Honoring Local Heroes: Lakeshore Volunteers Shine at 2024 Governor’s Service Awards!
United Way of the Lakeshore and our Lakeshore community are deeply honored to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Sarah Emerson and William Kitchen III, who will receive the 2024 Governor’s Service Award for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism, resilience, and service. This November 14, at the Detroit Opera House, these two extraordinary individuals will join 36 other Michiganders recognized by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission. Sarah Emerson’s lifelong dedication to literacy has transformed countless lives, empowering adult learners and fostering a love of reading across Muskegon County. William Kitchen III’s inspiring journey from personal challenge to community leadership highlights his unwavering commitment to mentorship and growth, bringing programs that inspire, educate, and connect at-risk youth. United Way of the Lakeshore is proud to support such dedicated leaders whose actions embody the spirit of service that strengthens our community and brings our neighbors together.
We invite you to celebrate Sarah Emerson and William Kitchen III’s impactful stories by watching their interviews below. These inspiring videos capture the heart and dedication of each of this year’s honorees. If you'd like to join us in honoring them at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards on November 14, please register by clicking here. Let’s come together to celebrate the power of volunteerism and the difference these leaders are making in our community.
Unboxing Hope: United Way’s Bold New Look for a Brighter Future!
United Way of the Lakeshore is excited to join United Way Worldwide in unveiling a refreshed brand that reflects our commitment to transformative change for communities worldwide. This rebranding effort, which serves over 48 million people annually—including 115,000 in the Lakeshore area—marks a significant milestone in our 137-year history. The new brand strategy reflects United Way’s evolution to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve, with a renewed emphasis on four key impact areas: youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial security, and community resiliency.
Through this global brand refresh and the new "United is the Way™" campaign theme, United Way is inviting individuals and communities to unite in action and make a greater impact. This refreshed look and message embody United Way’s dynamic, inclusive approach and the unboxing of the iconic "circle of hope" logo, signifying our adaptability in real time to address pressing challenges. The updated brand will be visible across all channels, amplifying United Way’s mission and inspiring increased community engagement and support across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties.
Empowering Advocates: Training for a Stronger, More Equitable Childcare System
United Way of the Lakeshore recently partnered with the Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) to provide essential advocacy training to members of the Regional Childcare Coalition. Through this MLPP-led training, participants gained valuable insights into the legislative process and developed effective communication strategies for engaging with policymakers. Equipped with these tools, coalition members are better positioned to advocate for a more equitable and accessible childcare system—strengthening support for families across Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties and building a brighter future for all our community’s children.
Saluting Our Heroes: Join Us in Honoring Veterans This November!
This November, let’s come together to honor the brave veterans in our community who have selflessly served our country! We’re excited to prepare special gift bags as a heartfelt token of appreciation for these heroes, and we want to celebrate your team members who have proudly worn the uniform. Simply let us know how many veterans you have on your team, and we’ll take care of the rest!
If your company wishes to go the extra mile, consider contributing “swag” items for these gift bags—branded goodies, snacks, or any small tokens of gratitude would be a wonderful way to show your support. Join us in this patriotic effort to recognize our local veterans! Register today for the Veterans Day Celebration, and for any questions, feel free to reach out to Dominique Bunker at dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org. Together, let’s make this a memorable tribute to those who have given so much for our freedom!
Advocate! Expand the Michigan Energy Assistance Program!
Every month, energy bill assistance consistently ranks among the top three needs reported to United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) plays a crucial role in helping low-income households afford energy costs and avoid shutoffs. However, many working families, who earn just above the poverty level but below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, often find themselves unable to access this vital assistance. These families are particularly vulnerable; unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs can push them into financial crisis. For these Michigan households, even short-term help with energy costs can provide a lifeline toward stability.
As we approach the colder winter months, it’s more important than ever to ensure that all families have access to affordable utilities. That’s why we are calling on the Michigan legislature to pass Senate Bills 353, 880, and 881, which aim to increase MEAP eligibility and secure necessary funding for this essential program. Join us in urging your legislators to support these crucial bills today! Click the button below to take action and make your voice heard for the families who need it most.
