134 for Newaygo County.

Volunteer

  

Kids' Food Basket needs drivers to deliver Sack Suppers Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (must have capacity for 21 tub totes) and Thursday mornings. Drivers pick up tubs at Central United Methodist Church and deliver them to Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Muskegon Heights. For more information, contact Cozy Thomas at cozy@kidsfoodbasket.org, or call 286-7087.

 

 

Group workouts can help you run father and faster - plus, they are just fun!  Beginner to advanced levels available.  During the 10 weeks session there will be a variety of coached workouts, while enjoying the  camaraderie and safety of group running.  Classes include proper footwear, hydration, speed work, cross training, nutrition and more.  Classes are led by experienced runners who will help you reach your goals.  Classes will meet on Tuesdays beginning April 16, ending June 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Muskegon YMCA.  Everyone is welcome!  Cost is $15 for members and $50 for non-members.

 

Friday, June 21, 2013 - Expo

The Mercy Health Seaway Expo is offered at no cost to the community, so you can explore healthy options and learn how to optimize your family's health. For expo updates and more information about vendors, visit seawayrun.com. 

The Mercy Health Seaway Run has been one of Michigan's most scenic and most popular runs for 32 years.  The separate courses for runners and walkers take advantage of the beautiful shorelines of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.  The unique setting and fun events make this a must-try fo rall ages and abilities!  For more information and to register visit www.seawayrun.com.