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| CAMPAIGN 2016 |
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As we begin a new campaign season, one of the biggest questions people have is, "What is the goal this year?" For many years, that was answered with a dollar amount. If you've lived in Clare or Gladwin County for any length of time, you've no doubt seen our big outdoor thermometers year after year. This year, we are thinking about our goal in a different way! Last year, thanks to local United Way funds, Clare and Gladwin County residents were served over 18,000 times! If we consider some of our projects that are more difficult to quantify, like collaborating with local agencies' community events, our numerous volunteer projects, and the donor directed dollars, that number is probably closer to 20,000 times or more! So this year, we want to repeat that success! To do that, we need to raise at least $175,000 in Clare County and at least $90,000 in Gladwin County.
How can you help? Participate in your workplace United Way campaign. Even a gift of $1 per pay period can have a huge impact. If you are already participating, consider increasing your gift or even becoming a Leadership Donor by pledging $10 or more a week. If your workplace, small or large, does not currently run a United Way campaign, be an advocate for starting one. Or, you can make individual donations by visiting
www.unitedwaycgc.org/donate
It is no doubt a challenging time for nonprofits of all kinds to raise needed funds. But we happen to know that we belong to great and giving communities who rise up time after time to meet the needs of their friends and neighbors. We are so grateful for your past, present, and continuing support! Great things happen when we LIVE UNITED!
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Local Girl Scouts Volunteer for United Way 25th Birthday Cupcakes and Cleanup in the Park Event
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Volunteering Your Way to a Healthier You
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Have you ever experienced that feel-good sense after an intense workout? It comes from a release of the hormone dopamine in the brain and that same effect happens when helping others. A known fact about doing good things for other people is that it makes you feel good, but a lesser known fact about doing good things for others is that volunteering actually improves your health. Those that volunteer are found to live longer, have reduced stress levels and a decreased risk of depression.
"Volunteers report that they are convinced their health is better because of the things they do when they volunteer. In all of the pathways we take to good health, being a volunteer can help make a meaningful difference".-United Health Group
At United Way, we want to do our part in helping develop a healthy community. We are offering non-profit agencies the opportunity to register your volunteer opportunities by contacting our office. We will promote those opportunities on our website, social media, and newsletter. We will also send out a bi-monthly Volunteer Opportunity email to all of the volunteers who have signed up with us. We would also like to provide nonprofit agencies the opportunity to participate with our United Way Day of Caring projects. These are one-time projects your organization needs help with like painting, yard work, or helping with a mailing or other office project. We will match your opportunities to groups or workplaces that are interested.
If you or your organization is interested in volunteering, please visit www.unitedwaycgc.org/volunteer. There you will find ongoing volunteer opportunities, as well as the signup form for Day of Caring projects coming soon. If you have questions, please contact our office at (989) 386-6015 for Clare or (989) 426-9225 for Gladwin. Do your health a favor and volunteer today!
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MMCAA Helping Homes Program
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 Mid Michigan Community Action Agency's Helping Homes Program provides assistance to low income households to obtain minor home repairs. The program strives to prevent simple household issues from turning into health hazards and major inconveniences. While the agency will consider all repairs that are related to health and safety or preventative of a more serious issue, basic repairs the program covers are fixture, switch, and smoke detector replacement, window and door repair, hole patching and building or repairing ramps and stairs. After a survey, completion of the triennial Community Needs Assessment showed 31.4 percent of agency customers need home repair, and because of the lack of availability of those services, the agency decided to refocus its service alignment and created the Helping Homes Program. Jill Sutton, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Executive Director explains, "Unfortunately the reality for many homeowners is that there may not always be room in the budget for minor home repairs. Unaddressed repairs may then turn into more serious health or safety issues.
Utilizing United Way funds, Mid Michigan Community Action is offering the Helping Homes Program to help alleviate some of these stressors and by helping area residents remain safe, healthy and comfortable in their homes."
In addition, all agency customers are assessed for eligibility for applicable assistance programs at the time of intake. So, a family coming in for home repair assistance, will also learn about utility assistance programs, early childhood programs and many others as they apply to ensure comprehensive services aimed at helping the family toward self-sufficiency. Currently, United Way of Clare and Gladwin Counties is funding the newly developed program, however the Mid Michigan Repair Solutions fund was created to act as the future sole provider for the program.
To learn more about the Helping Homes Program, or if you think you qualify for services, contact Mid Michigan Action Agency at (989)-386-3805 (Clare County) or (989)-426-2801 (Gladwin County) or email [email protected]
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