United Way Seeks Volunteers for “Days of Caring” Sept. 7, 8

Media Advisory

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cara I. Belton, 313.266.9484 or 313.520.8454
Laura L. Rodwan, 313.226.9484 or pager, 313.477.2750

August 28, 2007

Volunteer Events mark the start of the 59th annual Torch Drive campaign, Sept. 7

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan is seeking over 1,000 volunteers to participate in the annual Days of Caring projects on September 7 and 8. The event serves as part of the kick off of the 59th annual Torch Drive Campaign, taking place on Friday, September 7, at 6:30 am at Hart Plaza. Following an early morning lighting of the organization’s 54-foot torch, located at the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson in downtown Detroit, more than 1,000 volunteers will disperse across the region, giving their time at local nonprofits to participate in beautification, clean-up and painting projects, as well as packing food for area pantries. A complete list of Days of Caring projects are available on line at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwsem. To volunteer, call (313) 226-9200, or sign up on line at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwsem.

The following activities will provide several interview and photo opportunities as United Way kicks off its 2007 campaign, making a difference in the lives of children and families throughout our region. The times noted are the best times for media.

WHERE: C.O.T.S. (Coalition On Temporary Shelter), 26 Peterboro, Detroit
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will renovate a lounge utilized by long-term residents.

WHERE: Adult Well Being Services, 1423 Field, Detroit
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHAT: United Way’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Financial Literacy Workshop
Volunteers will provide financial literacy training to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

WHERE: Sheltering Arms Adult Day Care, 3300 S. Adams, Auburn Hills
WHEN: Friday, Sept 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will build wheelchair accessible ramps and garden beds for patients

WHERE: ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic Social Services), 2651 Saulino Ct., Dearborn
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will assist with mailings, operation of the Resource Room, provide workshop assistance, gardening and general office tasks.

WHERE: Macomb Habitat for Humanity, 42700 Colchester, Clinton Township
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will assist with Community Clean up in the Vision 2020 Project Neighborhood

WHERE: “Immersion Project” , 8044 Hipp, Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7- Saturday, Sept 8 , 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Friday) and 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)
WHAT: Thirty college students will build access ramps for persons and families with disabilities in need in southeastern Michigan. The students will volunteer from 8:30am until 5:00pm and will have an overnight discussion and reflection of their volunteer experience at Affirmations in Ferndale.

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. Contributions for the 2007 Torch Drive can be made online at www.unitedwaysem.org.

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United Way Seeks Volunteers for “Days of Caring” Sept. 7, 8

Media Advisory

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cara I. Belton, 313.266.9484 or 313.520.8454
Laura L. Rodwan, 313.226.9484 or pager, 313.477.2750

August 28, 2007

Volunteer Events mark the start of the 59th annual Torch Drive campaign, Sept. 7

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan is seeking over 1,000 volunteers to participate in the annual Days of Caring projects on September 7 and 8. The event serves as part of the kick off of the 59th annual Torch Drive Campaign, taking place on Friday, September 7, at 6:30 am at Hart Plaza. Following an early morning lighting of the organization’s 54-foot torch, located at the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson in downtown Detroit, more than 1,000 volunteers will disperse across the region, giving their time at local nonprofits to participate in beautification, clean-up and painting projects, as well as packing food for area pantries. A complete list of Days of Caring projects are available on line at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwsem. To volunteer, call (313) 226-9200, or sign up on line at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwsem.

The following activities will provide several interview and photo opportunities as United Way kicks off its 2007 campaign, making a difference in the lives of children and families throughout our region. The times noted are the best times for media.

WHERE: C.O.T.S. (Coalition On Temporary Shelter), 26 Peterboro, Detroit
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will renovate a lounge utilized by long-term residents.

WHERE: Adult Well Being Services, 1423 Field, Detroit
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHAT: United Way’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Financial Literacy Workshop
Volunteers will provide financial literacy training to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

WHERE: Sheltering Arms Adult Day Care, 3300 S. Adams, Auburn Hills
WHEN: Friday, Sept 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will build wheelchair accessible ramps and garden beds for patients

WHERE: ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic Social Services), 2651 Saulino Ct., Dearborn
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will assist with mailings, operation of the Resource Room, provide workshop assistance, gardening and general office tasks.

WHERE: Macomb Habitat for Humanity, 42700 Colchester, Clinton Township
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7, 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
WHAT: Volunteers will assist with Community Clean up in the Vision 2020 Project Neighborhood

WHERE: “Immersion Project” , 8044 Hipp, Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 7- Saturday, Sept 8 , 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Friday) and 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)
WHAT: Thirty college students will build access ramps for persons and families with disabilities in need in southeastern Michigan. The students will volunteer from 8:30am until 5:00pm and will have an overnight discussion and reflection of their volunteer experience at Affirmations in Ferndale.

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. Contributions for the 2007 Torch Drive can be made online at www.unitedwaysem.org.

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United Way and Panera Bread Team up to "Impact Your Neighborhood"

PRESS RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cara I. Belton, 313-226-9484 or (313) 520-8454
Laura L. Rodwan, 313-226-9484 or (313) 477-2750 or

Unique Partnership Offers Volunteer Opportunities throughout Southeast Michigan

DETROIT – In partnership with Panera Bread Company, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is encouraging everyone to volunteer in local communities, and build healthier, stronger neighborhoods through the ”Impact Your Neighborhood” program. Beginning on Saturday, September 8, and culminating on Saturday, December 8, four area Panera Bread bakery-cafés in southeast Michigan will host volunteer opportunities at a United Way-funded agency in each respective community. In accordance with agency needs, volunteer projects will vary in terms of dates and times, number of volunteers, and types of duties.

Each participating Panera Bread location will host a breakfast information session and bread-breaking ceremony at it location prior to volunteers’ participation in a project. The four bakery-cafés taking part in the “Impact Your Neighborhood program are in Dearborn Heights, Bloomfield Hills, Plymouth, and Southgate.

“The “Impact Your Neighborhood” Program provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals to make a difference in their own community,” said Michael Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We commend Panera Bread for orchestrating this program, and encourage everyone to participate.”

Volunteers must register before participating in a project. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Saturday, September 8, 10 am - 1pm Vista Maria. Up to twenty pre-registered volunteers will meet at the Dearborn Heights Panera Bread bakery-café at 22208 Michigan Avenue. At Vista Maria, (in Dearborn Heights) a residential facility for at-risk girls, volunteers will assist with painting and upkeep of the grounds. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work directly on projects with the girls.

• Saturday, October 27, 10 am - 1pm Lighthouse PATH. Up to ten pre-registered volunteers will participate in a Halloween craft activity with the organization’s women and their children. Volunteers will meet at the Bloomfield Hills Panera Bread bakery-café located at 2125 S. Telegraph Road, and then travel to Lighthouse PATH in Pontiac

• Saturday, November 10, 10 am – Noon First Step Up to ten pre-registered volunteers will meet at the Plymouth Panera Bread bakery-café located at 400 South Main Street, and then travel to First Step, a domestic violence shelter, where they will assist in an outdoor and indoor beautification project.

• Saturday, December 8, 9 am – Noon Gleaners (Taylor) Up to fifteen pre-registered volunteers will meet at the Southgate Panera Bread bakery-café located at 13665 Eureka Road, and then travel to Gleaners Food Bank, where they will sort and pack donated food items for delivery to homeless shelters and other area non-profit organizations. .

“We’re excited to launch the “Impact Your Neighborhood” program around metro Detroit this fall,” said Lee Carmona, area director of Panera Bread of Southeast Michigan. “We believe in giving back to the community – especially those in areas in which our bakery-cafes operate. We look forward to continuing to build this program and our relationship with United Way of Southeast Michigan.”

For further information about volunteer opportunities or to register for a volunteer session, visit your local Panera Bread bakery-café or visit the United Way website at www.uwsem.org/panera/, or call (313) 226-9200.

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United Way to Realign Criterion for Agency Funding, Opens Process to New Partners

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cara I. Belton, 313-226-9484 or 313-520-8454
Laura L. Rodwan, 313-226-9484 or 313-477-2750

New Funding Process Allows Agencies to Better Impact Communities, Services

DETROIT – For the first time in ten years, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan will invite new agencies and organizations to participate in an open bid for funding. The newly established funding process for 2008-2011 agency applications will allow unaffiliated organizations the opportunity to become United Way partners. This is part of United Ways' overall effort to direct community resources in areas of the greatest need.

The new multi-year funding process will focus on programs, services, strategies and collaborations that will address short and long-term goals in three specific areas - Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability and Basic Needs, as outlined in the organization's Agenda for Change. United Way will now prioritize funding based on programs that provide:

EDUCATIONAL PREPAREDNESS:

• Propose strategies to support children entering school ready to learn, student reading at grade level, or youth staying in school
• Directly target infants, children and youth
• Help families and individuals develop and focus on longer-term goals

FINANCIAL STABILITY:

• Improve financial resources, increase financial literacy or increase and sustain home ownership
• Have a clear strategy to build individual and family assets
• Help families and individuals develop and focus on long-term goals

BASIC NEEDS:

• Help move families out of a crisis/vulnerable state to higher level of self-sufficiency
• Make a demonstrated effort to link to other organizations
• Propose a strategy that meets a data-supported gap in service
• Present clear and realistic approaches aimed to improve service delivery, improve navigation or access to services

While the United Way will continue to significantly invest in a wide array of agency programs and services, funding will primarily be focused on achieving Agenda outcomes. The funding system further supports the Agenda for Change, which serves as the United Way's blueprint for creating sustained community change that measurably improves people’s lives.

"The decision to realign our funding process was driven by our region's growing socioeconomic and human service needs," said Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "We know that today's issues are far too complex for any individual, group, or institution to tackle alone. We must work together and bring new groups into the fold. It is only through community building and regional collaboration that we will affect lasting change."

In order to be eligible to receive funding, an organization must be classified as a 501 c3, meet all UWSEM Standards of Eligibility, and serve residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb County or City of Detroit. Organizations must also demonstrate the capacity to provide services, programs, or collaborative response to one of the three impact areas.

The process is open to current partner agencies as well. United Way for Southeastern Michigan has developed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to include new programs and collaboratives that align with the priority areas in the Agenda for Change process. Interested parties whose programs align with one or more of the priority areas are invited to complete an LOI application.

"The Letter of Intent process will allow us to gain a better understanding of the types of programs that seek funding," said Dona Ponepinto, Vice President of Community Investments and Partnerships. "These letters will also help us to understand the conditions existing in various communities, how those conditions will be addressed, and the proposed outcomes."

For more information about the LOI/Agenda for Change process (including guidelines, technical assistance sessions, and application deadlines), visit www.uwsem.org/partnertools.

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United Way board member, Ismael Ahmed, named director of Michigan DHS

Source: Crain's Detroit Business
By: Robert Ankeny
Published: 4:10 pm, August 13, 2007

Ahmed named human services director

Gov. Jennifer Granholm confirmed Monday that she has appointed Ismael Ahmed to succeed Marianne Udow as director of the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Crain’s first reported that Ahmed’s appointment was planned last Wednesday.

Michigan’s Department of Human Services is the state’s second-largest agency, with nearly 10,000 employees and a $4 billion-plus annual budget, handling federal programs.

The department’s staff serves 1.5 million medical assistance cases and 1.2 million cash- and food-assistance cases statewide. It administers child- and adult-protective services, foster care, adoptions, juvenile justice, domestic violence, and child-support programs. It also licenses adult foster care, child day care and child welfare facilities.

Ahmed is scheduled to take over at Human Services on Sept 10; his appointment stands unless rejected by the Michigan Senate.

Ahmed co-founded ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, and has been executive director since 1983.

A contributing author to “Arabs in America: Myths and Reality,” Ahmed is considered a national expert on immigration, welfare reform and Arab-American issues.

“I am honored that Governor Granholm has given me the opportunity to serve in this important role,” Ahmed said in a statement. “The Department of Human Services does so much to bring help and hope to people in need; as director, I look forward to working with the department and its partners to reduce poverty and improve the lives of children and vulnerable adults in our state.

Said Granholm in a statement: “Ismael has a wealth of experience in responding to the needs of people, and we are so fortunate to have someone with his leadership skills and compassion moving the Department of Human Services forward.

“Ismael shares our goals of encouraging strong families and helping citizens become self-sufficient, and we look forward to his leadership on these issues and more.”

Ahmed will resign from the Eastern Michigan University board of regents, a post he was appointed to by Granholm in January.

Start with education to avoid home loss

Source: The Detroit Free Press
By: Hansen Clarke
Published: August 12, 2007

We can no longer tolerate a lending environment that puts profits over the well-being of borrowers. For years, this was the easy thing to do, as low interest rates, loose underwriting standards, and a booming housing market enabled lenders to sell mortgages to just about anyone who wanted one -- regardless of their actual financial situations.

Many lenders were much more interested in making a quick buck than finding out if their customers were actually going to be able to handle future payments. Not all of them were predatory lenders, but quite a few of them were overzealous, to say the least.

Now that we're seeing the consequences of such a carefree lending environment, we must commit ourselves to fighting predatory lending and tightening things up for legitimate lenders.

This would obviously start with education programs for potential borrowers. Education should become a mandatory part of the mortgage process, from the first time a future home owner walks through the door right up to the moment that he or she signs the papers.

Even after that, having counseling services available for when times get tough could do wonders for most families. Instead of thinking that they don't have options, they could see that there are many ways to hang on to their homes. One missed payment does not automatically have to lead to mortgage foreclosure a few months down the road.

We can certainly change things for the better without having a negative impact on business. I know this, because perhaps the biggest lender of them all, Freddie Mac, has already embarked on major initiatives that will both mitigate the effects of this crisis and prevent a recurrence.

At the very outset, Freddie Mac voluntarily stepped forward to tighten its underwriting standards and strengthen its award-winning education programs on smart borrowing and predatory lending. Then, just a few weeks ago, Freddie Mac announced $20 billion in new products that will provide lenders with more choices for subprime borrowers. These fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate products will limit payment shock by offering reduced adjustable rate margins, longer fixed-rate terms, and longer reset periods.

Freddie Mac has definitely set the pace -- which makes it all the more disappointing that so many other institutions have failed to step up and make similar changes. We are going to need all hands on deck if we're going to truly change things for the better, and that includes lenders of all sizes, in every community.

It's not just in the borrowers' interest to hold on to a home. And it's not just in lenders' interest, either. It's important for all of us, as Detroiters, as Michiganians, and as Americans. We can't afford to do nothing. We can't afford to let this happen on our watch.

We're all in this together, and we'll all be better off if we fix these problems and preserve affordable housing for the next generation of home owners.

State Sen. HANSEN CLARKE, D-Detroit, represents Michigan's 1st Senate District.Write to him in care of the Free Press Editorial Page, 600 W. Fort St., Detroit 48226 or oped@freepress.com.

Biking To Work

I rode my bike to work. I actually made it a three county ride --- Wayne, Macomb and Oakland. The ride started at the Freedom Hill park in Macomb county and ended at the Riverwalk in Detroit. My brother Tom was a partner in crime on the ride.

I did it because I wanted to see what it would be like to ride to work and I wanted to see the region through a different perspective.

We met up at 6 am and began our journey touching the three counties. Macomb over to Oakland down to Ferndale with a straight shot down Woodward (200 years old) to the Riverfront --- then into the office. The ride amounted to a little over 31 miles. On our return home, we caught the SMART bus at Woodward/Grand River. We placed the bikes on the rack attached to the front of the bus, paid the $1.50 and headed home. The bus was full for the entire ride.

Some observations:

• We are more connected than we realize ---often we think of the divide and distance in the region. Riding my bike through the three counties in a single morning told me how much we are inter-dependent.


• Woodward could make the third lane a bike lane. We had by and large a clear shot from Royal Oak into Downtown.


• One might see despair and neglect along Woodward, but if you look more closely, you see community and activity. The morning walkers, the tennis camps going on, and residents getting ready to catch the bus to work.


• When you drive in a car ---- you don't always see people and the activity taking place. On a bike, people greet you along the way. The elderly men riding early morning in Macomb. The joggers sharing the path in Oakland. The bikers having breakfast in Ferndale. The walkers along Woodward. Residents catching a DDOT or SMART bus.


• It is liberating to peddle yourself to a destination. Makes me want to ride more.


• The Riverwalk will become one of the region's crown jewel.


• Gatorade and Oreo cookies (Thank you Tom!) make a perfect combination for a bike ride in 90 degree heat.

While I understand such a ride wouldn't be for everyone, I would encourage it. If you haven't ever peddled yourself to work, you'll be in for a treat as you get to experience the region in a different way. If you haven't taken our bus system, it gives you a perspective on a where this resource is available and the utilization of it for local residents.

If you want to see a video of riding the Riverwalk and Woodward, just click here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1Nx7Uht5xI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB27ohy74sI

Thanks for reading. Pass it on. See the sunrise from Macomb County below!