Can you build a cardboard boat? See that and much more!

United Way
of Southwest Michigan

United Way fights for Misty

When Misty was young her family had to flee an abusive father. Their situation turned tragic when he tracked them to Mississippi, and Misty's mom had to take his life to save her own. Just two years later, Misty lost her mom to terminal cancer. She coped by trying methamphetamines, and it destroyed her life. She was at rock bottom when she finally discovered a way out of the cycle of substance abuse through services at the Substance Abuse Enhanced Outpatient Program at Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network. She discovered who she was and how to develop coping mechanisms. United Way partners with Woodlands to provide substance abuse treatment programming through individual and/or group counseling. Misty is a mother who now works at Woodlands helping others overcome their addiction. She is able to see the beauty of life...through sober eyes.

WATCH MISTY'S STORY

Be Healthy Berrien Worksite Wellness Program


United Way of Southwest Michigan Community Garden

United W ay of Southwest Michigan has been participating in the Be Healthy Berrien Worksite Wellness Program for over 2 years, earning The Nation's Best and Brightest in Wellness award in 2016. Be Healthy Berrien aims to make all worksites healthier places, with healthy food and physical activity choices for all employees. Healthy employees tend to be happier, more productive, and take fewer sick days. Great Worksite Wellness Programs can be implemented in workplaces of all sizes , and don't have to be costly or require a health expert to get started.

Click below to find low-cost resources to create a Worksite Wellness Program that works for your business.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

United Way Welcomes New Board Members

Thomas Atkinson - Southwestern Michigan College

Tom is t he Chief of Staff for Southwestern Michigan College and also the Treasurer for the Lewis Cass ISD. Previously, he had worked for the Cass County Sheriff's Office and Dowagiac Police Department and also served on the Board for Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac. He earned degrees from FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Staff and Command, Bethel College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Thomas is married, has two daughters and four grandchildren, and has lived in Dowagiac for the last 20 years.

Nermina Kamencic - Gast Manufacturing

Nermina is the Global Human Resources Director for Gast Manufacturing, Inc., with a successful career built in the HR departments of various companies. She is a local leader of Community Engagement at Gast and has been volunteering in projects to support organizations such as The Salvation Army. Nermina has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Illinois, and is working towards an Executive MBA in General Management from Michigan State University. She lives in Benton Harbor.

MEET THE 2017 BOARD

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas in June

We are embarking on our 7 5th anniversary serving Southwest Michigan! This event is themed with our 75th in mind. We are asking local businesses to help us stock the local food pantries with items in groups of 75 to help these pantries through the summer months. On June 21, our annual Day of Action, volunteers will sort the items and deliver them to local food pantries in Berrien and Cass Counties.

CLICK HERE TO GET INVOLVED

Whirlpool's Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races

Registration is now open for Whirlpool ROCK THE BOAT Cardboard Boat Races, taking place on Thursday, July 20th at the Inn at Harbor Shores. Register your boat on our website, and check the other possibilities available for this year, such as sponsoring a boat or volunteering at the event. We had an amazing turnout last year, and we're excited to see this event grow.