100 Volunteers Wanted: Learn valuable skills and help eligible workers receive the Earned Income Tax Credit refund

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

DETROIT–Here’s an opportunity to learn a valuable skill, get the latest information on tax issues and help low-income working families and individuals increase their after-tax income by receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund. EITC is a federal tax refund to help low-income working individuals and families build assets by increasing savings and reducing debt.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, in partnership with Accounting Aid Society and several other organizations, is recruiting 100 volunteers by Feb. 6 to assist with tax preparation to help eligible low-income working families receive the EITC. Volunteers will receive free training, learn valuable information on tax issues and tax credits as well as learn how to use tax software. Volunteers who successfully complete the training will be certified in tax preparation. Volunteers must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• be familiar with operating a computer
• agree to volunteer at one of the free tax preparation sites once trained and certified
• be willing to make a difference in the lives of others

Once certified, participants will volunteer their time at one of the 30 free tax preparation sites in southeastern Michigan to help low-income working residents file their tax return and claim the tax benefits they’re entitled to. Working individuals who received less that $12,120 in 2006 would be eligible to receive up to $412 in tax credits; families consisting of one parent and one child who earned less that $32,001 in 2006 would be eligible for a credit up to $2,747. EITC tax refund could go as high as $4,500 based on the number of dependents in working families.

This valuable service helps low-income working families build assets for the future and also increases income coming back into the region.

“We have an opportunity to help thousands of people gain greater financial independence,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “With 100 or more trained volunteers donating their time to do tax preparation, we can help serve the 20 – 25 percent of qualifying taxpayers who never claim their tax credit, resulting in millions of unclaimed EITC refunds. I encourage all companies, universities, retirees and community groups to support this volunteer effort, which will make a significant financial difference in the lives of others.”

Help working families gain financial stability. Sign up to volunteer by Feb. 6. Call United Way at 313-226-9430, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or go to www.uwsem.org and click “Help Your Community”.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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100 Volunteers Wanted: Learn valuable skills and help eligible workers receive the Earned Income Tax Credit refund

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or cell, 313-410-3417
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT–Here’s an opportunity to learn a valuable skill, get the latest information on tax issues and help low-income working families and individuals increase their after-tax income by receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund. EITC is a federal tax refund to help low-income working individuals and families build assets by increasing savings and reducing debt.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, in partnership with Accounting Aid Society and several other organizations, is recruiting 100 volunteers by Feb. 6 to assist with tax preparation to help eligible low-income working families receive the EITC. Volunteers will receive free training, learn valuable information on tax issues and tax credits as well as learn how to use tax software. Volunteers who successfully complete the training will be certified in tax preparation. Volunteers must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• be familiar with operating a computer
• agree to volunteer at one of the free tax preparation sites once trained and certified
• be willing to make a difference in the lives of others

Once certified, participants will volunteer their time at one of the 30 free tax preparation sites in southeastern Michigan to help low-income working residents file their tax return and claim the tax benefits they’re entitled to. Working individuals who received less that $12,120 in 2006 would be eligible to receive up to $412 in tax credits; families consisting of one parent and one child who earned less that $32,001 in 2006 would be eligible for a credit up to $2,747. EITC tax refund could go as high as $4,500 based on the number of dependents in working families.

This valuable service helps low-income working families build assets for the future and also increases income coming back into the region.

“We have an opportunity to help thousands of people gain greater financial independence,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “With 100 or more trained volunteers donating their time to do tax preparation, we can help serve the 20 – 25 percent of qualifying taxpayers who never claim their tax credit, resulting in millions of unclaimed EITC refunds. I encourage all companies, universities, retirees and community groups to support this volunteer effort, which will make a significant financial difference in the lives of others.”

Help working families gain financial stability. Sign up to volunteer by Feb. 6. Call United Way at 313-226-9430, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or go to www.uwsem.org and click “Help Your Community”.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Detroit Free Press: Youths come home changed after trip spent aiding others

BY JACK KRESNAK
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Many college students can bum money from Mom and Dad and fly off to Mexico or Florida for spring break to party like it's 1999.

But it takes a special college student to pay hundreds of his or her own dollars to fly to the gulf coast to help people still struggling to get their lives in order nearly two years after hurricanes devastated parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Two Michigan students who made the trek last March -- Brian Sawyer, 23, of Royal Oak and Tiffany Beaudry, 19, of Dorr, near Grand Rapids -- are hoping to repeat what they said was a life-changing experience in the United Way's Leaders for Alternative Spring Break project.

United Way organizations across the country lined up about 100 college students to help victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sawyer and Beaudry, who did not know each other beforehand, signed up without knowing what to expect. They arrived at the Lake Pontchartrain area north of New Orleans the evening of March 11 and were put on a bus with 28 other volunteers, bound for Foley, Miss.

There, they met Mary Williams and her family, who were living in a trailer provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency outside their devastated home, surrounded by damaged structures.

"We get to her house and it's just, like, nothing; just, like, four cement walls," said Beaudry, a sophomore at Grand Valley State University. "And there's, like, mold and smoke residue and -- oh my gosh, she was standing in this house, looking through these big picture windows, and just crying.

"She was saying that we were angels sent from God and stuff. It was, like, so emotional."

The three teams of 10 students stayed at a Christian camp near town, but they spent every day -- virtually sunup to sundown -- working on the Williams' home to make it livable.

"About 50%, we had to gut," Sawyer said. "We had to clean everything. The roof was in shambles, so we had to redo a lot of the braces. We also did all new Sheetrock, painting, windows, plumbing, electrical, you name it."

After returning to the camp each evening for dinner, the students spent hours talking around a fire. Young people who came to Mississippi as strangers left 10 days later as friends.

"There were all these amazing people from around the nation," Beaudry said. "We would stay out and hang out all night long talking. I have no idea how I managed to work so hard. It was so inspiring."

The biggest disappointment was not being able to see the home ready for the Williams family to move back into, both students said. They had nearly completed painting inside before they had to leave. Contractors finished the job, they said.

At a closing ceremony at camp, an emotional Williams thanked all of them for fixing her home, promising to "pay it forward," Beaudry said.

"The experience is unbelievable," Sawyer said. "I came back screaming my story, doing breakfasts with United Way, trying to talk to as much local press as possible, to basically let people know the South is not OK."

Sawyer, a manager at a Target store in Farmington Hills, is a former student at Michigan State University now studying online through the University of Phoenix. He has been a United Way volunteer for the past few years, donating about 40 hours of his time a month.

He said he's been chosen to be a team leader for the trip in March.

Beaudry said she is waiting to hear whether she'll be chosen for this year's trip.

"The whole trip was just fun, so it didn't really seem like work," Beaudry said.

To learn more about Alternative Spring Break and other volunteer efforts, contact the United Way for Southeastern Michigan at either 211 or 800-552-1183. You can also go to www.uwsem.org and click on "Get Involved" to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Contact JACK KRESNAK at 313-223-4544 or jkresnak@freepress.com.

---

Links:

• Source

• Storm Corps 2006 Blog

OnCommunity Podcast - Energy

The OnCommunity Podcast is a series produced by United Way for Southeastern Michigan highlighting the innovative ideas and promising work done by area organizations and leaders to improve lives and communities across our region.

The January 2007 OnCommunity session, Energy, reflects a partnership of United Way's 2-1-1; The Heat and Warmth (THAW) and United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Non Profit Facilities Center. The Energy session reflects our need to better understand the short and long term implications of these scarce resources on individuals, families and communities in SE Michigan. While fortunate to have a mild winter, larger questions remain about our ability to truly conserve and plan for wise use of energy.

Think of the large number of renters in SE Michigan, with landlords having limited interest in stabilizing and improving housing stock, as a painful example of the challenge before us.


Click here for the accompanying Powerpoint presentation.

As region rallies, borders fall away

The following editorial by Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, appeared in the January 21, 2007, edition of the Detroit Free Press.

When 4-year-old Sarah enters kindergarten next year, she will not be prepared to succeed in school. She won't be ready academically, socially or emotionally.

As a result, Sarah -- and nearly 8,000 other students like her across the tri-county area -- will fail to read at grade level by third grade. If she manages to make it through high school, there's only a 2% chance that Sarah will ever earn a four-year college degree. But odds are, Sarah will drop out before earning a high school diploma, as two in 10 young people who struggle to read at grade level do each year.

We all share the cost of their collective failure, and it's enormous.

For every dollar that we don't spend getting children ready for school by age 6, we spend $17 caring for them later in life -- in support programs, incarceration, lost productivity, etc.

Whether it's education, transportation or safety, metro Detroiters worry about the same things. And we should, because social issues are seldom contained by geography. Today, so many Americans are struggling that -- for the first time in our nation's history -- the number of suburbanites living in poverty is greater than the number of poor living in urban cores. The same is true for our region.

Over the past five years, the number of individuals living in poverty in tri-county suburbs rose by 35% to more than 270,000, and 35% of them are children.

During that same time period, the number of Macomb County residents living in poverty grew by 60% and in Oakland County, poverty rose 20%. Wayne County saw poverty climb 35% in outlying areas, and 7% in Detroit.

We must reverse the tide, and I am confident the region is prepared to do just that.

During the course of our research at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, we collected more than 20,000 comments from 7,000 residents, and one theme reverberated consistently: This region aspires to be a place where all people have the educational and economic opportunities needed to succeed and to thrive.

Put simply, tri-county residents want the necessary tools and resources to help themselves.

We used the results of our outreach work to develop a blueprint we call our Agenda for Change, which targets three key areas -- educational preparedness, economic stability and basic needs.

Metro Detroiters told us they want to see children enter school prepared to learn and graduate ready for success. They want to be able to acquire assets, like a home or education, which will allow them to build a life. They also want to make sure that their basic needs are met and help is available in times of crisis.

At United Way, we recognize that the historic racial divide, turf issues, and other barriers have stalled regional initiatives in the past. But our outreach revealed a strong desire to see regional leaders come together in a collective, focused and collaborative way, and a belief that it can and will happen.

We have already taken steps toward that end, through recently formed partnerships like ONE D: Transforming Regional Detroit. United Way teamed up with five leading area organizations to explore synergies and share resources needed to tackle regional problems.

Internally, we are making progress with services like United Way 2-1-1, the 24-hour helpline that over 100,000 callers used last year to get help or give help. Rather than navigating a maze of 800 numbers, people who dialed 2-1-1 were able to easily connect to more than 6,000 health and human service resources and volunteer opportunities.

In coming months, we'll share additional details on our Agenda for Change and new direction, and we welcome your input and involvement.

As famed anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small band of committed people can change the world. Indeed, nothing else ever has."

I hope that you will join us in improving the condition of our community.

MICHAEL J. BRENNAN is president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Contact him by e-mail at ceo@uwsem.org. Find out how you can get involved in helping your community, or get more information on the United Way Agenda for Change process, at www.uwsem.org.

TRW Automotive's Employee and Corporate Contributions Exceeds $175,600

John Wilkerson (center), senior communications manager, TRW Automotive, presented a check for $29,550 to Michael J. Brennan (right), president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, representing TRW Automotive's corporate contribution to United Way's 2006 Torch Drive. The corporate gift, combined with a successful employee campaign, brings TRW Automotive's total contributions for the 2006 United Way campaign to $175,609. TRW's campaign had a 56 percent increase in Leadership Givers -- those who contribute $1,000 or more annually to United Way. Also on hand for the check presentation was Jeff Baytarian, campaign manager for United Way's Resource Development.

United Way mobilizes 350 volunteers for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15

MEDIA ADVISORY

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan, in partnership with Henry Ford Community College, Madonna University, University of Michigan – Dearborn, and Wayne State University, has coordinated nearly 20 volunteer opportunities as part of the 13th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Each year, more than 350 students, faculty and staff use their day off to give back to local nonprofit agencies throughout Detroit and Wayne County. The volunteer activities were coordinated through United Way’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center, which matches individuals and groups with meaningful volunteer opportunities year-round throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Some of this year’s activities include presentations and interactive discussions with youth about diversity, preparing food for the homeless, sorting clothing for the needy, and participating in agency clean-up projects.

The following sites will provide many photo and interview opportunities.

WHAT: Dance therapy at The Lincoln Center in Wyandotte
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (best time for media)
Media should report to The Lincoln Center main office

WHERE: 4460 18th St., Wyandotte (between Jefferson Ave. & Fort St., north of Pennsylvania Ave.)

WHO: Approximately 15 volunteers from Henry Ford Community College and University of Michigan-Dearborn will be participating in a dance therapy class with approximately 20 students aged 8-26 at The Lincoln Center, which is one of three special education center programs in Wyandotte.

WHAT: Make sandwiches and sort clothing for the homeless at St. Aloysius Community Center, in Detroit

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (best time for media)
Media should report to security desk and will be escorted to volunteers

WHERE: 1209 Washington Blvd. (at State St., in downtown Detroit)

WHO: Approximately 12 volunteers from Henry Ford Community College and University of Michigan-Dearborn will be making sandwiches, sorting clothing, stocking shelves, and preparing grocery bags and hygiene kits. All items are prepared for distribution to the homeless living in the community center’s neighborhood.

WHAT: Prepare food and sort clothes at Cass Community Social Services, Detroit

WHERE: 11850 Woodrow Wilson (west of M-10, at Tuxedo St.)

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (best time for media)
Media should check in at security desk and will be escorted to volunteers

WHO: Approximately 18 volunteers from Henry Ford Community College and University of Michigan-Dearborn will be preparing lunch, sorting non-perishable food and clothing donations for the homeless served by Cass Community Social Services.

WHAT: Reflection session and wrap-up at University of Michigan-Dearborn

WHERE: University Center
University of Michigan-Dearborn
4901 Evergreen (Between Michigan Avenue and Hubbard. Follow signs to University Center)

WHEN: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

WHO: More than 350 volunteers from Henry Ford Community College, Madonna University, University of Michigan – Dearborn, and Wayne State University. A wrap-up program will be held after the projects are completed and will feature remarks by Daniel Little, Ph.D., chancellor, UM-Dearborn; Dr. Gail Mee, president, Henry Ford Community College; and Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Volunteers will also take time to reflect on the day and share their experiences.

To learn more about United Way’s Volunteer Center, or to get connected to individual and group volunteer opportunities year-round, contact 313-226-9430 or log on to www.uwsem.org and click on “Get Involved.”

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Model D: Meditations on Green

Zen Buddhism teaches its practitioners to be in the moment, to approach life with thoughtfulness and awareness. So, it seems appropriate that they would also be thoughtful and aware when it comes to the environment.

The Detroit Zen Center in Hamtramck is proving that supposition correct with development plans for their campus located in Hamtramck's north end. Striving for a kind of green nirvana, the plans include an ultimate goal of zero fossil fuel usage.

The first step includes a $150,000 project funded by a $120,000 grant from the United Way's Non-Profit Facilities Center. The Zen Center is matching the grant with labor — which is possible because it already operates a licensed renovation business — and capital valued at $30,000.

Read More

The Poverty Shift --- The Urbanization of Suburbs

Do you know what I think?

I think it matters that we care about what happens next door to us as well as 30 miles from us and 3,000 miles from us. It is all connected.

For the first time in American history, the number of those living in poverty in suburbs outnumbers those living in the urban cores of America.

Fact: There are more individuals and families in America living in poverty in the suburbs now than in the central cities.

Fact: What is true for America is also true here in Southeastern Michigan.

Fact: More residents in the suburbs in the tri-county area ---- Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County ---- live at or below the poverty level than in the City of Detroit.

Fact: Over the past five years, the number of individuals living in poverty in the suburbs in Southeastern Michigan has grown by 35% ---- now over 270,000 residents.

Fact: During that time period, Macomb County has experienced 60% growth. Oakland---one of the wealthiest suburbs in America---20% growth. Out-Wayne county 35%.

Fact: Over that same time period, the number of individuals in poverty in the City of Detroit grew by 7% --- 261,000.

Fact: The number of residents in the tri-county area living in poverty would fill the "Big House" at U of M nearly five times. Of those residents in poverty, 35% are children.

As noted in a recent article in the Oakland Press:

"Economies are regional now," said Alan Berube, who co-wrote the report for the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. "Where you see increases in city poverty, in almost every metropolitan area, you also see increases in suburban poverty."

Kurt Metzger, research director for the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and a longtime advocate of regional economic development planning, said the findings come as no surprise, given Michigan's struggling economy.

"This is a clarion call to show people that we are all in this together. The suburbs are not going to survive if the cities do not survive," he said. "We either have to come back as a region or we're not going to come back at all."

Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said social and economic problems such as struggling schools, rising crime and lowpaying jobs deserve the same attention in suburbs as they receive in cities.

"I call it the urbanization of the suburbs," he said. "I hope this says to people that the way to confront poverty is not to wall it off and concentrate it. You really need policies to eliminate it."

What are some of the driving forces:

Berube, research director at the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program, said several factors are contributing to the trend:

1. Faster total population growth in suburbs than in cities.
2. Increasing presence of low-wage jobs in suburbs.
3. Growing presence of low-income immigrants in suburbs.

"Traditionally, cities have been viewed as home to poor populations, surrounded by middle- and upper-income suburbs," the report said. "This 'tipping' of poor populations to the suburbs represents a signal development that upends historical notions about who lives in cities and suburbs."

"Looking back at the 1970s, you would have seen cities suffering and suburbs staying the same," Berube said. "But the story is different today."

This is precisely why the direction the United Way Board adopted in December to focus on Financial Stability for families, Educational Preparedness of children and getting to the root cause of what is keeping individuals and families living in the safety net of society.

This is precisely why six key civic organizations formed One D to develop a regional capacity to address the complex issues facing and us ------ and to move from process to results.

No silver bullets are present, but with bold steps, clear goals and dedicated leadership, progress is possible. The continual trend described here ought not be our legacy to our children.

Rather, it ought to be how this generation turned the trend line. I believe its possible.

Thanks for reading. Pass it on.

Brandon Inge, Lem Barney and Dave Rozema among local sports celebrities participating in United Way’s All Star Champions Celebration, Jan. 5

Media Advisory

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484; cell, 313-410-3417 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

SPONSORED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT THE HISTORIC FIREHOUSE

DETROIT – More that 300 of metro Detroit’s philanthropic residents will attend United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s All Star Champions Celebration Friday, Jan. 5, at the Historic Firehouse, in downtown Detroit. The party, sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, will recognize and thank United Way’s Tocqueville Society members – those who contribute $10,000 or more annually to United Way to benefit southeast Michigan.

As part of the celebration, local sports players and alumni, media representatives and community leaders will serve as celebrity bartenders throughout the evening.

Thomas Dekar, vice chairman, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, served as chair of United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2006 Tocqueville Society. The Torch Drive and Tocqueville Society
contributions help fund more than 300 programs and services at approximately 150 health and human service organizations throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

“When we think about community champions we’re not only referring to those who excel in sports or business,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “There are countless people who generously give of their resources and time to assure that children have opportunities to excel and people have a chance to overcome challenges and succeed in life. It is those exceptional Leadership Givers who each year help United Way be the best that it can be for the residents of this region. They are United Way’s all star champions year-round.”

WHAT: United Way’s All Star Champions Celebration
Sponsored by DaimlerChrysler

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 5
6 – 10 p.m. Brief program begins at 7:45 p.m. (Best time for media 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.)

WHERE: The Historic Firehouse
250 West Larned, downtown Detroit (across from Cobo Center)

Parking available at the adjacent Downtown Garage, 328 West Congress

WHO: Celebrities include: Representing Detroit Tiger Alumni are Gary Ignatsiak, Larry Pashnick, Dave Rozema and Patrick Sheridan; representing Detroit Lions Alumni are Hall of Famer Lem Barney, Lomas Brown, Coach Rick Forzano, Horace King and Scott Kowalkowski.

Program participants include Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan; Troy A. Clarke, president, General Motors North America and group vice president, Manufacturing, General Motors Corp., and chair of the 2007 Torch Drive; Thomas Dekar, vice chairman, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and chair of United Way’s Tocqueville Society; and Jason Vines, vice president, Chrysler Communications Group, DaimlerChrysler.

WHY: This invitation only party will recognize and thank United Way’s Tocqueville Society members – those who contribute $10,000 or more annually to United Way to benefit southeast Michigan.

Media are welcome. Please call Patricia Ellis, 313-226-9484 or cell, 313-410-3417; or Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321, if you plan to cover the event.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Kelly D. Major joins United Way as Vice President, Brand Identity and Communications

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

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan announced that Kelly D. Major will join the organization as Vice President, Brand Identity and Communications, effective Jan. 8. Major previously served as Partner and Marketing Director at Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing.

At United Way, Major will be responsible for marketing and brand management, overseeing the organization's internal and external communications activities, including: graphic design, media relations, publications, and special events. She will lead in the creation and implementation the organization's messaging; using market research to ensure the organization is interacting with its key stakeholders at an optimal level.

“I am ecstatic to join United Way for Southeastern Michigan at such a critical time for the region,” said Major. “Metro Detroit needs every philanthropic and community based resource to step up to the mounting challenges facing the region’s citizens and deliver significant outcomes. I am honored to become part of a stellar management team, whose task is to redefine and elevate this United Way to become a pre-eminent force in positively impacting our community.”

Major brings nearly 20 years of marketing expertise to United Way. She spent seven years at Brogan & Partners, where she oversaw the strategic marketing direction for many of the firm’s clients. She also managed all secondary and primary consumer research efforts to gather data and develop marketing and creative strategies. She worked with clients including: AAA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Comcast, the Detroit Tigers, and Ford Field.

“Kelly will be an invaluable asset to the United Way team as we seek to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities throughout southeast Michigan,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Her experience and marketing expertise will help us enhance our reach to diverse audiences to better serve this region.”

Prior to her work with Brogan & Partners, Major worked with Kmart Headquarters in Troy, Mich., and as a consultant with CSC Index and Andersen Consulting, both in Chicago, Ill.

Major holds a master’s degree in Management with concentrations in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. She is active in the community, serving on the board of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Inforum, formerly the Women’s Economic Club. She is also a member of the Jubilee Chorus at Harford Memorial Baptist Church.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Related
Crain's Detroit Business: United Way names marketing executive

Kelly D. Major joins United Way as Vice President, Brand Identity and Communications

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

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan announced that Kelly D. Major will join the organization as Vice President, Brand Identity and Communications, effective Jan. 8. Major previously served as Partner and Marketing Director at Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing.

At United Way, Major will be responsible for marketing and brand management, overseeing the organization's internal and external communications activities, including: graphic design, media relations, publications, and special events. She will lead in the creation and implementation the organization's messaging; using market research to ensure the organization is interacting with its key stakeholders at an optimal level.

“I am ecstatic to join United Way for Southeastern Michigan at such a critical time for the region,” said Major. “Metro Detroit needs every philanthropic and community based resource to step up to the mounting challenges facing the region’s citizens and deliver significant outcomes. I am honored to become part of a stellar management team, whose task is to redefine and elevate this United Way to become a pre-eminent force in positively impacting our community.”

Major brings nearly 20 years of marketing expertise to United Way. She spent seven years at Brogan & Partners, where she oversaw the strategic marketing direction for many of the firm’s clients. She also managed all secondary and primary consumer research efforts to gather data and develop marketing and creative strategies. She worked with clients including: AAA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Comcast, the Detroit Tigers, and Ford Field.

“Kelly will be an invaluable asset to the United Way team as we seek to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities throughout southeast Michigan,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Her experience and marketing expertise will help us enhance our reach to diverse audiences to better serve this region.”

Prior to her work with Brogan & Partners, Major worked with Kmart Headquarters in Troy, Mich., and as a consultant with CSC Index and Andersen Consulting, both in Chicago, Ill.

Major holds a master’s degree in Management with concentrations in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. She is active in the community, serving on the board of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Inforum, formerly the Women’s Economic Club. She is also a member of the Jubilee Chorus at Harford Memorial Baptist Church.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Crain's Detroit Business: United Way names marketing executive