Currently at 89% of the 2018 Campaign goal, United Way of Midland County has announced that the campaign will be extended through Friday, November 9. To date, the community has rallied together to raise $4,183,604 of the $4,700,000 goal. However, the significant gap between current pledges and the overall Campaign goal puts the livelihood of essential community programs in jeopardy, and United Way is calling on the community to step up to help close the gap.

“As we near the end of our Midland County United Way 2018 Campaign, I urge everyone to consider donating. As co-chair of the Community Impact Strategy Team, I listen to all of the partner agencies present their desperately needed programs to our volunteer panels for investment,” stated Ann Beck, Assistant Vice President, Banking Center Manager at Chemical Bank. “Without your donations, our agencies simply cannot provide the services to those in our community who need them. Small children will not have safe daycare, three year olds will not have the opportunity for a pre-school that will start them on the path to success in school, victims of domestic violence, addicts, and the elderly will not have access to the services they need to survive. All of the donations you make are invested with care and consideration in over 60 programs that our partner agencies provide to our community. Please consider stepping up and Living United!”

A common misconception about United Way invested programs is that they only serve people that are in poverty, but these programs are truly for everyone. United Way and its partner agencies work tirelessly to meet people where they are and to give them a hand up. The reality is that if this year’s goal is not met, programs will be cut and services will be reduced—impacting those in need the most.

“Our partnership with United Way is vital in helping us accomplish our goal of meeting human needs here in Midland County. When people give to United Way, I think it’s easy to simply view it as making a donation to help out. But in reality, those contributions are going right back to our neighbors in unseen ways, helping them to make ends meet so they can hold on to hope. That’s what these donations are really doing in our community,” shared Capt. Brian Goodwill, Midland Corps Officer at The Salvation Army.

The need is very real here in Midland County:

  • 1 in 3 are struggling to meet basic needs
  • 1 in 4 adults suffer from mental health issues
  • 46% of students are not reading at grade level
  • 400 families are homeless or have unstable housing

Societal needs are as complex and diverse as their solutions, and no other single organization provides such a broad-based, comprehensive way in which to invest both time and resources. United Way brings the people, organizations and resources together to create change. United Way impacts the most pressing community issues through partnerships and program investments in Childhood & Youth Success, Optimal Health and Household Stability.

“We’re here to meet the needs of our neighbors,” explained Ann Fillmore, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County. “There is a true spirit of community and giving heart here in Midland. During times of uncertainty, this is the time to come together and take care of our own.”

What can you do to help? Every donation counts, no matter the size.

  • Consider a first-time donation. Every donation makes an impact and every dollar makes a difference.
  • Renew or increase your support. Our generous neighbors have gotten us this far. If you’ve supported United Way in the past, there is still time to make an impact in our 2018 campaign.
  • Spread the Word. Encourage your neighbors and your friends to lend their support.
  • Turn in your results! Many organizations are still actively campaigning. Drop off your results or mail contributions to our new office:

United Way of Midland County
115 Jerome Street
Midland, MI 48640

“If you haven’t made your gift to United Way, please give what you can—or maybe give a little more this year,” added Jerry Ladwig, Community Impact Strategy team Co-Chair. “These programs can’t run without your support, and not one dollar is wasted.  Without your help, someone may not get the help they need to be able to stand on their own two feet.”

The 2018 United Way Campaign has been extended through November 9. United Way is calling on the community to step up to help us close the gap so that essential programs can continue to be offered in Midland County. For more information about how you can help create a thriving community, visit unitedwaymidland.org/give.