Christine Robere became President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore 20 years ago, starting January 2, 2003. As the leader of United Way, Robere speaks for the local board and donors on human service issues and the importance of community stewardship. This is her 30th year as a United Way professional having worked previously for United Ways in Midland and Gaylord, Michigan. Christine is a Michigan native and received her bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from James Madison College at Michigan State University (MSU) and a Master’s in Social Work from MSU in 1998. Christine and her husband, Marv, have three adult sons – Sean (Tiffany), Matthew (Lynn), and Erin, and six grandchildren.
Highlights of her work since starting in 2003:
- Launched 2-1-1 helpline that connects people to human service programs.
- Launched Lights on After School initiative to grow and fund afterschool programs.
- Merged Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties to become United Way of the Lakeshore.
- Led the capital campaign that launched the renovation of our United Way building at 31 East Clay Avenue, downtown Muskegon, also known as the Human Services Center.
- Merged the Volunteer Center of Muskegon to form the future of United Way and volunteerism.
- Helped commission the first ALICE report to understand real data around struggles of those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
- Absorbed the work of the former independent Volunteer Center, and the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – furthering our community engagement strategy to GIVE – ADVOCATE – VOLUNTEER.
- Adopted the new strategic goal of helping 10,000 more working families meet their basic needs by 2025, where literacy, job training, budgeting, housing, childcare, and transportation were identified as key areas of need in our communities.
- Launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Muskegon and Oceana counties to help tackle early literacy solutions and parent engagement.
- Celebrated 100 Years of United Way in the Muskegon community in 2018.
- Played a key role in coordinating emergency help and needs for the community during COVID-19.
- Launched YMCA Learning Center Childcare and Trishare Childcare hub.
- Encourages Diversity, Ethics and Inclusivity (DEI) work
