United Way of Southwest Michigan

United Way of Southwest Michigan provided funding to 74 programs at 49 organizations that serve berrien, cass, and van buren counties. United Way of Southwest Michigan is creating impact through investments in the areas of early education & literacy, post-secondary success, healthy bodies, healthy minds, financial security, employment, food security, and safe environments. In the first year of the funding cycle, United Way of Southwest Michigan funding helped area agencies receive over $2,000,000 in leveraged funds and impacted over 143,000 individuals. The organization also mobilized 2,768 volunteers who contributed 15,550 hours of their time; a total value of $494,490. United Way of Southwest Michigan also engaged 189 community members in our advocacy efforts. 29 of these community members took action by sending messages to their legislators, expressing how the earned income tax credit, early childhood education programs, affordable housing, and/or skills training affect their lives. Through a series of targeted community conversations with diverse members of the community, United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking to learn the hopes, aspirations, and concerns of community members.