United Way of Washtenaw County Blog

Community Hero: Sheriff Clayton

uwwashtenaw — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:09:50 +0000

As the 2011 United Way campaign reaches its midway point, we have continued to receive nominations for influential people that serve as heroes in our community. These heroes donate their time, their energy, and their resources to help less fortunate individuals and families. Among these heroes, we received a nomination for Sheriff Clayton.

Peers and colleagues noted that Sheriff Clayton does not focus on just making people feel safe, he makes people feel that he cares about them

“The Sheriff has always asked people what help they need to get by. He makes you feel like your family and your health matter to him.” He donates hundreds of hours to show his support for his community.

As a person striving to help others we are honored to recognize him as our hero of the week. When asked why he feels the need to be improve in his community he stated:

”I firmly believe that community leadership requires a commitment from each of us to find ways to both individually serve and work collaboratively with others for the greater good of “our” community.”

Jerry has been selected as a community hero for his work throughout Washtenaw County. His passion, his dedication, and determination make Washtenaw a better place. Thanks for Living United Sheriff Clayton!

New Community Hero: Robyn Snyder

uwwashtenaw — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:11:24 +0000

As questions pour in across the University of Michigan community, there are two individuals tasked with answering them all. Since being a key aspect in running the United Way campaign, Robyn Snyder has taken control of her role of providing more information to folks. Her goal has been to help individuals in the U of M community help those less fortunate in the community around them.

With a clear mission for educating and inspiring others, Robyn has created a social media platform to engage new donors and new university staff. She has created a mission to find new ways to encourage members of the community to get involved. Colleagues and peers have taken notice of her energy and passion.

“I have only known Robyn Snyder for a short time, yet she seems to pull you into her web of getting involved. She is eager to help and has great ideas. She seems to have the energy to change the world herself and her actions display she might be able to.” – Colleague at the University of Michigan

“ I wake up everyday, thankful for all that I have and understand how quickly things can change. The United Way Campaign, allows us to come together as a community and be there for those who are struggling through great challenges. I’m proud to be part of something that can makes such a major difference in so many lives. It just doesn’t get any better than that!”

Robyn is the friendly woman on the staff reminding you that United Way is here to help. Without individuals like Robyn, United Way would never be able to accomplish its mission of helping people.

Thank you for Living United Robyn!

United Way of Washtenaw County & The Manchester Community Resource Center

uwwashtenaw — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:52:13 +0000

In August of this year United Way of Washtenaw County provided a check in the amount of $20,000 to the Manchester Community Resource Center to help the people of Manchester with basic needs.

People like Marion, a single mom with two kids who was managing until her job was eliminated. With the help of the United Way funds and CRC she was able to avoid foreclosure, lower her heating costs by signing up for the county weatherization program, get connected into services at MI Works and receive supplemental food from CRC’s food pantry. Marion continues to maintain her home and family life with some assistance while taking classes to improve her career options. Marion appreciates the financial assistance that her family needs right now but she also appreciates the moral support and encouragement CRC provides as she and her family move toward a stable future.

People like Trent, who recently recovered from a life-threatening illness. Unemployed and without family support Trent needed food, affordable housing, utility assistance, phone access and most importantly – a job. It was overwhelming. Through the support of United Way, Trent, was connected into programs that provided him a Bridge Card, food, housing, utility assistance, and a cell phone. Trent recently landed a part-time job and is working to become self sufficient.

The names have been changed but the stories are real. Your gift to United Way changes lives every day. Be someone’s hero. Give to United Way.

Our New Community Hero This Week: Amy Raedel

uwwashtenaw — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:31:12 +0000

Click to view slideshow.

As the 2011 United Way of Washtenaw County campaign kicks off, we have begun receiving nominations for influential people who serve as heroes in our community. These heroes donate their time, their energy, and their resources to help less fortunate individuals and families. Among these heroes, we received a nomination for Amy Raedel.

Amy and her team at Comcast in Ann Arbor have been rallying support for the United Way for years. Her dedication to helping others and organizing this massive effort demonstrates her commitment to making Washtenaw County a better place.

When asked what inspires her to get involved, she stated “I give because helping others in our community makes it a better place for everyone. Even people who are not directly receiving aid benefit when others in their community are provided with resources and guidance to help them live a safer, healthier and more enriching life.”

In her role working on the Comcast United Way campaign Amy helps organize the team and campaign. Comcast creates an environment where helping their customers and neighbors is not only offering great products and services, but giving and volunteering to people they may never meet. One colleague notes that “Amy’s passion towards the United Way inspires others to get involved and give more.”

Amy has been selected to be recognized as our community hero of the week and we thank her for her tremendous contributions to the Washtenaw Community.

If you know of someone who is doing tremendous things to make their community a better place or making a difference in the lives around them please tell us about it. E-mail us at info@uwwashtenaw.org with their name and a brief summary of the community hero.

LOCAL UNITED WAY FUNDED PROGRAMS FEATURED ON NPR

uwwashtenaw — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:39:51 +0000

Michigan Radio’s program All Things Considered has provided recent in depth coverage of agencies and programs currently and historically funded by United Way of Washtenaw County in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All three segments of the Safe At Home investigation are accessible here:
http://www.michiganradio.org/term/domestic-violence

Part 1 aired on Monday, October 10, 2011 is an interview with Barbara Niess, director of SafeHouse Center in Ann Arbor. We are funding SafeHouse Center in 2011 for their Shelter and Outreach efforts through the Washtenaw Coordinated Funding (http://www.communitygrants.org/coordinated-funding).

Part 2 aired on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 is an interview with David Garvin, Senior Director at Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. In 2010 United Way of Washtenaw County funded the Alternatives to Aggression program at Catholic Social Services. 667 individuals participated in Alternatives to Aggression program from July 2010 until June 2011.

Part 3 aired on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 is an interview with Lisa Larance—the founder and coordinator of the RENEW program, which offers advocacy, support, and intervention to women who have used force in their relationships. The Power of the Purse—a funding program through the Women’s Leadership Initiative of United Way of Washtenaw County (http://www.uwwashtenaw.org/ourwork/womensleadershipinitiative.asp)— provided the RENEW program with one of 8 mini grants in 2011. This grant assisted four women in the RENEW program.

Community Hero – Toni Deas

uwwashtenaw — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:27:54 +0000

Click to view slideshow.

As the Fall leaves turn and the United Way campaign gets into full swing, campaign organizers across the county are getting ready for another important drive. This year the reductions in federal and state funding to agencies is making the issue more important than ever. One of the long standing advocates for United Way and for helping her community is Toni Deas.

Toni Deas became a UAW member in 1979 when she was hired at Eastern Michigan University and joined TOP Local 1975. She is a fourth generation UAW member and serves as leader at EMU for her willingness to help her fellow workers. Toni believes her inspiration originates from her grandparents.

”My grandparents met each other at EMU and always believed it to be a special place. As an employee I feel it is my duty to make my community stronger. A great way to do that is to get involved with the United Way. My values and morals have come from my family and I hope I can pass them along to my family and friends. I am honored to work at EMU and be a part of local 1975.”

Toni has been selected as a community hero for her work throughout EMU. Her passion, he dedication, and determination make EMU a better place. Her willing ness to help with local causes inspires us all. Thanks for Living United Toni!

Community Superhero: Anita Greca

uwwashtenaw — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:25:49 +0000

As the 2011 United Way campaign kicks off, we have begun receiving nominations for influential people that serve as heroes in our community. These heroes donate their time, their energy, and their resources to help less fortunate individuals and families. Among these heroes, we received several nominations for Anita Greca.

Anita has served as an ambassador to the United Way campaign at the University of Michigan for years. This veteran of the campaign spends endless hours preparing and assisting employees during their three month time of giving each year. Colleagues and peers noted that Anita handles the pressure and stress with grace and kindness. “Anita Greca displays a passion for helping everyone she comes into contact with. Her pleasant nature and her positive view on life makes U of M a better place. It is a pleasure to work with her. She makes me want to do more.”

In her role working on the University of Michigan Charitable Giving campaign Anita helps with the distribution of materials, establishment of invitation lists, mail assistance, and more importantly question guru. Anita is contacted with lots of different questions and suggestions and handles them all with a pleasant nature that makes her an amazing champion of the United Way.

Anita has been selected to be recognized as our community hero of the week and we thank her for her tremendous contributions to U of M and the Washtenaw Community.

Eastern Michigan University Kicks off their 2011 United Way Campaign

uwwashtenaw — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:04:56 +0000

Eastern Michigan University and the United Way are holding the EMU United Way Kick-Off Campaign beginning at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday in the Student Center Ballroom. It will be running until Nov. 18.

“Eastern Michigan University has a great tradition of supporting this community and United Way is a part of that tradition,” said Kevin Kucera, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

The kick-off gathers EMU faculty who volunteer to help the United Way collect pledges and facilitate information for the campaign. The event also allows Eastern Michigan faculty an opportunity to learn about the campaign and hear about the people that have been helped. The money is raised for nonprofit health and human service organizations throughout Washtenaw County.

There are six focus areas the campaign helps: early childhood care and education, school-aged youth, hunger relief, homelessness and housing, senior assistance and safety-net health. “United Way has partnered with other funders to support 40 nonprofit organizations that help people,” said Kucera, this year’s United Way Kick-Off Campaign chairperson.

EMU’s goal is $105,000, up from $100,000 last year. The county goal this year is $5,750,000. United Way is advertising through Heritage Papers, annarbor.com and on Cumulus Radio Stations to raise awareness for the campaign. The theme for this year’s kick-off event is superheroes — helping recognize how someone can be a hero in someone else’s life.

Coordinated Funding is nominated Non-Profit Deal of The Year

uwwashtenaw — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:07:37 +0000

United Way of Washtenaw County is very proud to see the Coordinated Funding Model as one of three great initiatives nominated for Business Review’s deal of the Year for Non-Profits. Along with their funding partners: the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development, United Way is simplifying the application process to human services agencies, expediting funding distribution, and making more efficient in coordinating grant decisions.

A ceremony honoring the nominees and naming the winners will be held at Eastern Michigan University on November 4th.

Crain’s Detroit Business

September 25, 2011 8:00pm

Washtenaw nonprofits pool, focus grants to increase impact

By Sherri Welch

Jackson

Major public and private funders in Washtenaw County are pooling the majority of their human services grants in six common priority areas and collaborating on grants made to nonprofits working in each.

United Way of Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and the Office of Community and Economic Development, representing Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and urban Washtenaw County, are combining nearly $5 million in funding for human services through the Washtenaw Coordinated Funders initiative.

The two-year pilot program aims to maximize each funder’s investment and the impact the grants are having, while streamlining application and reporting procedures for grantees.

Grant-makers say it will allow them to better identify gaps in funding and to have more collective impact during the pilot, which focuses on six areas: safety-net health, hunger relief, housing and homelessness, aging, early childhood and school-age youth.

The first five areas mirror those that United Way of Washtenaw made its focus areas in 2008.

There’s value to knowing what the other funders are funding while they are funding it “so that we’re not overinvesting or underinvesting,” said Debbie Jackson, director of community investment at United Way of Washtenaw.

The public and private funders are investing a combined $4.94 million in three phases of grants to support a lead convening agency in each area, capacity-building and program services. The Office of Community and Economic Development is contributing $2.6 million; United Way, $2.08 million; and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, $250,000.

“The big-picture idea here is we can make a much bigger impact on the areas of greatest need in our community by working together instead of each acting as an independent funding entity,” said Neel Hajra, COO and vice president of community investment for the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

“We could not find a model anywhere that combined these three types of partners — a community foundation, a United Way and a public entity. This triad of funders makes this unusual.”

The collaboration in January awarded $310,000 in grants to six nonprofits that will convene their peers in the focus areas to share best practices.

For example, Ann Arbor-based Blueprint for Aging regularly convenes on those issues, Hajra said.

The funders are providing support to Blueprint to continue to convene nonprofits providing services for the aging to identify best practices, gaps in services and where there is opportunity for collaboration.

In July, the funders jointly announced $4.4 million in grants over the next two years to 40 Washtenaw nonprofits to fund 63 programs in the six focus areas, following an initial vetting of nonprofits seeking grants and a subsequent grant proposal process.

The initial vetting found that seven of the 58 nonprofits seeking funding lacked the governance or fiscal health that funders were seeking and could not apply for grants, said Jackson, who led the review.

Of the total number vetted, 19 were operating with negative reserves, she said.

“The process has helped us have a better awareness of the health overall of the nonprofit sector in our whole county,” Jackson said.

In December, the collaborative expects to award $225,000 in capacity-building grants to improve operations and governance.

The history of public funding from Washtenaw County and the city of Ann Arbor has been of grantees getting reimbursed quarterly, Hajra said, which could lead to cash flow issues for grantees.

With the Washtenaw Coordinated Funders, that has changed to a disbursement model for general fund dollars from the city and county and community development block grant funding from the urban Washtenaw county group of local townships and cities.

“Instead of nonprofits having to ask for reimbursement, they get the money at the beginning of each quarter,” a policy that drew applause from about 40 grantees who gathered recently for a meeting with the funders, Hajra said.

That is a good example of why the collaboration is working, said Mary Jo Callan, director of the Office of Community and Economic Development.

A reimbursement model is standard for public entities, she said. Feedback from the private funders and nonprofits providing it to the collaboration “really helped us to understand that reimbursement versus advancing funds is a hardship for nonprofits.

“Part of the premise of this (coordinated funding) model really is that if … we can show the public sector is really working with the private sector to … meet community needs in a more effective way, it may draw forward more resources … from private, corporate and foundations,” Callan said.

“We want our community at large to see we’re doing a lot with their tax dollars and their donated dollars.”

The Washtenaw Coordinated Funders awarded Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County $606,647 in grants for programs in four of its six focus areas.

The Ann Arbor nonprofit noticed right away a single application for multiple funders, saving it time, paper and creating multiple files for each of the separate funders, said President Larry Voight.

Nonprofits are going to feel differently about the coordinated funding depending on how their services align with it, he said.

“An intangible benefit is there’s a sharper focus from the perspective of the funders in terms of issues that are worthy of financial support at this time in the community.”

Community Hero: Nicole Kokorelis

uwwashtenaw — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:08:28 +0000

Peers and colleagues noted that Nicole donates thousands of hours to support fundraising through her incredible baking talents. In addition Nicole is always willing to support her peer groups and causes. “Nicole will spend days baking to help people she may never meet, she is truly a hero.”

Nicole stated “I really got involved with the United Way when I realized how much the organization does for everyone during all different stages of life. I was not very familiar with the United Way before I started working at NSF International. I knew what it was but not how much the organization actually did for people in the community. It has been an awesome experience getting to learn about the United Way and help in any way that I can. It is wonderful to work for an organization that focuses on helping the community. I give because I feel lucky to be at a place that embraces that culture.”

Nicole has been selected to be recognized as our community hero of the week and we thank her for her tremendous contributions to NSF and the Washtenaw Community.