STORIES THAT UNITE US

When Disaster Strikes, 2-1-1 Answers the Call
Heather Hutchison Heather Hutchison

When Disaster Strikes, 2-1-1 Answers the Call

When disaster struck, Deanna turned to 2-1-1, the free helpline by Heart of West Michigan United Way. Discover how a team of volunteers, including the West Michigan Whitecaps, came together to help Deanna after an F-1 tornado. Learn how 2-1-1 continues to coordinate with local agencies, ensuring swift and effective responses during emergencies. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 2-1-1 to connect with vital resources and support services.

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we are all connected
Heather Hutchison Heather Hutchison

we are all connected

Destiny Jones-Willis knows exactly how much dreaming, striving, saving–how much hard work!–It takes to become a homeowner for the first time. She also knows that, for people like her, it’s not a solo effort: it takes the support of a community.

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UNITY OF WOMEN: LISA’S STORY
Heather Hutchison Heather Hutchison

UNITY OF WOMEN: LISA’S STORY

Lisa felt discouraged when she couldn’t find a job in her field after graduation. At Women’s Resource Center, she not only found a career she loved, but also a sense of community and belonging. See how their Empower program uses United Way funding to help women move toward economic independence.

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THRIVING ONCE AGAIN: MIRANDA MARIE’S STORY
Heather Hutchison Heather Hutchison

THRIVING ONCE AGAIN: MIRANDA MARIE’S STORY

After her job cut her hours during the pandemic, Miranda Marie was facing eviction. Thanks to United Way’s partnership with Community Rebuilders, she was able to stabilize and remain in her home. Learn more about how the HOME program helped Miranda Marie recover during a period of uncertainty.

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Coronavirus Response: Meeting the Need for Housing
Guest User Guest User

Coronavirus Response: Meeting the Need for Housing

Before COVID-19 thousands were struggling to afford housing here in Kent County. Now, with unemployment at historic levels, the need is even greater. Through the Coronavirus Response Fund, Heart of West Michigan United Way is helping local agencies provide safe shelter, family housing, rent assistance, and more to our neighbors.

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Coronavirus Response: United Church Outreach Ministry
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Coronavirus Response: United Church Outreach Ministry

With thousands in Kent County out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Church Outreach Ministry and other agencies are seeing a big increase in the number of families seeking assistance. In March alone, 83 new households approached UCOM seeking assistance.

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Leah Carpenter Plants Seeds of Change
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Leah Carpenter Plants Seeds of Change

West Michigan is enriched by women leaders whose faces you might not see on the evening news but whose contributions to our community are no less essential. In honor of International Women’s Day, March 8, we want to introduce you to one of those leaders: Leah Carpenter.

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2-1-1 Cybercrime Support: Report, Recover, Protect
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2-1-1 Cybercrime Support: Report, Recover, Protect

Video: 2-1-1 Cybercrime Victim Support Specialist Ruthie Paulson shared a story about a woman who called to report a scam. “We were able to help her report this to the FBI, but then we also gave her some tips for how to recover after the scam had taken place.”

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'Now I Know I Can Do Anything': Jasmine's Story
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'Now I Know I Can Do Anything': Jasmine's Story

Jasmine was living in a homeless shelter, working temp jobs to support herself and her twin boys. A group of United Way partner agencies, including WMCAT and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, helped her launch her career and become a homeowner. Jasmine's story is a powerful illustration of the impact we can make when United Way donors and partner agencies work together to empower people in our community.

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James’ Story: Employment Services Collaborative
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James’ Story: Employment Services Collaborative

When James was younger, his mom worked several jobs to support the family, leaving James to juggle the demands of school and the care of his younger siblings. After high school he worked as a home health aide. While it was far from his dream job, James worked hard, volunteering for extra shifts, filling in for coworkers, taking on extra duties – largely so he could support his siblings. But James also had bigger dreams.

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