United Way of the Lakeshore celebrated its 2014 achievements with a crowd of about 250 at its annual meeting Wednesday, April 22, introducing its 2015 theme, "Charting Our Course." Click here to view the 2014 Annual Report.
Board Chair Lee Coggin shared results of United Way's strategic planning, which began in 2014. After much donor and community input anddata, the board decided on an increased focus on poverty and those just above poverty level - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).
"We not only committed ourselves to addressing the poverty in our communities, but we were specifically motivated to explore what United Way could do to assist working families who find themselves on the edge of poverty--families that are one medical bill or auto repair away from a crisis," Coggin said. "Deciding to devote ourselves to addressing poverty in our community was a big step for the board and our community. However, much remains to be decided. There is a wealth of expertise in our communities in both private and governmental agencies. There is much being done. And, there is much opportunity to bring together those efforts to maximize their collective impact. "
Highlights from 2014 included increased volunteer opportunities, improved childhood literacy, the Third Annual Ride United bike ride; the third Harley-Davidson giveaway; and a summer youth internship program.
Muskegon County is celebrating a 28% increase in 3rd grade reading proficiency and 8% improvement in graduation rates. Last year, the Michigan Education Corps helped 30 Muskegon Heights elementary students reach reading proficiency, with another 40 well on their way. This year, the Michigan Education Corps expanded into three additional sites in Muskegon Public Schools. Lights On Afterschool, celebrating 10 years this year, serves elementary and middle school students, with goals to improve reading and academic achievement.
It was also announced that United Way raised $2,613,827 in Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties, and invested more than $2.3 million in programs impacting education, income and health in the three counties.
The winner of the Harley-Davidson was announced, with Chuck Wahl of North Muskegon Public Schools winning the bike, which was sponsored by several local companies.
New board members were elected
New board members elected to three-year terms were:
Fred Johnson, Muskegon County Public Defender's Office;
Jessica Chandler, Merrill Lynch
Josh Reece, Parmenter O'Toole
Tyshon Massey, UAW 539
Martha Gabrielse, JP Morgan Chase
Dawn Riley, Gray & Company
Elected to second three-year terms were:
Mary Boyd, Mercy Health
Dave Sipka, retired educator
One-year terms are filled by:
Margaret O'Toole, The Arc Muskegon
Jane Johnson, Department of Human Services
Gary Nelund, State Farm Insurance
Filling board vacancies are:
Laura Carpenter, Alcoa Howmet
Bob Carter, retired Muskegon sheriff
Erik Jepsen, CWC Textron
Greg VanWoerkom, US Rep. Bill Huizenga's staff
Ed Garner, Muskegon Area First
Retiring board members honored were:
Judy Bosma
Bill Kordupel
Dave Punola
Dan Kosheba
Don Swick
Annual Meeting Awards
For their longtime support of their communities and their generosity, two Legacy of Caring awards were presented this year.
George Anacker and the late Josephine Anacker were longtime supporters of United Way. Jo Anacker cared deeply about our community, as witnessed by the countless leadership roles she played.During her life she served on many boards to advance the common good, serving as president of many, including Muskegon Children's Home, Greater Muskegon Service League, and First Congregational Church.George gives his time through the Kiwanis Club and First Congregational Church. Throughout the years Fitzpatrick Electric and the Anackers have been proud and steadfast supporters of United Way. George and the Anacker family made a major gift in Jo's honor and memory to the United Way 1918 Legacy Society Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation.
Since moving to Muskegon six years ago, Pat and Julie Donahue have immersed themselves in the community, with a special passion for organizations working with youth. Pat served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and currently chairs the Sister Cities board. Julie has been involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities for 25 years, serves on the board of Greater Muskegon Service League, and the advisory committee for Kids' Food Basket. They have made challenge match grants to a number of organizations, and have purchased several lots in Whitehall for Habitat for Humanity future builds.
The Spirit of the Lakeshore award, the highest honor given to an organization by United Way, was awarded to Cannon Muskegon.
Cannon runs great workplace campaigns for United Way, sponsors several United Way activities, and offers a Day of Caring volunteer team, promotes manufacturing to high school students, sponsors Destination Imagination, and many other organizations.
Community Impact Awards: 
Marie Waite of COVE (agency staff award, right photo) and Denise Ryan, volunteer with CALL 2-1-1 and Mediation & Restorative Services (agency volunteer award, left photo). The Community Impact recipients receive a monetary gift to benefit programs of their choosing. Waite's work with Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters in Oceana, Mason and Lake counties includedleading efforts for an innovative new building, which opened in 2014. Ryan volunteers for CALL 2-1-1 as a call specialist about 20 hours a week, and serves as a volunteer mediator.
Community Builder Awards: Community Builder Awards are given to organizations that work in their communities by participating in various philanthropic efforts, and believe that by working with United Way lives can be changed. This year's winners include:
Northern Machine Tool and IAM 475
Meijer Corporation and UFCW 951
Tyler Sales Company and Teamsters 486
Gray & Company and IBT 406, Gerber Federal Credit Union
City of Muskegon and Command Officers Association of Michigan, Police Officers Labor Council, Muskegon Fire Fighters Union, SEIU Local 517M Clerical Union and SEIU Local 517M Unit 2.
Erik Jepsen, director of operations for CWC Textron, was announced as the 2015 campaign chair for Muskegon County. Chairs for Oceana and Newaygo counties will be announced later.
