I hope.

Where were you on Sun. Oct. 21 at about 7:30 pm? If you are like most metro Detroiters, you were preparing to watch the Tigers in game 2 of the World Series! Maybe you were in a local bar with friends, in front of an enormous plate of nachos, or maybe you were in the comfort of your own home, in front of a large television with the sound of your children playing in their rooms in the background, or maybe you were fortunate enough to actually be at the game!

Well I was in front of the stadium with a number of other former Super Bowl volunteers passing out Detroit Pride buttons for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. It was cold and rainy but we were having a great time. It’s a great time in Detroit, right? Not necessarily. In the midst of all the revelry, I heard an angry voice; it was becoming louder and angrier. I located the source just in time to see a man, a young man, but old enough to know the difference from right and wrong, spit in the face of an old, obviously homeless man. It took me a minute to understand what I had just witnessed. The young man was swearing and I saw a mother pull her child a little closer to her and bewilderment on the faces of those watching. I found a policeman who handled the situation and people went on about their business of getting into the game. I have no idea what caused the confrontation, but the little old man seemed harmless. I assume he went on about his business of survival.

The entire event disturbed me, disturbs me still. We see people on the street every day as we walk back and forth downtown. Some are panhandling, others just wandering, and I wonder what were the circumstances that led to that person’s condition, and what are the circumstances that led each of us to United Way. Is it the human condition that allowed that man to feel justified in spitting in the face of another human being? I have to believe that it is the human condition that allows us to be compassionate and selfless; that the difference between our intellect and instinct drives our behavior and that the aggression we witness, all too frequently, can be addressed and eliminated through our understanding of each other; understanding what makes us different, but why we are so much alike. Understanding that the distance between those two men on that cold, rainy night isn’t as great as one might think. Hopefully, through the work we do here everyday, we are making inroads towards that kind of understanding. I hope.


Patricia A. McCann
Director, Volunteer Services
George W. Romney Volunteer Center
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Expo Exposed

Over 100 corporations with 6,000 jobs available.

Technical Schools, Community Colleges, and Universities available to link job seekers to pathways for employment/retraining.

75 virtual job stations with job coaches providing services like resume development and linking individuals to long term tools needed to find employment.

United Way's 211 at hub locations to guide individuals to resources to help knock down other barriers to employment: childcare, transportation...

Institutions and individuals checking institutional interest and individual interest at the door ----- working together----- to do more together than what any one could do alone. That is, working together in the region to put forth the largest Employment Expo in the State.

At the end of the day, nearly 8,000 individuals found their way to the Michigan State Fairgrounds. There were individuals with GED's to PHD's, all looking for the next step in employment.

A reporter from the Detroit Free Press approached me in the parking lot and said, "I just got done talking to a Doctor, an MD, who has been out of work for a year. Is this a story a desperation?"

I responded, "These are desperate times for many --- more than what I think people realize. But on the positive side of the ledger, is you have the community working in a proactive way --- in a coordinated way ---- to create clear pathways to employment. This is a big step for the region. We in essence, are creating a new capability in the region to deal with the issues residents care the most about."

The Expo alone isn't the answer, but it is an expression of how the region can work together on a common goal. And when we do that, greater progress is made for all.

To hear from one job seeker, just click below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOh7-oWXLEA

Figuring out "what matters"

This weekend the Tigers won the pennant. Okay, calling it "the pennant" dates me somewhat, because it's now a honking great gold-plated trophy with a rampant eagle on top. But they won it. And in style!

On Sunday morning, I went to church -- I sing in the choir at St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral downtown -- and when I walked into the choir room a few minutes before rehearsal, grinning like a moron, one of the other adult singers asked me what I was so happy about. When I told her "the Tigers!" she rolled her eyes and said she was tired of seeing sports on the front page of the newspaper.

On the other hand, I was immediately surrounded by boy choristers aged about nine who were all dying to describe that final inning, that wonderful home run. None of us needed to be told, of course. But we needed to talk about it. I needed to tell the boys about leaping from my seat when Ordonez's ball headed for the stands, my dog waking up and starting to bark and the two of us charging around the room like madmen. I mean, here was a scenario -- score tied, two out, bottom of the ninth, guy comes up to bat who's never had a hit off the pitcher on duty -- how likely is a home run, for crying out loud?

Similar encounters kept happening all day. A guy in the supermarket check-out lane -- he looked like a retired cowboy from Texas, but was obviously a die-hard Tigers fan -- we talked about Jim Leyland and the way he's shaped this winning team by making every single player feel valued. Even when they screw up. Even when they lose. Leyland may have wanted to be Yogi Berra, but his genius is that of understanding each player in his locker room, and of knowing what will help them think beyond their own needs and ambitions and put the team first, put winning first. Casey Stengel, move over. Joe Torre, make room.

I think this baseball season has been important, not just for the obvious reason -- that it has brought us together, helped us share an experience and be proud of who we are and where we come from. The success of the Super Bowl gave us the same experience. We know it's probably fleeting -- we won't be feeling like this in February. But it sure is great while it lasts.

But there's another reason. It's that glimmer of hope, that sense that there are leaders out there who know what it takes to create a winning season out of dust. Who can take a bunch of guys that were about as low as they could go and persuade them that anything is possible. Who was willing to be in that locker room every day, joking and cajoling and listening to his players. Who understood that the most powerful loyalty is not to an idea, but to other human beings -- and that the most powerful motivator is the determination not to let those human beings down. Play back the post-game comments by the players, and listen to how many of them mentioned Leyland. I think they all did.

I can't understand why anybody would get tired of seeing good news on the front page. I think that, with the right leadership, we can see a lot more of it. I'm hoping that more of our captains of industry, politicians and civic personages will take a few minutes to think about Jim Leyland.

Leadership isn't about getting together with other important people and deciding how things should be. It's not about having a flair for public speaking, or for getting your face on TV. It's about working with your team, being with them every day, building loyalty, getting people to think beyond their own needs, keeping your head down, focusing on one thing at a time, getting the job done. It's about making it personal, knitting people together so tight that the connection between them goes beyond happenstance and becomes intentional. Being a leader means being the sort of person others want to follow. It's not a title, it's a gift. It's about results, not promises.

Without Jim Leyland, sure, Magglio Ordonez could have hit a home run -- but would he have had the chance to do it with the game tied in the bottom of the ninth and the championship at stake? I doubt it. Would his homer have mattered to anybody but him? Probably not.

Virginia Blankenhorn
Grants Manager
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

"The" Talk

This morning I received a call from my dear friend, Laura, mother of Lauryn (my Goddaughter) and Godmother to Taylor (my daughter). Lauryn came home from her first overnight camp this past Sunday. Laura shared an experience Lauryn had that has us both struggling with when to have “the” conversation. In summary, of the 30 or so little girls who attended the camp, Lauryn and 3 other girls of color, were chosen to clean the toilets during chore time as camp winded down Sunday afternoon. Of all the chores to be done, they cleaned toilets. For some odd reason, as the little girls were greeted by their parents, the counselors encouraged them, “Tell your mom the chore you did this morning…” . We had this conversation this morning, two days after this region played host to a summit on race facilitated by New Detroit.

Was it by coincidence or intentional that the only 4 colored girls out of this group of 30 were selected, chosen, guided to clean the toilets? We’ll never know. But this sparked a serious conversation between me and Laura. Both mothers of kind-hearted, 8-year old, African-American little girls whose worlds have not yet been introduced to the blatant issues of race & racism. Both attend multi-racial schools where Caucasian children are in the majority and where they feel totally safe. We struggled about when to have “the” conversation. Both Lauryn and Taylor know about slavery, the civil rights movement and the progress made by people of color and women. Both participated in the visitation of mother Rosa Parks and can cite the story of how she stood up for her race by sitting down on that bus. That is the easy conversation; it’s in the past, its part of our history.

“The” conversation has to do with them being aware that hidden racism is so prevalent today. The issues of our current day fight to preserve Affirmative Action programs aimed at giving minorities equal access, not an undeserved entrée. “The” conversation has to do with them knowing socially retarded notions still exist and they will be confronted with them. These girls will have to be more sophisticated because today’s racism isn’t as blatant as in times past. They will have to deal with all these things plus issues that we cannot forecast. You see, I’m trying to preserve Taylor’s innocence for as long as I possibly can while equipping her with what she needs to fight the good fight whether it means fighting for her life or someone else’s.

So while I appreciate the leadership New Detroit exhibited in calling this week’s summit on race and while I applaud the region’s leaders who participated and signed the covenant, I sincerely hope that we each take an introspective look at our own role, if any, in furthering divisive practices, not be blinded by our own privilege and commit ourselves to delivering on the promise of our region’s future. I hope that we, as residents in and leaders of our communities commit to doing our part.

Dara T. Munson
Sr. Director, Resource Investment & Community Partnerships
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

What can we do to ensure that job fairs are not needed?

Wednesday, October 11, 2006, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, for a second year, held the Southeast Michigan Employment, Training & Family Resource Expo with its myriad of public and private partners in the region and the State. By all accounts it was a huge success - over 8,000 job seekers, over 100 employers representing more than 6,000 available jobs.

And mind you these job seekers came throughout the day in a down pouring of rain. They came by bus, by car, and by foot. They came in suits, dresses, and jeans. Some had lots of work experience, some had limited work experience, and some had no real work experience.

What a sad reminder of what the community has told us. Among our most significant problems in our region are educational attainment, self-sufficiency, and the advancement of literacy. After seeing the need presented at the Expo who can argue the urgency in addressing these problems. Add to this the other problem the community talked to us about: basic need services. One can only begin to imagine the numerous basic needs so many of these jobseekers and their families must have. Common sense tells us that their children are also in great need.

So maybe we need to ask ourselves:

• What are the policies and practices in our State and in our Country that result in so many people being without jobs and education?
• What role/can we play in building the public will needed to support education, job training, and employment?
• How can we build upon the successes from Wednesday (because clearly they were some)?
• How do we use what we saw Wednesday to help others understand the extent of the need?
• What can we do to ensure that job expos are not needed because people are working?

Hopefully we are mindful of how blessed we are and have an immeasurable and renewed commitment and level of energy towards our mission. It is the right one. Each of us must do all that is humanly possible individually and collectively to improve conditions reflected in the expo.

After all, no matter what your religious belief or lack of, but for the grace of God we could be in the same situation.

Jacqueline Jones
Vice President, Public Policy
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

White Privilege

The region just completed a two and half day Leadership Summit on Racism --- coordinated by New Detroit. The focus was on lifting up clear examples of success by companies, communities and individuals who have bridged the issue of racism.

One of the topics often referred to or discussed in the work groups was the role of something not often discussed in the mainstream --- White Privilege. Some while back, I wrote an essay about an experience that deepened my understanding of White Privilege. One of my commitments coming out of the summit was to put 'voice' on the issues discussed at the Summit. Hence, I share with you just one perspective, my own, on the issue of White Privilege.

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WHITE PRIVILEGE by Michael J. Brennan

“You’re not going to believe this,” I said to her, “but being black is the greatest burden I’ve had to bear.”

“You can’t mean that,” she said.

“No question about it. Race has always been my biggest burden. Having to live as a minority in America. Even now(with AIDS) it continues to feel like an extra weight tied around me.”

Arthur Ashe -- Days of Grace

There were fifteen of us -- a multi-racial group of men and women. Together we met once a week through the Institute for Healing Racism to learn from one another -- to understand how the disease of racism has impacted our daily lives. New perspectives, shared experiences, and intent listening allowed us to grasp the philosophy of “walk a mile in my shoes.” In other words, we began to talk and heal.

On one Thursday morning, Pete and Darlene, our facilitators, said the topic of the day was “white privilege.” You could feel a nervous energy in the air. In his gentle way, Pete directed us to line up against the wall with our eyes looking towards the far side of the room. He explained the assignment; “We are going to ask you about twenty questions. For each question you answer “yes” to, take one step forward”. Simple enough I thought.

If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area that I can afford and in which I would want to live.

I pondered the question and found myself answering, “yes”. One-step forward.

I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me?

Never really thought about it, but “yes”. Step two forward.

I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed?

I have begun to sense the point of this exercise. I took another step. But I saw many of my classmates not moving forward. Questions three, four and five ensued.

I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race?

We are no longer looking straight ahead. As we reflected on the questions, our eyes now gaze towards the floor. I wanted Pete or Darlene to ask a question we all could answer “yes” to. Painfully, I knew it wasn’t going to get better. Questions seven, eight and nine followed. I took more steps.

I can easily buy posters, post cards, picture books, greeting cards, toy dolls, and children’s magazines featuring people of my race?

I think, “Ouch. Why am I taking these steps and she isn’t?” Questions eleven, twelve, and thirteen were asked.

I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group?

I found myself wanting to shorten my steps. I didn’t want to reach the other side of the room. I could feel the distance that was being created. I could sense many of my classmates looking at my back as I moved closer to the wall. This seemed crazy. The questions kept coming.

If a traffic cop pulls me over, or if the IRS audits my tax return, I can be sure I haven’t been singled out?

The question reminded me of how every week my classmates would describe avoiding certain communities for fear of, or actually being, pulled over by the police. At times without real cause -- a harsh reality for some.

I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race?

As the questions continue, so does my forward movement to the far side of the room. I approached the wall with my white classmates. By this time I wanted to go home.

I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods that fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can deal with my hair.

I took a sneak peek back. I see how my Cuban-American, Asian-American and Hispanic-American classmates have progressed some. But not far. One more yes and I wouldn’t have any more room to go. The tips of my shoes touched the wall. I didn’t want to turn around and face my classmates standing in the distance. Yet, more questions kept coming.

I can choose public accommodations without fearing that people of my race cannot get in or will be mistreated in the place I have chosen.

I say to myself, ‘can’t I quickly just pull others up here.’ As I turned around and look at some of my motionless classmates, I wanted to say I understand this isn’t just an incident for you, but a daily experience.

I looked into the eyes of a highly respected African-American woman in our community--she had taken only one step forward. One single step. I wanted a magic wand to erase the gap. Eliminate the pain. But instead, I saw the reality. I walk with privilege every day of my life. And quite simply, it is not a privilege given to all.

Privilege is a peculiar gift. With it comes not only the benefits, but also the personal responsibilities. As I reflect on how other individuals influenced my life on the issue of racism, I think that maybe in some way I can touch others too. Spouse. Children. Minister. Neighbors. Co-workers. Then maybe they can touch a few more. And so the dominoes go. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

As I type these words, I reflect upon the many lessons learned by all that participated. The experience helped deepen my understanding of the world we all live, work and play in. And I remind myself -- “much has been given -- much is expected.” Thus, change begins with me.

Help Your Community

These are tough times. The news of downsizing, increased health care costs, utilities, housing, food and other basic expenses seems unending. United Way and its partner organizations are there, providing a safety net for so many, even those who have never had to ask for help before.

It is in such challenging times that our community and nation shine. We've seen it countless times in recent years with the disasters of 9/11, the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. One could say we have our own disaster right here at home, with an estimated 459,000 children living below the poverty level, a 26% decrease in manufacturing jobs; and requests for food assistance more than doubling since 2000, according to the Michigan League for Human Services. We have an opportunity to make a difference, right here at home, by supporting the United Way.

In today's [Detroit Free Press] newspaper, you'll find a special insert from United Way asking for your support. Please consider sending your check -- for any amount. United Way and its partner agencies make the most impact with each dollar you contribute. Perhaps you can give only a dollar; perhaps you can give more. Please, give what you can. Whether it's teaching a child to read, providing food for a family, helping individuals and families be self-sufficient, or convening volunteers and community partners to address issues such as unemployment, access to services or readiness for education. United Way is there for all of us.

For more information, visit www.onewaytohelp.org.

In the News: Working Together 2006

Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Expo offers Technology Center and Virtual Job Fair

Public and private stakeholders from across southeast Michigan are working together to put on what may be the largest employment and resource expo in the region. Read More

The Detroit News
130-plus employers seek workers at job fair

Participants will meet company officials, learn of training, get access to Internet at Detroit event. Read More

The Arab American News
Virtual Job Fair to provide the tools to succeed

Public and private stakeholders from across southeast Michigan are working together to put on what may be the largest employment and resource expo in the region. The Southeast Michigan Partnership will hold the second Working Together: Southeast Michigan Employment, Training & Family Resource Expo, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Michigan State Fairgrounds & Exposition Center. The event and parking are free. Read More

Detroit Free Press
Thousands of jobs are up for grabs at regional expo

The state's unemployment rate -- among the highest in the nation -- rose to 7.1% last month. But organizers of the expo are encouraged that participants will have all the necessary tools available to help them land a job. Read More

Detroit Free Press
Detroit job fair attracts thousands

Nearly 7,000 people descended upon the Michigan State Fairgrounds in hopes of finding employment at the Working Together: Southeast Michigan Employment, Training & Family Resource Expo job fair in Detroit Wednesday afternoon. Read More

The Detroit News
On the job trail
8,000 swarm career fair in Detroit

Jeneica Curney lost her job as a child care provider in late summer when the children went back to school. Vincent Good quit his job as a customer service manager for a frozen food company this week in search of a more professional career. Carnell Morris is a youth pastor, but he wants to get a second job possibly driving trucks for extra income. Sharita Carter will get laid off at the end of the month, and she wants to have another job lined up before the ax falls. All at a huge Detroit job fair on Wednesday for different reasons, but all wanting the same thing: Work. Read More

Detroit Free Press
EMPLOYMENT EXPO | 8,000 PEDDLE RESUMES: Pursuing a job, any job

On paper, Joel Milliner shouldn't be in need of a job. The 37-year-old Detroiter is a physician, a former surgical resident with St. John Hospital & Medical Center, and a former high school teacher. But in these rough economic times, Milliner is applying for $10-an-hour telemarketing jobs just to make ends meet. Read More

Detroit Free Press
Job expo proves big draw at fairgrounds
7,796 attend 2nd United Way event

Job-hunting has been a difficult process for Terri Mikula. The 47-year-old graphic artist has been underemployed or out of work off and on for nearly four years. Read More

Regional organizations partner for Oct. 11 Working Together Expo

PRESS RELEASE

Media Contacts
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

Connecting Jobseekers with Jobs and Resources to help them Succeed

DETROIT – According to a community survey United Way for Southeastern Michigan conducted earlier this year, one of the messages stressed by the more than 7,000 southeast Michigan respondents was the need for opportunities and resources in order to be self-sufficient.

To help provide southeast Michigan residents with pathways to success, public and private stakeholders from across the region have collaborated to put on what may be the area’s largest employment and resource expo. The Southeast Michigan Partnership will hold the second Working Together: Southeast Michigan Employment, Training & Family Resource Expo, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Michigan State Fairgrounds & Exposition Center. The event and parking are free.

The Expo is more than a job fair. It will match jobseekers with potential employers, provide access to training and continuing education opportunities, and provide resources to overcome barriers so that people can secure and retain employment. More than 130 employers will feature hundreds of jobs in the following industries: building and construction, contract staffing, education, finance, accounting and professional services, government, healthcare, hospitality and food service, human services, information technology, manufacturing and engineering, retail sales/service, and transportation. There will also be a Technology Center featuring 75 computers with Internet access, printers, copiers and volunteers who can help jobseekers create resumes, make copies, e-mail their resume to employers or apply for a job online. The Technology Center will remain open until 5 p.m. to accommodate those participants who wish to utilize the computer services.

This year’s Expo will also include a virtual job fair through the Michigan Talent Bank, which can be accessed at www.uwsem.org/expo from Oct. 9 - Oct. 13. The Expo’s Technology Center and virtual job fair are made possible through the combined resources of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the Michigan Department of Information Technology, which are among several partners hosting this year’s event.

Joe Cadovich, Field Service Manager for National Time & Signal, participated in last year’s Expo.

“The diverse pool of people looking for jobs was incredible,” said Cadovich. “We must have received a couple hundred resumes. We were so impressed with the Expo that we’re coming back this year.”

National Time & Signal is an 80-year-old company that has plants in Oak Park and Wixom. The company specializes in school clocks and life safety equipment, such as fire alarm systems.

Cadovich added, “I believe we have a responsibility to provide Michigan jobs in order to keep and retain Michigan workers.”

Brenda Criteser is a Trainer Supervisor for the metropolitan Detroit division of Payless Shoe Source, which includes 27 stores. She too will be among the more than 130 employers recruiting talent at this year’s Expo. She also received a few hundred resumes at last year’s Expo and is always looking for qualities in part-time and full-time employees for the company’s store manager training program.

“Last year, I did several interviews right on-site,” said Criteser. “We ended up hiring one of our best employees who just completed manager training and is now managing our Taylor location.”

Michelle Grabda, age 28, of Garden City, said she had been unemployed for several months and decided to attend the Expo.

“I really didn’t know what to expect, “ said Grabda. “It can be really intimidating, but as soon as I met Brenda Criteser I felt really at ease. She was so friendly. I originally wanted to apply for an assistant manager position. It was Brenda who encouraged me to go for the manager position.”

Grabda just completed the manager training and is now managing the Payless Shoe Source Store in Taylor. She is a single mom who recently started attending Schoolcraft College and is working toward a degree in Business Management.

“My advice to others looking for employment; you can do just about anything you set your mind to do. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to point out your qualifications.”

Criteser said she has more than 25 part-time and full-time jobs available this year.

“We believe we have a great opportunity and competitive training program. We’re looking people who want to grow with the company.”

The Expo will also provide information on health and human services and transportation from the following organizations: Detroit Department of Transportation; Downriver Community Conference; Legal Aid & Defenders Association; Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth - Michigan Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Department of Human Services; Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative; Office of Mobility; Oakland County Child Care Council; State of Michigan office of Child Support; the United Way 2-1-1 information and referral service; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment; and Ways to Work of Michigan, Inc.

“The only way we’re going to survive as a region is if we work together as a region,” said Margaret Warner, director, Michigan Department of Human Services

The partners involved in this year’s Expo include the Detroit Workforce Development Department, the Governor’s Office for Southeastern Michigan, the Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the Michigan Department of Information Technology, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (Michigan Talent Bank), Michigan Works! in Oakland and Macomb counties, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

“It’s important to provide opportunities to retain local talent, enhance job skills, and provide the resources and tools needed to help individuals and families succeed,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “The Expo demonstrates the collective power of diverse sectors from across our region working together to improve lives. Together we can help southeastern Michigan become the vibrant region that it is capable of being.

In addition to the partners, the 2006 Expo is made possible by the generous support of following sponsors: the Detroit Free Press, Comcast, Fifth Third Bank; Lanier; Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties; Michigan Works!; Rock Financial, a Quicken Loans Company; and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

What: Working Together: Southeast Michigan Employment, Training & Family Resource Expo

When: Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Michigan State Fairgrounds & Exposition Center. The event and parking are free.

What to bring: Copies of your resume

For more information: Call the United Way 2-1-1 call center by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-552-1183. You can also go to www.uwsem.org/expo.

Through the Southeast Michigan Employment, Training and Family Resource Expo, United Way and other members of the Southeast Michigan Partnership are working together to link job seekers to potential employers, while simultaneously providing access to training and tackling the many barriers to getting or keeping a job. The Southeast Michigan Partnership includes the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Workforce Development Department; the Governor’s Office for Southeastern Michigan; the Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties; the Michigan Department of Information Technology; the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (Michigan Talent Bank), Michigan Works! in Oakland and Macomb counties; the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance; and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

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Expo matches local job seekers with available jobs and resources, Oct. 11

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contacts:

Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484; pager, 313-840-1948; cell 313-410-3417
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409; pager, 313-840-4321; cell 517-449-3750

Interviews and Live Television Coverage are possible during Oct. 10 (setup) and Oct. 11 (Expo)

DETROIT – For a second year, a massive regional effort is underway to match job seekers in metro Detroit with available jobs and resources to help them succeed. Public and private stakeholders from across southeast Michigan are working together to host the Southeast Michigan Employment and Family Resource Expo, Oct. 11, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds.

More than 135 employers will be on site and an additional 100 will be participating in the Expo’s virtual job fair. The virtual job fair will be available Oct. 9 -13 by accessing http://www.uwsem.org/expo. The Oct. 11 Expo will include a Technology Center with 75 computers and Internet access, printers and copiers. Volunteers will be on hand to assist participants with creating a resume, searching for jobs and applying for jobs through the Internet. The Expo will also offer training and career development opportunities as well as resources to overcome barriers to employment. United Way’s 2-1-1 call center will also be on-site, providing referrals to individuals who have other needs.

Partnering to host the Expo are the Detroit Workforce Development Department, the Governor’s Office for Southeastern Michigan, the Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the Michigan Department of Information Technology, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (Michigan Talent Bank), Michigan Works! in Oakland and Macomb counties, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

WHAT
Working Together: The Southeast Michigan Employment, Training & Family Resource Expo

WHEN
Set-up: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Employers will be setting up for Expo)

Expo: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Expo is open to the public 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with Technology Center open until 5 p.m. Media can report from site as early as 7 a.m.)

WHERE
Michigan State Fairgrounds & Exposition Center - Woodward Ave. (just south of Eight Mile Rd.) in Detroit

Please call Patricia Ellis at 313-226-9484 or Megan Bracket at 313-226-9409 to obtain a parking pass. On Oct. 11, enter the fairgrounds off of State Fair St. Media can sign-in for a media pass at the welcome tent beginning at 7:00 a.m.

WHO
More than 135 employers, 22 training and career development providers, and 12 governmental, health and human service agencies will be available to share tools and resources to help people secure and retain unemployment, and build better lives for themselves and their families.

In addition to the partners, the Expo is made possible by the Detroit Free Press; Comcast; Fifth Third Bank; Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties; Lanier; Michigan Works!; Rock Financial, a Quicken Loans Company; and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Through the Southeast Michigan Employment, Training and Family Resource Expo, United Way and other members of the Southeast Michigan Partnership are working together to link job seekers to potential employers, while simultaneously providing access to training and tackling the many barriers to getting or keeping a job. The Southeast Michigan Partnership includes the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Workforce Development Department; the Governor’s Office for Southeastern Michigan; the Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties; the Michigan Department of Information Technology; the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (Michigan Talent Bank), Michigan Works! in Oakland and Macomb counties; the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance; and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

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Campaign News for the Week of October 9th

• Rock Financial is committed to making a difference in the region
• Management and organized labor work together to make an impact
• R.L. Polk surpasses last year’s effort
• New businesses are signing on every day to support United Way!
• Total Reported

Survey: 73% say they’ve considered moving to Detroit

By Sherri Begin
Crain's Detroit

Nearly three-quarters of the people who responded to an online survey last month from Model D and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan have considered moving into the city of Detroit.

Model D, an electronic newsletter and Web site dedicated to Detroit development, sent the survey to its 24,000 newsletter subscribers to gauge their perceptions of Detroit; about 1,000 people responded.

The survey asked respondents questions about critical factors in choosing a place to live and Detroit’s strongest and weakest attributes.

Kurt Metzger, director of research for the United Way, still was analyzing the data late last week, but he said that of the 618 respondents who didn’t currently live in Detroit but lived in the region, 73 percent said they’ve considered moving into the city.

Respondents said that housing quality, sense of safety and security, sense of community connection, cost of living and cultural opportunities were most important to them in choosing a place to live.

They gave Detroit high marks in cultural opportunities, cost of living, housing quality and sense of community, he said.

The city’s biggest weaknesses were its lack of a sense of security, public services, educational opportunities and public transportation.

Currently in its first phase of revitalization, the city is attracting young single and married professionals without children and empty-nest baby boomers, Metzger said. Lack of good schools and some safety issues aren’t as important to them and don’t limit their willingness to venture into the city.

“But if this city is going to grow, it’s not going to grow one person per housing unit at a time. You’ve got to bring families in … to create diversity, density and a thriving city,” Metzger said.

Both Model D and United Way said they planned to post the survey results on their Web sites at www.modeldmedia.com and www.uwsem.org early this week. [Click here to view results.]

Model D, which has been working with the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority to develop a concept for promoting Detroit living, supplied Detroit pictures of interesting cars, architecture and new developments for a video presentation at Crain’s House Party.

The organization strives to document Detroit’s transformation and to provide guides to neighborhoods, growth and investments in the city. It sent its own team of writers and photographers to the House Party and plans to post a story and pictures on its Web site Tuesday, said Managing Editor Clare Pfeiffer Ramsey.

[Source]

United Way to host employment and family resources fair

By Daniel Voros, Crain's Detroit

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is working with 140 businesses and nonprofit groups on an employment and family resources fair Oct. 11 at the Michigan State Fairgrounds.

The second-annual event, Working Together: Southeast Michigan Employment, Training and Family Resource Expo, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is designed to help participants in job placement and training, and connect them with human-resource organizations that can ease barriers to maintaining jobs, such as finding child care and transportation.

A virtual fair will also be accessible through 75 on-site computers. Volunteers will be available to help attendees search for jobs and create résumés, which can be submitted online.

Employment opportunities include engineering positions at DTE Energy Co. U.S. Trucking Inc. has driving positions and will have a booth to enroll people in its driving program if they don’t have a trucking license.

The fair is free for both job seekers and employers. Those looking for jobs may register online at www.uwsem.org/expo, or call 211 to reach United Way’s information line. The physical fair has met its capacity for employers, but the online expo has space available and runs from Oct. 9–13. Companies that want to register can do so at the same Web site.

Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration

Shaping Policy to Promote Prevention And Intervention in the Lives of Ex-Offenders and Their Children

Overview
There are many challenges facing ex-offenders as they reenter society after incarceration. It is often that the obstacles they faced which led them to incarceration remain present upon release. It is imperative that there are supports present to reduce the risk of recidivism to a life of crime as ex-offenders reenter society. This is particularly important to Southeastern Michigan because approximately over 3,600 ex-offenders are released annually. Many ex-offenders come from a past of unemployment, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. An alarming 45 percent of parolees have at least one prior Michigan prison term. United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) believes that public policies must support returning parolees to advance communities as a whole. Public policy is also key in preventing incarceration from initially occurring. Making a positive impact on these issues can have a major affect on strengthening Southeastern Michigan.

Background
UWSEM’s efforts began on March 31, 2006 through a public policy forum entitled “Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration”. This forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders as well as those directly impacted by the challenges facing ex-offenders to discuss strategies to aid in their transition back into society and the prevention of incarceration from a public policy perspective. There was a moderated discussion that included expert panelists and ex-offenders followed by breakout sessions that related to various intervention and prevention measures connected to the issues faced by ex-offenders and children. The breakout sessions then reconvened to share the identified policy implications with the entire group. At the close of the public policy forum participants were asked to participate in small group meetings that would be held later in the spring.

The small group meetings were held on June 8, and 12, 2006. The purpose of these meetings was to further discuss the policy issues identified during the public policy forum and possible strategies to work toward solutions. The groups were divided into two categories: prevention and intervention. Participants were asked to prioritize the most critical issues in each category. For each issue selected there had to be:

• Feasibility
• Breadth in the number of individuals impacted
• And potentially positive outcomes for the entire region

Some of the issues discussed included job training, review of child support policies, and policies addressing the training of corrections staff. The groups’ recommendations for priorities were:

• Conditional/select expungement of criminal records
• Increased support for young adults exiting foster care.

Next Steps
The results of the small group discussions will be shared with the participants of the March 2006 public policy forum in the fall of 2006. United Way will then invite stakeholders to participate in the development of implementation strategies to address the agreed upon priorities. Recommendations from the Legal Action Center along with findings reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse will also be discussed at that time. Sharing this information is an early effort to further raise public awareness around the influence of public policy on ex-offenders’ successful reintegration into the community. We invite interested individuals and organizations to become involved with this awareness and advocacy effort.

- Rachel Harris, Public Policy Associate, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Talking Race

United Way for Southeastern Michigan Board member and President & CEO of New Detroit, Inc. , Shirley Stancato, sits down with Model D to discuss how overcoming racial barriers is key to fostering regional development.

"That other stuff is easier to talk about," she says. "When you deal with your own personal experiences and personal feelings around race, that's really letting people into a place that's not normal and not natural. But it's just the most amazing way to develop relationships that I've ever seen."

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