Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Learn to Knit
On January 15th from 1pm to 3pm we will be offering a "learn to knit" class. The class will be held in the conference room of the United Way offices (521 S Union) and will be instructed by one of our very own Afghan Angels.
If you are interested in attending please contact Michelle either by phone: 231-947-3200 x 201 or email: michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.
If you are interested in attending please contact Michelle either by phone: 231-947-3200 x 201 or email: michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.
'Tis the Season
The mission of the United Way of Northwest Michigan is,
"... to efficiently raise and effectively distribute financial and volunteer resources to support community-determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Most people think this means the United Way does only three things: (1) raise funds (2) grant money (3) encourage volunteerism.
The reality is we do far more than raise and distribute funds and volunteer resources. We are actively involved with numerous initiatives that affect the lives of people in need. We are involved in the Community Collaboratives in each of the five (5) counties we serve. We are a part of established programs like the Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI), Great Start and the Fresh Food Partnership. We are also trying to help the community create new ways to respond to old problems. We are a part of initiatives like the one trying to bring 2-1-1 to our area and to implement Food Rescue. We are a part of these efforts because they are, "community determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Your support of the United Way goes beyond the grants that are given and the volunteers who are placed, it supports ideas and helps them become a part of the services on which people rely. The United Way is actively working to find ways to improve the lives of people throughout our community. Thank you for supporting the United Way in 2008. I hope we can count on your support in the year to come.
Best Wishes for a holiday season full of joy and happiness.
"... to efficiently raise and effectively distribute financial and volunteer resources to support community-determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Most people think this means the United Way does only three things: (1) raise funds (2) grant money (3) encourage volunteerism.
The reality is we do far more than raise and distribute funds and volunteer resources. We are actively involved with numerous initiatives that affect the lives of people in need. We are involved in the Community Collaboratives in each of the five (5) counties we serve. We are a part of established programs like the Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI), Great Start and the Fresh Food Partnership. We are also trying to help the community create new ways to respond to old problems. We are a part of initiatives like the one trying to bring 2-1-1 to our area and to implement Food Rescue. We are a part of these efforts because they are, "community determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Your support of the United Way goes beyond the grants that are given and the volunteers who are placed, it supports ideas and helps them become a part of the services on which people rely. The United Way is actively working to find ways to improve the lives of people throughout our community. Thank you for supporting the United Way in 2008. I hope we can count on your support in the year to come.
Best Wishes for a holiday season full of joy and happiness.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Volunteer... Volunteer... Volunteer
The numbers are in for the third quarter of the year. There are 431 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP volunteers are 55 and better) volunteers in our data base who have given 8,029 hours to our nonprofits in Northwest Michigan! Great work!
The NW Michigan Food Coalition needs your help more than ever this year. Thanksgiving baskets are being prepared for the ever-growing number of families seeking help. Can you help? Check with your closest food bank to see what part you can play in disarming the growing crisis of hunger in Northwest Michigan. Join the 431 RSVP volunteers who are making a difference in our community!
The NW Michigan Food Coalition needs your help more than ever this year. Thanksgiving baskets are being prepared for the ever-growing number of families seeking help. Can you help? Check with your closest food bank to see what part you can play in disarming the growing crisis of hunger in Northwest Michigan. Join the 431 RSVP volunteers who are making a difference in our community!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
We're going to be on TV!!
The United Way of Northwest Michigan's Volunteer Center is producing a new monthly television show on Up North 2 called "Giving Back...NWMI Style". Hosted by Susan McQuaid, the Center's Director, the show will look at volunteerism, nonprofits and philanthropy in Northwest Michigan.
The show will also highlight volunteers in the five county area, feature a community calendar of events, premiere videos about volunteering, and give you down to earth information and education on what's going on and how you can give back! The premiere of "Giving Back...NWMI Style", is Monday, November 17 at 7:00 pm. It will air again on Friday, November 21 at 9:00 pm and Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 pm.
The first show will take a look into the Volunteer Center at the United Way with guests Steven Wade, Executive Director, United Way of Northwest Michigan and Mari von Walthausen, Assistant Director of the Volunteer Center. It will teach you everything you ever need to know about volunteerism (or almost), show you the winning entries of our first ever "Live United" video contest, and give you some ideas on how you can give back this holiday season. Have an idea for a show, contact susan@unitedwaynwmi.org.
The show will also highlight volunteers in the five county area, feature a community calendar of events, premiere videos about volunteering, and give you down to earth information and education on what's going on and how you can give back! The premiere of "Giving Back...NWMI Style", is Monday, November 17 at 7:00 pm. It will air again on Friday, November 21 at 9:00 pm and Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 pm.
The first show will take a look into the Volunteer Center at the United Way with guests Steven Wade, Executive Director, United Way of Northwest Michigan and Mari von Walthausen, Assistant Director of the Volunteer Center. It will teach you everything you ever need to know about volunteerism (or almost), show you the winning entries of our first ever "Live United" video contest, and give you some ideas on how you can give back this holiday season. Have an idea for a show, contact susan@unitedwaynwmi.org.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Campaign Update
The Annual Giving Campaign is off to a phenomenal start with the help of many local workplace campaigns. Meijer blew the top off their campaign thermometer by reaching 147% of the store's $16,057 goal. The United Parcel Service has exceeded its employee and special events goal by 14.8 percent. Sara Lee Corporation’s Traverse City Bakery Facility raised 98% of the $40,000 goal within the first day of their campaign. Munson Healthcare reached an astonishing $45,000 one week into their campaign, on track to surpass their 2007 goal of $70,000.
"Munson Healthcare has a strong tradition of supporting its communities," said Amy Tennis, Munson's Director of Benefits and co-chair of the organization's Live United Campaign. "Our first week's response reflects the generous hearts of employees who understand that United Way funds go directly to help those who live in our neighborhoods."
The need for social services and the generosity of the community is greater than ever before. We encourage you to be an everyday hero; GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER. Give what you are able, volunteer your time and talents and advocate the LIVE UNITED message to your family, friends and neighbors.
Please visit the United Way website at http://www.unitedwaynwmi.org/ or call 947-3200 to host a workplace campaign, become an individual contributor or browse opportunities to volunteer throughout the community.
"Munson Healthcare has a strong tradition of supporting its communities," said Amy Tennis, Munson's Director of Benefits and co-chair of the organization's Live United Campaign. "Our first week's response reflects the generous hearts of employees who understand that United Way funds go directly to help those who live in our neighborhoods."
The need for social services and the generosity of the community is greater than ever before. We encourage you to be an everyday hero; GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER. Give what you are able, volunteer your time and talents and advocate the LIVE UNITED message to your family, friends and neighbors.
Please visit the United Way website at http://www.unitedwaynwmi.org/ or call 947-3200 to host a workplace campaign, become an individual contributor or browse opportunities to volunteer throughout the community.
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