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On Thursday, April 18, we welcomed more than 160 guests to our Annual Meeting at Horizons Conference Center. This event is one of our team's favorite events because we have the opportunity to honor and acknowledge all the amazing people that help make Saginaw County such an incredible place to work and live. Congratulations again to all our award recipients (featured below) and thank you to everyone who LIVES UNITED every day in our community.
Event pictures can be found on our website and Facebook page. |
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Outgoing and Incoming Board Members | |
 Three outgoing board members were honored at our Annual Meeting for their service to United Way. A very special thank you to Dr. Mamie Thorns, Barbara Russell and Florinda Causie (pictured left) for their years of service.
Seven community leaders were welcomed to the Board of Directors in April. Lead by Board Chair, Ricardo Resio, the new members will serve alongside the 37 members currently active on the board as they work to fulfill the mission and vision of the organization. Please help us welcome the following new board members:
- Lesley Foxx Sims, Saginaw Housing Commission
- Craig Goslin, Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club
- Elvis Machul, Garber Buick
- Michael Sangster, Great Lakes Bay Area CAP Council
- Douglas Trombley, Saginaw Township Community Schools
- Marcia Yearwood, Citizens Bank, now a part of First Merit Bank
- Suzanne Greenberg, Great Lakes Bay Region CAN Council (Agency Representative)
"Leadership is key to the success of any organization - we value the dedicated service of our board members," said Cherrie Benchley, president/CEO. |
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VITA Volunteers Celebrate Another Successful Tax Season - $3.4 Million Returned to Community
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 We recently honored our dedicated VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers for donating their time and talent during the income tax season. Pictures can be seen on our website and Facebook page.
Through the VITA program, individuals financially unable to have their taxes prepared were able to visit one of the program's 10 VITA sites during the past tax season and have a fully-trained volunteer prepare their taxes for them, free of cost. During the 2012 tax season, more than $3.4 million was brought back to Saginaw County through the work of these committed volunteers.
"When you look at the numbers, you can definitely see why the VITA program is such a vital part of our community. As a volunteer, it is very rewarding to help deserving people receive their income tax refunds," said Kay Brzak, VITA volunteer.
The VITA program continues to assist thousands of families each year though the support of the volunteers and strong community partners. The program's goal is to increase the amount brought back to the community and organizers hope to achieve this by increasing participation and awareness.
There are several ways to get involved with the VITA program. Volunteers young and seasoned are needed to help expand the reach of the program. If volunteering for VITA is something you would be interested in, please contact Marsha Cooley at (989) 755-0505, ext. 203.
 | | Freeland High School VITA volunteers |
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Spring Into Service Day - 5.16.13 | |
Local high school students will come together on Thursday, May 16 to help beautify our community. More than 250 students will volunteer with community leaders as they plant, paint, prune, clean up and do whatever else is needed thoughout Celebration Square.
Thank you to all the students and community leaders who have signed up to help make this another successful event. If you would like to be involved or would like more information, please contact Henrietta Watson at (989) 755-0505, ext. 216. |
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10th Annual Jason Richardson Golf Classic CANCELLED for 2013 | |
Thank you to everyone who has supported our annual golf outings over the past 9 years. Unfortunately, we will not be hosting a golf outing this year due to Jason Richardson's unavailability.
Each year NBA all-star, Jason Richardson returned to his hometown to host the annual classic. In addition to hosting the event, Richardson would golf in the outing with members from the community as well as donate some of his team items for auction. Starting in 2007, Richardson began to underwrite the cost of the entire outing, allowing proceeds to benefit United Way of Saginaw County.
Richardson has been an incredible partner to work with over the years. We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to working with him and his foundation again in the future.
The event has raised more than $198,000 over the past nine years.
For more information about the event, please contact Kelly Johnson at (989) 755-0505, ext. 223.
For more information on Richardson's decision to cancel his annual charity week - view the Mlive article. |
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"My name is Cory Brooks and I serve with AmeriCorps through United Way of Saginaw County. Recently I started a third grade class at Kempton Elementary called "Too Good for Drugs", serving with a staff member from Prevention and Youth Services - Drug Education Center. Over the weeks we have covered a variety of topics ranging from tobacco and alcohol to peer pressure and communication.
There have been several boys and girls that have told us stories on how they used their words instead of violence and would leave a room when a parent or guardian was smoking as they now knew what secondhand smoke can do to you.
It's an amazing feeling knowing that just one hour a week over the course of 12 to 13 weeks does make a difference in a child's life."
~Submitted by Cory Brooks |
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Our 2012 Annual Report features information about our staff, board members, executive committee and campaign cabinet. Each of our award recipients and giving companies are highlighted, as well as our community impact programs and 2012 accomplishments. You can click the report image above to view it online or stop by the United Way office to pick up a copy. Thank you to all the employees, companies, community leaders and partners who helped us compile such wonderful information to share with the community! |
| Volunteers Needed to Serve on Community Change Teams | |
We are recruiting volunteers to serve as members of our newly formed Community Change Teams and we would like you to become part of the new process.
United Way is moving forward to fully implement a Community Impact Model. Part of this process is changing our focus areas to Health, Education and Financial Stability. Another is to open our funding process to our current 19 partner agencies and to other nonprofits in our community. By volunteering, you will be part of a team that makes informed decisions leading to positive community change.
For more information on how you can become part of this change, please contact Marsha Cooley at (989) 755-0505, ext. 203. |
| UAW Local 699 Community Service Committee Receives Honors | |
As mentioned above, the 2013 LIVE UNITED Labor Award was awarded to the UAW Local 699 Community Service Committee. Congratulations to the following committee members:
- Chad Arndt
- Connie Mora
- Jim Jesselaitis
- China Fleming
- Jeremy Ward
Below features a 30 second clip of Chad Arndt, graciously accepting the award at our Annual Meeting -
 | | 2013 LIVE UNITED Labor Award Acceptance Speech |
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