PRESS RELEASE

Media contacts:

• Laura L. Rodwan, (313) 226-9484 or cell, (313) 477-2750, lrodwan@sbcglobal.net
• Cara I. Belton, (313) 226-9484 or cell, (313) 520-8454, cara.belton@liveunitedsem.org
• Nicole Casal Moore, News Service, (734) 647-1838, ncmoore@umich.edu
• Jay Jackson, School of Information, (734) 763-0074, jacksonj@umich.edu

United Way partners with the University of Michigan to create online discussion forum and widget; an innovative tool for connecting the unemployed to one another

Unemployed workers have a new tool to help them find the resources they need to get through difficult times. Created in partnership between the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the University of Michigan School of Information, Neighbors4Neighbors is an interactive online program that uses social computing technology to connect unemployed workers with each other.

Neighbors4Neighbors is an interactive online application that helps people help each other deal with unemployment. People who visit N4NMichigan.org can get and give advice on the things that matter when someone loses a job. The application has two components, an online discussion forum that lets people share advice with each other, and a “widget,” or online program, that allows users to add their own comments to partner web sites that have information for people who are unemployed. Questions and comments that are created on partner web sites via the widget will be mirrored on the Neighbors4Neighbors discussion forums.

Neighbors4Neighbors is a project of Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm’s Keep Michigan Working Task Force. Michael Brennan, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, is chair of the task force’s community outreach committee.

"These are tough economic times in Michigan, and Neighbors4Neighbors offers an innovative way to address the problem of unemployment in a non-traditional way. Service providers in our region are currently overloaded with requests for assistance in this time of economic crisis,” Brennan said.

“Neighbors4Neighbors is a program that helps people help themselves right away—and eliminates the wait. This collaborative online resource and community discussion forum will be a catalyst for leading social change in the region.".

Neighbors4Neighbors is the result of a successful collaboration between United Way and the University of Michigan. In pooling resources and talents, the two organizations have developed an innovative way to tap informal networks, allowing unemployed workers the power to communicate with one another in real time.

U- M School of Information professor Paul Resnick is the primary architect of the Neighbors4Neighbors website.

“This site demonstrates an efficient, low-cost application of social computing,” said Resnick. “Many websites already aim to help unemployed workers find information or job leads, but they don’t have a way to connect everyone who is visiting the page. Neighbors4Neighbors pulls people and information together to create a community.”

The widget enables all service and community-based organizations to add a “commenting feature” to the web pages of their own sites. (See below for more information on how to link). Michael Hess, an adjunct lecturer in the School of Information, is the developer of the widget. School of Information master’s students Meico Whitlock, Jeremy Canfield and Kathleen Ludewig also contributed.

“The widget is another rapid response to crisis from the School of Information,” said Martha E. Pollack,” dean and professor in the School of Information. “This project demonstrates how the School of Information continues to live up to its motto of ‘connecting people, information, and technology in more valuable ways.’

For more information:

• United Way for Southeastern Michigan: http://www.uwsem.org
• Neighbors4Neighbors: http://www.n4nMichigan.org
• Widget partner registration: http://partners.n4nMichigan.org
• Paul Resnick: http://www.si.umich.edu/~presnick/
• U-M School of Information: http://www.si.umich.edu/

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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 Campaign, 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.LiveUnitedSEM.org

About University of Michigan School of Information

The School of Information (si.umich.edu) is internationally recognized as a leader in educating information professionals and in conducting research into the fundamental role of information and information technology in society. Faculty explore the many ways in which information is created, collected, managed, preserved, accessed, and presented, applying multi-disciplinary perspectives to discover new knowledge about the interplay between people, information, and technology. The work of SI faculty can be found in numerous Web 2.0 applications, such as reputation and recommendation systems. The School is the premier institution studying and using technology to improve how people work together in virtual collaborations. The incentive-centered design approach to system development was created at SI. In addition, SI researchers continue to be instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of cyberinfrastructure as a national asset and have helped elevate it to priority status at the National Science Foundation.

Labels: basic needs, Financial Stability, Neighbors4Neighbors, Press_Releases, programs and initiatives

For many of us, making a long-term commitment to volunteer can be an overwhelming task.

That’s one of the many reasons United Way for Southeastern Michigan has teamed up with Panera Bread® of Southeast Michigan to encourage area residents to get out and spend just one Saturday morning making a difference around metro Detroit.

The joint program, called “Impact Your Neighborhood,” is a regional initiative aiming to build stronger communities. The program offers one-time volunteer projects on Saturdays in September, October and November. Volunteers can sign up for just one event or all three!

Prior to each project, a designated Panera Bread location will host breakfast and an informational session for volunteers. Volunteers will also receive a complimentary T-Shirt and a Panera Bread catered lunch upon project completion.

Let’s reiterate that: You have the opportunity for FREE food, a FREE shirt and you’re making a difference. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the following cities are participating in the program: Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn Heights, Grosse Pointe, Southgate, Sterling Heights and Waterford.

Volunteer projects include:
Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Vista Maria. Up to 25 pre-registered volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Dearborn Heights Panera Bread, located at 26580 Ford Rd. Volunteers will then travel to Vista Maria (in Dearborn Heights) to assist with outdoor beautification tasks and picnic with the residents.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at LightHouse PATH. Up to 15 pre-registered volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Bloomfield Hills bakery-cafe located at 2125 S. Telegraph Rd. Volunteers will then travel to LightHouse PATH (in Pontiac), where they will participate in a reading and craft activity with mothers and their children.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Gleaners locations in Detroit, Pontiac, Warren and Taylor. Up to 25 pre-registered volunteers per site location will travel to Gleaner’s where they will sort and pack food items that will be delivered to homeless shelters and other non-profits in need. Volunteers will meet at the following Panera Bread bakery-cafes at 8 a.m.:

Gleaners of Detroit: Grosse Pointe bakery-cafe at 17150 Kercheval Ave.
Gleaners of Pontiac: Waterford bakery-cafe at 5175 Highland Rd.
Gleaners of Warren: Sterling Heights bakery cafe at 36808 Van Dyke Ave.
Gleaners of Taylor: Southgate bakery-cafe at 13665 Eureka Rd.

To sign up for a project, visit http://www.iliveunited.org/, or call (313) 226-9200. Volunteers must register to participate in a project.

After completing a project, volunteers will have the opportunity to let their voice be heard – through guest blog posts and photo and video sharing.

Remember: Space is limited, so sign up today and let’s get ready to make an IMPACT!

Labels: programs and initiatives, regionalism, Volunteering

Ty Townsend has had a long career in the entertainment industry. As a Casting Director, he has worked on films and numerous stage productions. In addition, he has been an Artist Manager and Tour Manager. This 45 year old, Detroit native has saw one thing that was consistent in that business, the need for advertising and promotions.

One of the entertainment industry’s primary routes of promotion over the years has been merchandising. If you attend a concert, in the lobby you are likely to find stands where you can buy a T-shirt, Water Bottle or other item emblazoned with their face or logo. Known as Merchandising, these items are key in the promotion of a new artist. But, they are not just for artists, businesses, colleges, even non-profit organizations benefit from the creation of original merchandise with their name, logo and website information on it.

“By working in the entertainment industry, I realized that we were always purchasing these materials from someone else,” Townsend states, “I decided to partner with people who had the means of production and be able to provide the materials for less.” Starting his business, Next Level Promotions has been a learning process for Townsend. He began by reaching out to potential clients via email, however, he soon decided to open a showroom with the assistance of a grant from the State of Michigan due to his disability, he suffers from Herniated Disc Disease, and with a money from the United Way IDA Matching Grant program.

Townsend his happy to tout the United Way who helped him through a program that matches low-income applicants four dollars to every one dollar that they earn or raise to start a business, pay for college or buy a home. More information on the program can be obtained by calling the United Way by dialing 211 from a landline phone.

Townsend, who is the father of three, is using his unique merchandising background to help numerous companies and agencies. His business has worked with Wayne County Community College District, Comcast Cable, and recording artists, Slum Village and Dwele. He is proud of his status as a minority owned and operated business who is local and guarantees his work. He promises that he will save his clients money, offering specials to readers of The Michigan Citizen 20% off a new order when they mention this article. Next Level Promotions has a different special every month, for March, he is offering 100 T-Shirts with a one color imprint for only $300.

T-Shirts are a specialty of Next Level Promotions. He is proud to offer glitter screening, digital processing, heat transfer, metallic ink, embroidery, and more. Townsend enjoys doing family reunion shirts that are a part of bringing families together. Next Level Promotions can also create 10,000 other promotional items, ranging from ashtrays to water bottles. Customers can visit the showroom to see samples of his products. Townsend is looking to build relationships with other Detroit area business owners and collaborate for success.

As a small business owner in the City of Detroit, Townsend knows what it takes to succeed, “You have to see it, and the build it. Businesses need to create a brand identity. If you are in business, you have to advertise, in some way. Without advertising, a very bad thing happens… nothing.”

Ty Townsend
Next Level Promotions
4731 Grand River Ste. 102
Detroit, MI 48208

(800) 520-0853
www.nextlevelpromotionalproducts.com

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives

PRESS RELEASE

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

Proactive, regional program will prepare children for long-term success

DETROIT – United Way today announced the launch of a new, proactive early education initiative – Operation ABC. Created by United Way, Operation ABC is a unique initiative that brings together school districts, nonprofits, corporations, and volunteers to improve the reading levels of first and second graders in Metro Detroit. As a component of United Ways’ Agenda for Change, Operation ABC is focused on Educational Preparedness, with a specific goal to assure that every child in southeastern Michigan is reading at grade level by the time they enter the third grade. In order to execute the community-based initiative, United Way will recruit and train more than 2,000 volunteers and mobilize them in classrooms across the region as reading tutors. Each volunteer will be required to commit between one and five hours of time a week beginning in 2008.

United Way president and CEO Michael J. Brennan unveiled Operation ABC at a press conference at the UAW Solidarity House. Accompanied by a representative group of Operation ABC sponsors and thirty first and second graders from area schools, Brennan took the opportunity to issue a formal call to action for volunteers throughout the southeast Michigan region.

“Part of our mission is to mobilize the caring power of the region to affect positive, lasting change,” said Brennan. “Additionally, as a member of One D, we took on the mantel of Educational Preparedness as a primary focus. Operation ABC is an example of that commitment in action. We are addressing an immediate need in our community by directly aligning resources – 2,000 volunteers, with a vital need-- tutoring first and second graders in select schools throughout the tri-county region.”

Brennan went on to explain the vital need for Operation ABC: “Our research shows that the third grade is the first benchmark for a successful education. If a child fails to read at the recommended reading level by the third grade, a potential domino effect begins, diminishing that child’s chances of completing high school. Now more than ever, the success of the region in the 21st century will require a renewed commitment to a culture of achievement in our schools and communities. Unless more youth graduate from school prepared to succeed, southeast Michigan will be unable to compete in the global economy. Early education is the key.”

Nationally, 46% of children come to school unprepared to succeed. Within southeast Michigan, the gap in early education is reflected in 2006 MEAP results. While 2006 MEAP Reading Test results showed improvements over those of 2005, nearly 7,000 third graders throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties are not reading at grade level.

For the past year, United Way has been working to build the framework, partnerships and collaboration to make Operation ABC possible. Following extensive research, United Way began to shape the model for Operation ABC, including securing the necessary resources to support volunteer the effort. “Aside from the amount of human resources needed, we had to shape a training process and develop specific security clearance procedures for each volunteer,” said Dona Ponepinto, Vice President of Community Investments and Partnerships. “Once accepted, each volunteer will participate in two basic training sessions that will cover areas such as emergency procedures, child interaction coaching, and specialized training on their school’s specific tutoring model. Volunteers will then be placed based on their skills, location preference, or a school’s program needs.”

Though statistics illustrate the gaps in early education in southeastern Michigan, United Way is working to bridge the gap to high-quality early care and educational opportunities that greatly increase readiness through programs such as Operation ABC. Additional United Way early education programs already in progress include Success by Six™ and the Virgil H. Carr School Attendance Initiative.

Individuals who are interested in becoming an Operation ABC Volunteer should call 2-1-1. Organizations may get involved by adopting a school (committing at least 10 people to serve as volunteer tutors). Contact Angela Walker at 313-226-9450 for more information.


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 Campaign 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.

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, Press_Releases, programs and initiatives

Most first time homebuyer, I would venture to say, are ingnorant of the processes that are involved in buying a home. There are two areas of home buying that the United Way's Idividual Development Account develop in you. Under the umbrella of financial literacy there is personal finance literacy and then there is home buying literacy. Both are essential to you in making a home purchase.

Personal Finance
The overwhelming number of foreclosures in the Southeast Michigan is no doubt connected to this lack of undestanding of either personal finances or mortgage lending. Don't go any futher with your home buying purchase without seeking some unbiased counsel. And the IDA program has it. First, you will need to go through some objective counseling about your ability to purchase a home. You'll need to report your income, determine your credit history, and assess that amount of income you have to afford a home mortgage. The better you budget and the condition of your finances determine how quickly you can move through the program. Remember the IDA program wants you to be an educated, endowed and financially responsible home owner, so they expect you to have your finances in order. The good thing is they'll help you in that area too.

The IDA program is run by the United Way, but they leave the financial matters to experts in the field. You will meet professionals in the field of life insurance, savings, and investments. The representatives that work with you are full of advice and they will not push you into some financial situation that is harmful to you. Furthermore they are accountable to you and your United Way IDA laison Sharon Davis. Talk to her if you have any issues.

The Home Buying Process
When you finish examining your personal finances you'll learn the matters of home buying. The classes are offered through another agency,(i.e. Faith Home Buyers)and they consist of credit assessment, mortgages,tax responiblity, and or course how to find a home. Even at this level you will be exposed to professionals in the field you can choose to work with them or not. However, I found that the professionals that work with the United Way seemed to be more communicative with prospective home buyers and have a heart to help you make an educated home purchase.

These are the two parts of the IDA programs financial literacy program that will qualify you for the match grants.

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives

So you're looking for assistance with your first home purchase. Well, the United Way of Southeast Michigan (UWSEM) has a program that will equip you to be an educated, endowed, and financially responsible homeowner. I am qualified to make this statement because I have gone through the Individual Development Account for first time home buyers, and I have found myself in a great home due to the blessings I received.

Research the Information

I found out about the IDA program through reading some Housing and Urban Development literature (HUD), which I received from my brother-in-law. This information is available free from the Federal Government and provides important information about the home buying process. I wanted to be prepared for my home buying purchase,and I'm sure you do too. So, I strongly suggest that you avail yourself of this information as well. Simply go to www.hud.gov and peruse the resources section they'll be glad to send you the information. Anyway, I read the material and on the last page there was a section that dealt with housing grants. The page said the I could go to www.idanetwork.org to find local programs which will give a "matching grant" to low income families interested in buying a home. (United Way offes one of the highest grant matches of 4:1.) On the site I found out about the Individual Development Account (IDA)program. It is a program operated by many agencies, and I called several of them in my area. But the United Way of Southeast Michigan was the first to really offer me a coherent and prompt response, so I went with them. Two years later I don't regret that choice.

The IDA program encourages you to save $1,000 towards your first home purchase, and requires you to take several financial literacy classes. After you do your part, they will match your savings 4:1. (The maximum amount of the grant is $4,000.) Then you can use the money to purchase you own home.

In later blogs I will deal with the financial literacy programs, challenges to procuring the matching grants, and finding other grant programs that can help you find greater assistance.

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives

Success by 6® and United Way support the new GAP generation, meaning Grandparents as Parents. Society is changing, and there are a lot of grandparents raising their grandchildren. An Oakland Press ran a while back that indicated 42 percent of grandparents were acting as parents in Oakland County alone. So that’s why it really is a new generation. There are support groups for grandparents, such as the GAP program that I participate in. Most grandparents are on a limited income and through the GAP program and United Way Success by 6, grandparents can find resources needed to care for their grandchildren’s development needs as well as economic and basic needs like food and clothing.

I am very proud to be a part of all of that, knowing that there is support out there I do not feel alone because I see others in the same position I am.

When I first took over raising my three grandchildren, I was very overwhelmed. I was doing this out of my heart because I didn’t want them to get lost in the system. This same feeling is why most grandparents step up to the plate, because it’s a matter of the heart. Once our grandchildren are in the system it’s too hard to get them out. Even though I knew that, I still felt overwhelmed because I went from a 60 hour a week job to being a stay at home mom. As you get older, some people have a lot of patience and some people don’t, so I had to redevelop that patience. It was funny, my husband had all the patience with our children, but I have all the patience to deal with our grandchildren. Even though it was the right thing to do, it was overwhelming to have to start at the beginning again.

My husband and I had already moved to a smaller home thinking we were done raising our children. We had to make bedrooms and find resources for beds and other needs when our grandchildren came to live with us. I had to leave my job because it didn’t make sense to pay for daycare for three children, but that meant losing a source of income.

I had heard about the GAP program through Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLHSA) because the need for resources was out there with so many of us serving in this role. We may not all go to the support group, but we still need the resources because many grandparents are living on just Social Security since most have retired. Most grandparents don’t know about all of the resources out there, and they need to know there is help and there are a lot of us to offer support.

A couple weeks ago myself and other grandparents traveled to Lansing with OLHSA to support a state bill that will provide more services and income to grandparents acting as parents. It passed in the Senate and we are just waiting for it to go through the House.

I am sure I am not the only grandma who feels overwhelmed at times with issues. We really need to spread the word in support of our grandchildren and their needs because they are the future and it’s our responsibility as grandparents and as the community to make sure they succeed and have a secure life.

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, programs and initiatives

Success by 6 also helped my grandson Zachary with his lack of communication. He’s always been delayed in his development. I could see his frustration as he got older because of lack of communication. When they get so frustrated and overwhelmed, kids often give up on themselves and lose self-confidence. So it was important to me to get him the help he needed. Success by 6 realized he needed speech, so they did speech with him. They helped me learn some different tools to help him build his motor skills since he was way behind.

Eventually when Zachary went to grade school I had problems continuing his therapy. At that point, I could go back and approach his Success by 6’s Headstart program, who taught me how to communicate with the grade school he attended to get the help he needed, including speech and occupational therapy. When I went back and talked to the people at Headstart, they gave me some tips such as writing the Board of Education, talking to the principal and teachers, and having him tested for special education. I pushed all those issues and ended up getting him the support he needed and enrolling him in special education. He gets all that three times a week, but it took some work and Success by 6 was there.

The program should be called Success by 6 and beyond, because they didn’t shut the door on me because of his age. The program wasn’t just a one-time thing; I was still able to go to them for help once Zach was older than 6.

It’s quite funny now, because he’s gotten all of this help and he’s able to talk to you and tell you what’s going on; he’s become a big tattletale. Before he would always get the blame for everything, because he couldn’t tell you differently. If my other grandchildren were doing something they shouldn’t be, he couldn’t tell you if he was or wasn’t a part of it. Had he not gotten help through Success by 6, I’m sure his frustration would have gotten bigger.

Success by 6 has helped us with basic needs as well, like clothing and food when needed. They also tested the children for hearing and eyes during their Headstart years, and they all needed glasses.

In closing, we should fight for our children and grandchildren because they are our future. I’m grateful Success by 6 was there to help with that fight.

Nancy Turcotte
Grandparent and participant in United Way's Success by 6 program

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, programs and initiatives

I’m proud to know that the United Way supports the Success by 6 program in the community. We have to continue to be a team and be a village to support our children. Success by 6 has been there for me mentally and emotionally as far as securing the stability of my grandchildren; they are the future leaders of our country.

This week I’ll be blogging about how United Way and Success by 6 have helped my family. In my posts, I’ll talk about how they helped create a routine and security for the children and how they helped get my grandson the help he needed for his developmental issues. Third, I will talk about the Grandparents as Parents (GAP) program and how the support they offer has helped my family. Because society has changed there are a lot of grandparents raising grandchildren and we need the extra support. United Way and Success by 6 are there for the growth and support of the GAP program.

I look forward to talking about these issues with you.

Nancy Turcotte
Grandparent of three & participant in United Way Success by 6 in Oakland County

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, programs and initiatives

United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Success by 6 initiative has been recognized by Governor Granholm's Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) and Michigan Great Start with the Early Childhood Champion award for outstanding service in Oakland County.

Success by 6, which is convened and managed by UWSEM, and implemented by a number of key community partners, was acknowledged as the county's leader in early childhood efforts by a membership vote of the Oakland County Great Start Collaborative. Senator Mike Bishop served as the local advocate.

Accepting the award at the Capitol (clockwise l-r): Chandra Jones, Hubert Price (Success by 6 co-chair), Joscelyn Andrews, Susan Allen, Victoria Martinez and Carol Burr (Success by Six co-chair)

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, programs and initiatives

The New York City-based Nonprofit Finance Fund earlier this month said it plans to expand its funding and service in Michigan beyond the construction loans it has made the past five years through its partnership with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Under a five-year agreement with the fund, the United Way has provided planning and construction grants through its Nonprofit Facilities Center since 2001, and the fund has provided construction loans, said Carmen Thomas, director of the Nonprofit Facilities Center.

The two organizations, which have also provided facility-planning assistance through the center, are working out the details of their future relationship, but both said they plan to continue the center’s programs.

The Nonprofit Finance Fund and the United Way have provided $13 million in grants and $6 million in loans for 250 facilities projects since they began their joint work at the Detroit-based Nonprofit Facilities Center five years ago.

Read more

Labels: InTheNews, programs and initiatives

Yesterday Tom Hendrickson of Model D and I hit the streets to videotape interviews of people who are homeless. The snow was wet and heavy and was difficult to walk into, yet the frigidity of the cold had moved on and we were grateful. We came across a gentleman very near our UWSEM office who was willing to talk. At this point we had room on the videotape for two more interviews. He had a friend with him who also wanted to talk, though I was somewhat reluctant as he seemed rather withdrawn and quiet. I wasn't sure how much usable footage we would get from his quiet friend and didn't want to waste the available videotape. The first interview went well and his friend just stood away looking down. Now I was trying to figure out a way to inform the quiet one that I wouldn't really need his interview. How short-sighted and misdirected I was because the following is what I soon heard.

Glenn, the quiet one, was 23 years old. He's been living on the streets for nearly 2 years. He graduated High School while working full time as a cook to support his mother, grandmother and his brother's newborn. He was involved with a young woman near his age and soon she became pregnant. Her family was unable to help raise the child so his family offered to help. This was the greatest day of his life and the most destructive day of his life.

Soon after his girlfriend and newborn moved into his small apartment he lost his job. He was trying to get as much work as possible to support his family, but the work just wasn't there. His concern for his family was growing ever more each day. Food was less, new clothing was a thing of the past and the basic needs for his family were not being met. And still no work. His options were becoming less and his fear was growing.

The choices he soon faced came down to him eating or his baby. Him eating or his grandmother.

With no money coming in and being unable to support this family, Glenn came to feel that he had become more of a burden to his family than a support. He made the choice to leave his small world so others he loves could eat. He would find food at shelters or in dumpsters. He also heard he might find clothing at these places. He did. But he is still looking for hope.

Not a day or minute goes by without him thinking about his "baby girl" and wanting to reunite with her. He misses his family horribly but replaces these feelings with those of him being a burden to them. I could see this makes it easier for him to accept. I could not.

I am now left with the feeling of "why?" Why him? Why someone so caring and able? Why someone who has tried so hard? and then...

Why anyone?

Bill Sullivan
Team Leader
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

“I am hitting the streets of Royal Oak with Bill tomorrow; We have this assignment meeting with the homeless.” I told my wife as I was digging up my heavy-duty camping winter gear.

“Bundle up,” she said, “I do not want you to freeze to death.”

I could not hide my grin thinking how caring she was, to the point of ignoring that I had delivered pizza for a living during college and survived six winters in Detroit. I was particularly curious about such an assignment in a “hip’n cool” city like Royal Oak. The next day, Bill, Loren and I hunted for some homeless individuals and we (surprisingly) quickly stumbled into two of them seeking warmth at the Grey Hound Bus Station in Royal Oak.

Although we only met two interviewees that day, the shock effect was felt, deeply. While taking notes during the first interview, my left elbow went numb, my right arm froze and the nerves of my right hand fingers ceased to respond. I started to wonder how do they survive and, days later, I am still wondering.

Our interviewees, John and Dave, were middle-aged men who lost their employment, endured past [and current] drug abuse recovery, suffered families’ abandonment and were gravely buried under societal stigmatization. John had a felony on his record, which eradicated his hope of finding new employment. Dave had just had a surgery and his chances of surviving the remainder of winter are gradually fading away.

The more I remember their stories the more I feel slapped with painful realizations. We love numbers, statistics and survey results. We tend to factualize what we perceive by finding a way to measure by numbers and standards. This building is 400 foot high, a single colony could have millions of ants, that car could run at 100 miles per hour. We cannot, alas, evaluate and assess things like awe, loyalty, beauty, joy and suffering.

Overwhelmed, I have reached a state of emotional numbness that superseded astonishment; The same one I felt when I heard in 1990 about a Kuwaiti woman who was raped by 48 Iraqi soldiers, the same one I felt when I learned that it took only three months of tribal war to eradicate about a million Rwandans. Why do the words “tsunami,” “Katrina,” “Hiroshima” sound like? Not like any bells ringing but like immeasurable grief and unbearable sorrow. I did not dwell on the number of victims for it was powerful enough to reflect on the “amount” of suffering they had to endure.

This time, suffering was closer to home than ever. It was standing before my eyes in hip’n cool Royal Oak. Standing in the form of men with broken spirit and ailing bodies with no place to go. I still do not know how their frail builds could survive such conditions that made my perfectly healthy body tremble in a few minutes. Their survival is beyond my comprehension and their suffering is beyond my grasp.

Dave mentioned that Royal Oak is booming with new condominiums whose owners consider the very presence of the homeless a risk on the value of their property. I instantly wondered how would I react if my condo association informed me that our elegant “territory” is attracting homeless individuals. While flying in the philosophical sky took me nowhere but to seeing more suffering, my wife brought me back to earth with very few words. She reminded me that some of us do actually care enough to do something about that suffering, even though it is not foreseeable to erase it from existence. We all can aspire to watch, participate in, and promote real acts of compassion toward those burdened ones.

I am still reflecting on that unusual experience and am still amazed how selective our perception of reality is. I can see now the big irony of the odd co-existence of the homeless and the hip in Royal Oak. Next time I visit the area, beauty salons, and fine eateries will not be the first things to strike my eyes. For those who look closely enough, the city has a lot of other features. For me at least, Royal Oak has a new face.

Emad Ghith Emad.Ghith@uwsem.org
Information & Referral Associate
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

From The Detroit News

DETROIT -- Bill Sullivan is learning a thing or two about the homeless in southeastern Michigan, and he's doing it by talking to them.

They aren't just roaming the streets of downtown Detroit, an occasionally unsettling sight in a cleaner and redeveloping downtown. He's talked with them in Royal Oak and Mount Clemens, too, corroborating United Way for Southeastern Michigan data that there's more poor in the tri-county suburbs (270,000) than in the city of Detroit (261,000).

They aren't all drunks and drug addicts, he's found in the more than 60 interviews, so much as individuals with their own hard-luck stories and sometimes their own demons. No permanent address. No phone. No transportation to get to work, if they can get a job.

As Michigan struggles with the collateral damage of its wrenching economic transformation, calls for more cash inevitably will rise -- from nonprofits, from local governments and state politicians. But Sullivan and his team are finding that the help is already there, and the trick is matching the services to the needy.

Bruce: A success story

There's Roderick, who told us Tuesday he's lived on Detroit's streets for 35 of his 44 years. There are Monica and Angelo, who live in a tent behind the UAW-Ford National Training Center. He's disabled, has seizures and can't work; she wants to, but has trouble finding any.

There's Bruce, who'd spent two homeless years in Macomb County until he met Sullivan, operations manager of the United Way's 211 center, a 14-month-old social service information center. Bruce used the two quarters Sullivan handed him with a brochure, dialed 211 and within two days he had a voucher for low-income housing and soon landed a job.

Bruce is, so far, a Sullivan success story.

"There are resources out there," Sullivan told me during our break from walking the frigid streets, along with United Way President Michael Brennan. "But we're doing a really poor job of helping the community know about the resources."

That's where the United Way's 211 system, begun in December 2005, can help. Essentially a 24-7, 365-day social service help line, 211 is a vast database of services that can do everything from help a caller with her gas bill to help a homeless guy find a home.

50 cents, $5 and 211

In its first 12 months, the tri-county 211 system fielded 100,000 calls, and this year its call volume is growing anywhere from 15 percent to 30 percent per month. Yet only 5 percent of the potential market in southeast Michigan, Brennan says, is aware of 211.

That needs to change. Michigan's economy is likely to get worse before it gets better, as thousands leave their jobs under a slew of buyouts, as auto production ebbs to meet demand, as foreclosures and personal bankruptcies rise.

One answer: Bill Sullivan's mobile 211. Stuffed into the back pocket of his blue jeans are 211 brochures wrapped with $5 bills and two quarters taped to each one, a quid-pro-quo to folks on the street who don't want to be.

If the measure of a community's character is how it treats its less fortunate, Sullivan and the folks at 211 are one yardstick that should be used, and often.

Daniel Howes' column appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He can be reached at (313) 222-2106, dchowes@detnews.com or his blog at http://info.detnews.com/danielhowesblog.

[Source]

Labels: 2-1-1, basic needs, InTheNews, programs and initiatives

On Tuesday, January 30th, I volunteered to assist in United Way's homeless interviews. As I prepared for this assignment I found myself uneasy - I didn't know what to expect. Was our approach going to offend the homeless? Would they think it was all just a big prank? My nervousness continued to grow as Bill, the United Way 2-1-1 Team Leader, and I drove towards Mount Clemens. I began to wonder how the homeless would look at us and treat us or how their circumstances were going to affect me.

As we approached our first person I realized how cold I was. Just knowing that the cold was something that this person experience every day, all day, started to change my heart. I started to worry less about myself and focused on the individuals we were interviewing.

We interviewed Bruce. Bruce was homeless with nothing of his own but the clothing on his back and the food in his belly. He was very nice, educated, and the first thing he did was offer me some Kleenex so I could wipe my nose. He was happy to see someone that was interested in helping him with a change of life.

We talked with Bruce about what he ate and where he slept. But the largest impact came when Bruce told us how he was treated differently because he was homeless. He's not different. He is someone just like me and you - he's just in need of resources so he can seek help and change his life.

As the day ended, after talking with over ten homeless individuals, I went somewhere that I call home - where I can get food, clean clothing, heat, bedding and love from my family. I felt so emotional knowing that there are so many people out in the streets without anything to call their own, wishing they could trade places with someone like me or you. This tremendous experience makes me realize that it doesn't matter where you are today, there's no prediction where you could be tomorrow.

And by the way, Bruce took us up on our offer of help. He called United Way 2-1-1 today and we are going to start working together to find the resources he needs to get his life back on track.

Jazzanee Hayden
Information & Referral Associate
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

January 26, 2007, started out as an ordinary day. However, it would soon become a memorable and extraordinary day. By 11:00 p.m., my mind was still consumed with thoughts of James, Mario, Charles, Brian and John. These were just a few of the homeless individuals I had been privileged to meet on this day. As part of a project to interview the homeless, these gentlemen educated us to their plight, obstacles and the numerous challenges they face each day as a result of having no home. Quickly I realized that these faces could very well be members of my own family.

Many shared very candidly the unfortunate set of circumstances and tragic events that led to their current experience; a lost job with no unemployment benefits, which translated to no income; an injury on the job that led to no workers compensation or disability benefits, which again, translated to no income; an ex-offender who is consistently stigmatized and denied employment because of his past, and still another, denied housing due to his poor credit rating. And the list goes on. Yet somehow in listening and trying to understand their plight, I realized that the problem of homelessness had become my plight as well.

In the midst of their daily reality and fight for survival for those who find themselves homeless, I still perceived within each person interviewed, a spirit of hope, determination, and a strong individual belief of a better tomorrow. I will forever be touched by the consistent response to the final question posed to each homeless interviewee. When asked about their short-term goals and desires for the future, "A job, a home and a family" became the overwhelming and consistent response. With each answer, I knew that the dreams of the homeless were the same as my own. Their hopes were the same as my hopes. As difficult and far away as their dreams may seem, I'm certain that their desires are certainly not too much to ask or expect.

As I ate my dinner after work, a twinge of guilt settled in as I thought about the homeless, never quite sure where their next meal is coming from. As I lay in my bed, again I felt the sting of being protected from the cold, which I knew was not a reality for many of the homeless. Yet loudest and most prominent of all my thoughts and feelings, were the questions surfacing through my mind, refusing to go away and demanding to be answered. What can I do to make a difference? What can we do as a community to improve the lives of the homeless? Where should we start? How will it end?

And slowly, the answers began to come. I must become an advocate, a voice for the homeless, by caring enough to educate others and encourage them to get involved. The process of where to start has already begun, as we seek to understand the needs of the homeless. We must let the homeless know that though currently downtrodden, they are not forgotten. How will it end? Triumphantly of course, because those of us committed to the cause must refuse to stop until the battle is won. As a united community, dedicated and determined to win, we must work together to end homelessness. We must commit our time and our resources so that every homeless person may realize their most basic hopes and desires; Employment, a home and a family. Truly, this is not too much for anyone to ask or expect.

Carol D. Smith, CIRS
Senior Information & Referral Specialist
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

On the morning of Monday, January 29, 2007, I went out to assist in interviewing the homeless, just to get their thoughts on how and why they became homeless and if they knew of any resources out there that could help them. I felt that I was prepared for the frigid temperatures outside with new gloves and a scarf that I had just bought, but nothing prepared me for what I encountered that morning. As we walked toward Hart Plaza, we approached a man named Angelo. He was sitting on a step in Hart Plaza. This man had on one glove and he was blowing on the other hand without the glove trying to keep it warm.

I quickly gave Angelo the spare gloves I had in my coat pocket. As we interviewed Angelo, he was very articulate and he talked about the struggles of homeless people in general, he talked about how he and his wife, Monica, who walked up a few minutes later to converse with us, are sleeping in a tent and sleeping bags on the Hart Plaza grounds. Angelo is blind in one eye and walks with a cane (he cannot walk very far).

I asked Angelo if he knew of any resources that were available to him and his wife Monica. Angelo said that he knew of the assistance and he even utilized some of them. "However," stated Angelo, "if you go into a shelter at night; in the morning, they kick you out at 5:00a.m., where are we to go then? And as far as the food, it is as if we get the leftovers." Angelo goes on to say, "Do not get me wrong, I am very grateful for anything that I receive, but the food is made days and weeks earlier, such as sandwiches and then it is given to us, the homeless." Angelo’s wife, Monica, goes on to say that she does not mind working, in fact, she wants a job, but doesn't know who will hire her with the clothes that she is wearing. Some of the shelters will not even let her take a bath.

On my journey of interviewing the homeless, I ran into a few more homeless individuals that had only a few goals in life which are to be happy and not have to struggle. Anthony, who has not seen his family in 3 years and has been homeless for 6 years. Ramone, who only needs to get his broken furnace repaired so that he and his mom can go back to their warm home. Gregory, who was in a car accident and never recovered financially or physically and Joseph, who was just released from prison, had no support system and said that he was tired and just wanted to get off the streets.

Even writing this blog brings tears to my eyes to know that there are people in the world that have no food, clothing or a sense of hope. This saddens my heart to the point that, I wish and I want to start my own homeless shelter to get as many people off the streets that I can. However, I am only one person and who will help the rest?

But just think, if we all took the responsibility to care for at least 1 or 2 of our brothers and sisters, it would make the world of difference in their lives and ours.

Wanda Y. Ghannoum
Information & Referral Associate
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

The quest of interviewing Homeless people in our region has opened my eyes to the true barriers that are preventing these people from attaining the resources in our community. I've been faced with grace, sadness, strength and despair. I've looked into the eyes of hopelessness unlike I've ever seen before, yet the words of survival speak with dreams and belief. I wonder how this can be. How have I lived 44 years without even the consideration of such conflicting notions? I suppose I cannot understand fully, yet I've just gotten closer to this than I suspect I ever will.

I'm somewhat embarrassed of the preconceived notions I entered this project with. I wondered how I would get measurable responses from those who are doped up, or how I would decipher the thoughts of the mentally ill. Of the roughly 60 people I've interviewed, I don't think but 2 or 3 were clearly mentally ill or high. No, those I've spoken with are just like you and me except that were faced with challenges they were unable to overcome and are now drowning in a fight for their lives. Have many of these people made mistakes that they continue to live with today? Of course. Should these mistakes disallow them from eating? From having warm clothes? From having a roof over their heads? From contributing to our society through work? From being loved?

Anthony quickly approached me asking for help. He told of his struggles. He accounted his attempts to regain his footing. He was really sharing his feelings of giving up and I heard him clearly. With humility and shame he told me how he found his way to the streets of Detroit. He played a part in the murder of someone involved with dealing drugs. He knows he will never be excused from his actions, nor is he hoping to be excused. Instead of choosing to live in fear and anger, he somehow chose love and forgiveness. Could I believe his turnaround or am I being conned? I will never know for sure, but I can tell you I felt nothing but love coming from him. I think that was enough (for me). Upon concluding our discussion of his life and barriers I extended my hand to thank him for his time. In the cold of 10 degrees and a fierce wind blowing upon us, he removed his tattered glove, took my hand, looked as directly into my eyes as anyone ever has, and pulled me into a hug. He blessed me and said thank you. Blessed ME. Why me? It was me who will always be grateful for the insight and experience I learned from him. I know more today, because of Anthony, than I did the day before. Today, a murder hugged me!

Bill Sullivan
Team Leader
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

Leaving work last Thursday, I bundled up to brave the cold and prepared to make my seemingly long journey over to Trolley Plaza to get to my vehicle. I hurried as the wind whipped through me, remembering that this day was predicted to be the coldest of the season. After making it to the refuge of my car, I began to plan my evening’s activities, which, for the most part, consisted of preparing dinner for my family, slipping into my cozy pajamas and snuggling up under my leopard-print comforter to watch television.

As I settled into the comfort of home, I began to collect my thoughts and reflect on my day as I normally do at the bedtime. Suddenly, I was struck with this vague feeling of uneasiness.

As I listened to the wind rap against my windows, I couldn’t help but to think of the persons I’d met that day; the people whom, contrary to my preconceived beliefs, have so much in common with myself: the homeless.

I thought about “Lou”, the college-degreed man who could not work in his field due to a stroke. I thought about “Steve”, the articulate antique dealer, who once owned a lucrative business. And then there was “James”, the witty and comical former van driver, who wished he could be more involved with his grandchildren. I thought about how “Ron”, who eventually wishes to work to help the homeless, admits to sometimes having to search trash dumpsters for food.

Each of these people touched me in a unique way, either with their gregarious personalities, their talents, their strengths and resourcefulness or their challenges. Beneath the superficial image of weathered clothing were unique individuals with stories of all their own. They eagerly spoke of lives they had when they were younger. They talked about their education, their families, their dreams and aspirations. At the same time, I was amazed at how candidly they expressed their challenges and details about how they became homeless.

What struck me the most was how homelessness affects one’s pride, self-confidence and sense of self-worth. Many of them told me that the stigma attached to being homeless causes them to be turned away from job interviews, housing and other help that they need. How dehumanizing! “You should try dressing like me. Go walk around looking like I look and try to get some help.See how people treat you,” “Mike” said. Several of them told me that they had gotten so discouraged by their experiences that they had given up hope.

So, as I sat in my warm bed with my full stomach, taking the simple things for granted, I could not get their faces out of my mind. Lou. Steve. James. Ron. Mike. What were they doing right at that moment? Were they indoors or out? Had they eaten? How would they survive the night? How could I help the weary soul of the person who feels forgotten about?

I wished that I had a place for each of them to go, clean and fitting clothes for them to wear and enough food for them to eat. I wished that I could help them put all of their talents to use. I wished that I could give them hope. I wanted them to know that they were not forgotten about…I knew that I would never forget about them.

Kristen Bolds
Research Associate
United Way 2-1-1

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

Today I met a homeless woman, Monica, who has been living in a tent with her husband Angelo in the Downtown area of Detroit, Michigan, for two years. I learned that there are few shelters around and most of the shelters in her area are for men only.

It's hard for Monica and Angelo to find food and get money. Monica believes she can get a job - she's educated, she's smart. But she doesn't have the look to walk into a place of business and expect to get a job. That's her biggest concern, she just wants to have some descent clothes and fix her appearance so she can get a job.

Monica has family in the area but they have no idea where she is living. Monica was a single, divorced mother of three. She was living with her mother but couldn't keep up with with payments. She then lost custody of her kids and her father put her on the street.

I wonder what type of family would do that to their own daughter? Monica is a very strong woman and is determined to get back on her feet, she just needs a chance.

Loren Courts
Multimedia Intern
United Way Brand Identity and Communications

Labels: 2-1-1, 211onthego, basic needs, Employee Voices, programs and initiatives

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.

Labels: Financial Stability, Press_Releases, programs and initiatives

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

Labels: InTheNews, programs and initiatives

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

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives, Working Together

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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Labels: Financial Stability, Press_Releases, programs and initiatives, Working Together

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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Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives, Working Together

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.

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives, Working Together

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 – 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.

One of the many services available to jobseekers at the Oct. 11 Expo will be the Technology Center – a bank of 75 computers with Internet access and several printers that will allow attendees to work on their resume, search for jobs online and apply for jobs through the Web. Although the Oct. 11 Expo will officially close at 3 p.m., the Technology Center will remain open until 5 p.m. to accommodate attendees who wish to utilize the computer services. Volunteers will be on hand to assist people. This year’s event will also include a Virtual Job Expo through the Michigan Talent Bank. This service will be active Oct. 9 – 13, 24-hours a day, and provide anyone the opportunity to go to www.uwsem.org/expo and preview the numerous jobs available through more than 100 employers. 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 the several partners hosting this year’s event.

"It is important that jobseekers take advantage of this opportunity to connect with employers who are recruiting workers, not only at the physical Expo at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, but also at the virtual Expo through the Michigan Talent Bank,” said Ardis Cazeno, director, Labor Exchange Services, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. “We want to educate jobseekers in the methods and tools used to connect with employers online, a fast-growing trend that shows no signs of slowing down."

In addition to the virtual jobs, the Expo will include job opportunities from more than 130 on-site employers. It will also offer training and career development opportunities, as well as provide information and resources to help individuals and families break down some of the barriers that prevent gaining and retaining employment, such as child care, transportation, and other issues. These opportunities and resources will help provide pathways to success.

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.

In addition to the partners, the 2006 Expo is made possible by the following sponsors: the Detroit Free Press, Comcast, Fifth Third Bank; 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.

“In these changing times, it’s important to provide opportunities to retain local talent, enhance job skills, and provide the resources and tools needed for individuals and families to 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 and help southeastern Michigan become the vibrant, knowledge-based community that it is capable of being.”

How to participate in the Oct. 11 Expo? Jobseekers and employers can call the United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-552-1183. You can also go to www.uwsem.org/expo to pre-register. The Expo will be held at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

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 jobseekers 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 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.

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives, Working Together

At our recent Board of Director's meeting, Cynthia Miller shared how a group of strangers built a wheelchair ramp at her home so that her son Phillip would have access. As a working parent, Cynthia had been a long time contributor to United Way.

Cynthia asked for help through the United Way Ray West Wheelchair Memorial Ramp Project because she knew she needed to break the barrier which kept Phillip from being able to leave the house.

Today, you are likely to turn to Cynthia to find help. She works at the United Way 211 Center assisting local residents find help for the issues they face. This is in a way a chance for her to extend the United Way network of resources to others. And Cynthia does that with grace and compassion.

To watch the story of Cynthia and Phillip, just click here.

Labels: programs and initiatives, Window on Community

As I went through Tri-Centennial Village located in the wedge between I-96 and Michigan Ave -- not too terribly far from the Old Tiger Stadium ---you see a rebirth taking place despite the great odds.

Over the past few years, Habitat for Humanity has partnered with many to bring forward nearly 100 new homes for low-income individuals. As a matter of fact, this is where just last year former President Jimmy Carter came to work for a couple of days. You have homes in the area in dire need of demolition or renovation. Yet, you have a neighborhood emerging with new two, three and four bedroom homes being built to move families into a stable home. For all, this is the first opportunity to own what every American dreams of --- a home.

On the walk through, I asked how many of the homeowners used an IDA (Individual Development Account) to get themselves into the house. The response was 80%.

For those who may not know, IDAs make it possible for low-income individuals and families to purchase a first home, start a business, or pay for college or vocational training.

How does that happen?

For example, the IDA program run by United Way works with area agencies that encourage individuals to save money, manage the asset responsibly ---- and in return have the contribution matched.

To participate in the program, individuals must meet income guidelines and agree to save at least $28 per month earned from employment in a designated savings account.

Research tells us when individuals/families own homes---many aspects of life improve--- school performance, health, reduction in violence...

The IDA is one way United Way takes the dollars entrusted to it and leverage those resources to ensure a better future. If you would like to learn more about Tri-Centennial Village or the IDA program, just click on United Way for Southeastern Michigan or Habitat for Humanity

Labels: Financial Stability, programs and initiatives, Window on Community

Last night a group of 10 or so women gathered in Southfield to hear a report from Dr. Ty Partridge of Wayne State University on the early results of work the group has been focused on for over two years: early childhood literacy.

When you have the reality that:

- 60% - 70% of 4th grade children in Detroit DO NOT meet the MEAP English Standards

- 35% to 40% in Macomb

- 55% to 65% in Pontiac

- 45% to 55% in Downriver Wayne County

And:

- 30% of adults in Detroit do not have minimal literacy levels

- 35% do not have high school diploma's

And:

- when research reminds us over and over that early reading skills are the BEST predictor of overall academic achievement:

You then realize that the beginning kernel of work taking place in the United Way's Woman's Initiative is critical.

This is a group of leaders who came together to encourage and celebrate women philanthropists who are leading community change. The work of increasing home visits by professionals to encourage reading was paying off.

One simple stat to me stood out. The 100 kids in the program at the start asked to be read to once a WEEK. By the end, the kids were asking to be read to once a DAY. There are some early indicators that tell these dedicated woman the path they chose is having a tangible impact on the children AND their parents.

This is just one other example of when a group of concerned citizens get focused and act upon a common purpose, more can be accomplished together than alone.

To learn more about the Women's Initiative, you can go to the United Way Web Site at www.uwsem.org/getinvolved/wi.html

Labels: programs and initiatives, Window on Community