STORIES THAT UNITE US
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘They Weren’t Going to Give Up on Me’: Nijyel’s Story
Today, Nijyel Johnson is a little over a month into basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia. It’s a very different place than the one he was in eight years ago. Find out how Steepletown Neighborhood Services helped him get there.
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.
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.
Coronavirus Response: The Green Apple Pantry
Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, food pantries like The Green Apple have seen an increase in demand for their services. The Green Apple is one of the many local agencies receiving funding from the Coronavirus Response Fund at Heart of West Michigan United Way to ensure they can meet the need in our community.
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.
A Small Ray of Light: How CASA Supports Vulnerable Kids
When I was 16 years old, five years after entering institutionalized foster care, I finally had a small ray of light enter my dark life. Her name was Sara, and she was my CASA.
Our Kitchen Table Cultivates Food Justice
Food pantries and community meal centers are critical for combating food insecurity here in Kent County, where one in nine people is struggling to get enough to eat. But they’re not the end of the story. Our Kitchen Table’s Program for Growth is all about food justice..
StreetReach and SOAR: How Pine Rest walks with the chronically homeless
Pine Rest’s StreetReach and SOAR programs builds relationships with chronically homeless individuals struggling with mental illness, helping them apply for Social Security and get into permanent housing.
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.”
'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.
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.