As the third week of the United Way campaign comes to a close, the community continues to show its generous support. They are reporting pledges totaling $2,270,236 representing 49% of the overall campaign goal of $4.6 million.

“The beauty of United Way is that it provides opportunities for all of us to lean in with our heads, hands and hearts to create meaningful impact,” shared Tim Lacey, United Way Campaign Chair. “United Way facilitates collaboration amongst its partner agencies to benefit and lift the community and delivers opportunities for our community to thrive. Their ongoing engagement invites diverse thoughts, experiences and background to creatively solve problems. Engagement with United Way reminds me that no gift is too small, and that it’s in the collective generous spirit that we see impact.”

Businesses are making a big impression, showing their commitment to the community. Benjamin F. Edwards, Bone & Bailey and Wealth Enhancement: Michael Gavin Group have all kicked off their campaigns. Wealth Enhancement: Michael Gavin Group encourages their team to get involved and also donates a generous corporate gift to make an even bigger impact.

The fun continues across the county as more organizations participate in the campaign and learn how their investment makes an impact. Shelterhouse, a United Way-funded partner, kicked off their campaign with an inspiring presentation from United Way staffer Andrea Plouff. Their team has a variety of activities scheduled throughout the month to encourage having fun while making a difference.

Many other organizations like Dendritech, Brandle Roofing, Great Lakes Bay Construction and Three Rivers Corporation will be kicking off next week. United Way employee Katie Bell Pearce will be joining the Great Lakes Bay Construction team meeting to share how their investment changes lives right here in Midland County.

Mark your calendars on October 2 for the Three Bridges Distillery fundraising event for United Way! Three Bridges, Trilogy Salon and Members First Credit Union are each contributing a dollar per pour that day, making the total donation for every beer, seltzer and non-alcoholic beverage served $3 dollars. In addition, Pizza Baker will be donating $1 per pizza ordered at Three Bridges from 3-8pm to join in the impact.

In the coming weeks, many other companies, nonprofits, businesses and foundations will be showing their support for United Way and their partners.

United Way’s issue area focus this week is stable housing – a vital basic need that every individual and family deserves to have.

“Our goal is that all individuals and families have stable and affordable housing,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “We are facing a housing crisis, not only here in Midland but across our nation. When families don’t have a stable place to call home, it creates a cascade of instability. It can impact their ability to access healthy food, childcare and transportation. The overwhelming stress of housing insecurity increases stress, anxiety and escalates mental health challenges. For children, this can also affect their performance in the classroom. United Way is proud to partner with Home to Stay, and Habitat for Humanity as well as lead and serve on many community collaboratives striving to find collaborative solutions and move the needle.”

Stable Housing is one of the fifteen issue areas that United Way of Midland County focuses on. Over 30% of Midland County families spend nearly 30% of their household income on housing. Last year, 640 individuals/families were provided urgent repairs or resources to maintain stable housing.  To learn more about how vital it is to have childcare throughout the county, read Trevor’s story.

“For those wondering how they can get involved, it’s easy,” shared Lacey “It comes back to utilizing your head, hands and hearts. Whether you’re able to give financially, speak out for those who don’t have a voice, or volunteer your time; every little bit truly helps.”

  • $1 per week provides 200lbs pounds of nutritious food for a struggling family
  • $5 per week provides a gas card for five cancer patients to travel for specialized care
  • $10 per week provides hands-on job skills for 2 individuals
  • $20 per week provides materials to build and install a ramp to make a home more accessible
  • $50 per week provides 8 students with a reading tutor scholarship

To learn more about community needs, how dollars are invested for change, read an impact story, or find help visit unitedwaymidland.org/2024campaign.

The 2024 United Way campaign will continue throughout the fall, and everyone is invited to be a part of it. For more information about how you can improve lives in our community, visit unitedwaymidland.org.