United Way measures success in how lives are changed, and they do not do this work alone. In addition to working with local corporations, businesses, nonprofits, foundations and individuals, they partner with 27 dedicated nonprofits and invest in quality programs that show measurable outcomes every year. Together, they create new solutions to pressing problems and join with people from all walks of life to put those solutions into action.

“Our partner agencies continue to inspire us through the incredible work they do to support our neighbors in need of help,” shared Nancy Money, United Way’s Director of Community Impact. “They are the champions of care in our community, and have the most generous hearts. We are so grateful for them being a network of support for our community, families, friends and neighbors.”

United Way listens, asks questions and analyzes data to ensure that their issue areas are aligned with the most pressing needs. Dollars are invested in programs in the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household Stability because change is bigger than a single organization or program.

“You may not realize that volunteers determine how the community’s investment will be allocated,” shared Kim Stuhler, Senior Investment Manager. “Each year our volunteer panels devote over 20 hours to reviewing applications, assessing outcomes, posing questions and hearing from our partners. Based on what they learn, they make funding recommendations to the United Way board.”

The allocation process is best-in-class and digs deep into the funded programs to ensure that there is a high level of accountability and that all investments demonstrate measurable impact in the community. United Way’s Community Impact Strategy Team also explores gaps in health and human service needs and recommended that United Way open the allocation process up this year to help meet those gaps.

United Way is excited to announce their new partnership with Midland County Habitat for Humanity and the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network.

“Both of our new partners join an impactful team of nonprofits doing amazing work in our community that align with our three pillars,” shared Holly Miller, President & CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Throughout the last year and a half, we have worked very closely with both organizations through flood recovery and the global pandemic. These partnerships allow us to have a greater reach, ensuring that our neighbors have basic needs like access to healthy food along with affordable home ownership.”

Funding will support Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership & Construction program and Emergency Food Pantry Network’s Backpack Buddies program. In addition, funding was approved for three new programs provided through current nonprofit partners. This includes: 3 & 4’s Preschool and Infant/Toddler childcare as Midland County ESA along with Adult Basic Education through the Legacy Center for Community Success.

Click here to see the entire list of partner agencies and programs United Way supports.

A sense of belonging is a basic human need, just like food and shelter. Friendly Connections, a new community program, builds a bridge to belonging by pairing up community members and helping them connect for 2-3 hours a month by phone.

Community partners including MyMichigan Health, Senior Services, 2-1-1 of Northeast Michigan, Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition and United Way of Midland County have united to bring this new program to our community.

“Feeling like we belong contributes significantly to our wellbeing,” shared Kathy Snyder, Coordinator of the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition. “Friendly Connections is an innovative way to foster connections and increase belonging throughout our community.”

Before the pandemic, loneliness and isolation were already on the rise. As more and more people have been forced into isolation during the pandemic, feelings of disconnection, loneliness and loss of hope have increased. In a regional survey conducted by MyMichigan Health, over 47% of respondents indicated they were struggling with loneliness.

“We know loneliness can contribute to health issues,” shared Kathy Dollard, Director of Behavioral Health at MyMichigan Health. “We are excited that MyMichigan Health’s Bridge to Belonging Program now includes Friendly Connections as another tool to help those who are lonely, and in turn, improve their health.”

How it Works

The program will be housed at 2-1-1 of Northeast Michigan. Matches will be made by a Connections Coach based on interviews with candidates to find common interests. Community members have an opportunity to join the program as a Tier-1 or Tier-2 volunteer. All connections will have at least one Tier-2 volunteer, which includes a background check and additional online training.

“Senior Services is thrilled to be a part of creating the Friendly Connections program,” shared Barb Zebley-Oldani, Director of Care Coordination at Senior Services. “Decreasing social isolation by improving connections for older adults has been a long-time focus for Senior Services. This program expands our efforts to improve the overall wellbeing and quality of life for those we serve.”

Throughout each month, matches will connect over the phone to chat about common interests, what’s happening in their lives and even ways they might need extra support and help. The goal is to build a caring relationship between the matched pair and to help alleviate loneliness, fuel connection and keep our neighbors connected to the community.

“I’m excited for Friendly Connections to be introduced to our community,” shared Jeremy Screws, Connections Manager at 2-1-1 of Northeast Michigan. “I am hopeful that it will be a great resource for individuals to connect with others and create a sense of belonging in the Midland community.”

Volunteers are needed to make this program possible. The time commitment is minimal, calls can be made from anywhere and everyone can participate. Most importantly, the meaningful connections will be life changing.

To learn more or sign up as a volunteer, visit 211friendlyconnections.org. For specific questions, email the Connections Coach at connect@211nemichigan.org