United Way Helps Americans Achieve Financial Stability
As many as one-third of working Americans do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs. Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, and education and currently, 40 million Americans are working in low-paying jobs without basic health and retirement benefits. For families walking a financial tightrope, unable to save for college, a home, or retirement, United Way is here to help.
Our Strategy
To address the obstacles that prevent hard working families from getting ahead financially, we launched the Financial Stability Impact Council. This committee is challenged with creating a plan that promotes community-change strategies to help families meet their basic needs, while gaining the financial capability to plan for, and accomplish, their long-term financial goals. This work is already beginning with initiatives in the areas of Financial Literacy, Safe and Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Working Family Stability.
Many local community partners are engaged in activities and initiatives to help build the financial stability of families in our communities. New partnerships are being formed every day- the work of United Way is about inclusion, about creating change together.
Our Partners
As the United Way moves forward in Branch County, our focus is moving from giving a hand out, to giving a hand UP. These partners are working to provide services and supports in our community.
BCCADSV Getting Ahead
Financial Stability training for families living in poverty. Teaches goal setting and budgeting in an effort to allow the family and opportunity to rise out of poverty and live independently.
BCCADSV Shelterhouse
Emergency and Transitional housing for women in Domestic Violence Crisis. BCUW funds help with operational costs of keep the Shelter open.
Bronson and Quincy Food Pantries
Providing emergency food for families in their communities. Bronson and Quincy are open once a week to provide food boxes to families.
Family Family Promise
Working through a network of churches to provide shelter for homeless women and families. The day center allows parents to seek employment and housing while churches provide nighttime housing.
Food Bank of South Central Michigan
Support healthy communities through empowering low-income households with more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets by sourcing effective fresh foods for Branch County distributions.
Jacob's Well
Provides gap funding where other sources are not available for things like rent, utilities, prescription costs, etc.
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
Providing civil representation for landlord disputes, disability claims, and other cases for low income individuals.
Working Family Revolving Loan Fund
Provides low interest loans to working families who encounter one time difficulties. Once paid off, these loans set up a savings account for the family, help improve credit, and avoid the payday loan spiral.
How You Can Help
Volunteering is the best way you can be a part of the change- contact us now to see how you can help! From mentors in literacy initiatives to volunteering to give tax assistance and financial education programs, your help makes it all possible. Volunteer to help.