Young Leaders United, a young professional donor network group of United Way of Midland County, is hosting a volunteer initiative with West Midland Family Center to help organize their food and clothing depot on March 13th.
“Each quarter, Young Leaders come together for a learning opportunity as well as a volunteer activity,” shared Kristen Williamson, Young Leaders United Chair and Community Relations Leader at Members First Credit Union. “We chose an issue area that United Way funds to learn more about. During the first quarter, we hosted a luncheon to learn more about the ALICE population and are partnering with West Midland Family Center to help organize their depot that provides basic needs to the families they serve.”
Young Leaders are inviting all young professionals to join them at this volunteer initiative to help with the project and learn more about Young Leaders United. Volunteers will assist with sorting and processing donations, organizing the storefront and other as-needed tasks. Volunteers will be on their feet during the shift, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Registration is required. To sign up visit volunteerglbr.org and search for “YLU Volunteer Project at West Midland Family Center’s Depot.”
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way is committed to serving neighbors who fall below the ALICE threshold. Under their Financial Stability pillar, United Way supports programs that help provide Basic Needs to individuals and families throughout Midland County. In addition to funded programs at Salvation Army, Greater Midland Coleman Family Center, Greater Midland North Family Center and West Midland Family Center, United Way launched LIFT (Leveraging Income for Tomorrow) in partnership with 211 to provide a hand up to neighbors who fall below the ALICE threshold.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. United Way provides resources to these hardworking individuals and families who make above the poverty threshold, but not enough to make ends meet. They have incomes above the poverty line but struggle to afford basic household necessities and often don’t qualify for help.
“Instead of just understanding the struggle of this important population, we want to act to create stability and prevent them from falling into poverty,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “This innovative program builds trust and relationships with the individuals and families served while offering financial resources that don’t currently exist. So far this program has helped many community members stay safely housed, afford childcare and even receive needed dental care. Our neighbors living below the ALICE threshold are vital to our community – we serve them and work alongside them every day. It’s critical that we provide these resources – this program is an added support system amongst the incredible network of nonprofit partners serving these neighbors every day.”
To learn more about United Way and how they provide support for basic needs in our community visit unitedwaymidland.org/what-we-do.
ABOUT YOUNG LEADERS UNITED
Young Leaders United is a group of young professionals dedicated to volunteerism and philanthropy. Members are compassionate and generous individuals and couples committed to change in our community by giving, advocating and volunteering.
The YLU Executive Council consists of members from many organizations throughout Midland including Dow, Corteva, MyMichgian Health, Members First Credit Union, Midland County, Midland Business Alliance, Corning, Three Rivers Corporation, Sym Financial and The Rock Center for Youth Development.
Each year, the Executive Council plans lunch and learns, volunteer events and socials to engage the full group in learning about community issues and providing opportunities to make a direct impact in Midland County.
To learn more about Young Leaders United, their upcoming events or to get involved, reach out to Katie Bell Pearce at katie@unitedwaymidland.org or visit unitedwaymidland.org/youngleaders.
