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Impact Stories

You make a difference
Learn how your support of United Way makes a difference in the community through these stories.
Powerful Purses Bring Grants to Washtenaw
“Powerful Purses Bring Grants to Washtenaw”

Margy Long, director of Washtenaw Success by 6 Great Start Collaborative

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CLEAN UP AND CREATE: United Way Day of Action at O’Hair Park
“CLEAN UP AND CREATE: United Way Day of Action at O’Hair Park”

Amanda Halula, Executive Business Partner & Procurement Manager at United Way

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When a Helper Needs Help
Denise sits behind a table of CPR training materials
“When a Helper Needs Help”

Denise Harris, Auburn Hills

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Book Fairness
“Book Fairness”

Layla, second-grade student at Avalon Elementary School

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How Many Families Must Fall Behind Before We Act?
“How Many Families Must Fall Behind Before We Act?”

Dr. Darienne Hudson, CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Full STEAM Ahead
“Full STEAM Ahead”

Bill Albrecht, a ninth-grade science teacher at Mumford High School in Detroit

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Good Music, Great Sneakers, Lasting Impact
“Good Music, Great Sneakers, Lasting Impact”

Julianne Phillips

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RX Kids
“RX Kids”

Dr. Darienne Hudson, CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Curious about Corporate Careers
“Curious about Corporate Careers”

Lolita Cromer, Director of Human Resources at Ally

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We Can When UCAN
“We Can When UCAN”

India Tuggle, three-time attendee at UCAN

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Young storytellers bring art to life
“Young storytellers bring art to life”

Ryan Johnson, Principal at Estabrook Elementary

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Getting Real with Skilled Trades
“Getting Real with Skilled Trades”

John Griffin, Underground Lineman

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At Least Two Hours A Week
“At Least Two Hours A Week”

Omar H., volunteer and student from Detroit Country Day Middle School

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Skilled Trades for Students
Young woman being trained to use a forklift
“Skilled Trades for Students”

Alicia Dennis, director of Labor Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Mother’s Pantry Delivers Hope
“Mother’s Pantry Delivers Hope”

Pastor Velma Overman, Executive Director at Operation Refuge

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A Decade of Impact: 10th Annual Women of Influence Summit
“A Decade of Impact: 10th Annual Women of Influence Summit”

LaTrice McClendon, Detroit program director at Knight Foundation

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Empowering Entrepreneurs: 2026 Women-Owned Business Marketplace
“Empowering Entrepreneurs: 2026 Women-Owned Business Marketplace”

Quintina Withers, founder and CEO of Q’s Corner

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Three Lessons from Labor in Action
“Three Lessons from Labor in Action”

Principal Porsha Eubanks, Thompson K-8 International Academy

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Read United: March Towards Literacy
“Read United: March Towards Literacy”

Tiffany Mousel, manager of Engagement Initiatives at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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First STEAM Makerspace in Detroit Hosts Classes
“First STEAM Makerspace in Detroit Hosts Classes”

Vanessa Carter, STEM teacher at Bennett Elementary School

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Being the Support System
“Being the Support System”

Tracy Mobley, Community Care Advocate

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Blessed by Bombas
“Blessed by Bombas”

Alicia Dennis, director of Labor Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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One Stop Capital Shop
“One Stop Capital Shop”

Tiffany Thomas

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United with Labor
“United with Labor”

Alicia Dennis, director of Labor Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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A Christmas Dream Come True
“A Christmas Dream Come True”

Jessica Kaba, secretary at Rawsonville Elementary

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I Made It
After passing his written drivers test, Brian smiles wearing a black Detroit knitted cap and glasses in Downtown Detroit.
“I Made It”

Brian Myers, Livonia

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A Community of Pantries
“A Community of Pantries”

Angela Wolf, executive director at Redford Interfaith Relief

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Labor in Action
“Labor in Action”

Alana Weems, Founder and CEO of Motions

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A Day in Space
“A Day in Space”

Rich Geyer, IT manager at DTE

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Moving Past Hardship
“Moving Past Hardship”

TG, Bloomfield Hills

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Community Found
Cornhole attendees smile in front of giant Cornhole banner.
“Community Found”

Haley Billey, membership alliance manager at National Park Friends Alliance.

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Women Continue to Influence
Tonya Adair and employees at Alternatives For Girls smile while showing a book, purse and chocolates.
“Women Continue to Influence”

Tonya Adair, president and CEO at AFG

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Smithsonian Sparks Dialogue with Local Latinos
Adrián uses hand gestures in discussion circle with community members at the Detroit Design Build Green Hub.
“Smithsonian Sparks Dialogue with Local Latinos”

Luis Ali, co-founder of Design Build Green Hub

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Helping Metro Detroit Students Return to School
Comerica volunteer, Marisa, smiles next to stacks of composition notebooks and a tub of crayon boxes.
“Helping Metro Detroit Students Return to School”

LaToya Rowell, National Communities Affairs Manager at Comerica

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Washtenaw Strong
Bridget Herman smiles at the Washtenaw United Way office.
“Washtenaw Strong”

Bridget Herrmann, Executive Liaison to Washtenaw County

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Why I Run United: Edward Cardenas, Team Jeep
Ed cheers with hands above head wearing a silver medal on an American flag lanyard.
“Why I Run United: Edward Cardenas, Team Jeep”

Edward Cardenas, Run United Team Jeep

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Why I Run United: Parag Bajaj, Team Bronco
Parag holds two thumbs up with one foot propped on a large rock while standing on Mount Everest wearing a Run United shirt.
“Why I Run United: Parag Bajaj, Team Bronco”

Parag Bajaj, Run United Team Bronco

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6,875 Full Backpacks for Local Students
Hundreds of colorful backpacks sit in bundles of five against the gym wall.
“6,875 Full Backpacks for Local Students”

Jocelyn Howard, board member at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Why I Run United: Garrett Schwebel, Team Jeep
Aerial view of Garrett and friend look straight up and smile at a drone while he sits with the tech on the back of a truck.
“Why I Run United: Garrett Schwebel, Team Jeep”

Garrett Schwebel, Run United Team Jeep

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Why I Run United: Amy McLain, Team Bronco
Amy smiles in sunglasses and a baseball cap after finishing the Bay Shore Marathon in 2024.
“Why I Run United: Amy McLain, Team Bronco”

Amy McLain, Run United Team Bronco

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Why I Run United: Tricia Sabra, Team Jeep
Tricia smiles in front of her Jeep in a blue Run United shirt.
“Why I Run United: Tricia Sabra, Team Jeep”

Tricia Sabra, Run United Team Jeep

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Why I Run United: Eddie Manuszak, Team WISD Early Childhood
Wearing a helmet and sunglasses, Eddie takes a break from his bike ride in front of the Acadia National Park sign in Maine for a selfie.
“Why I Run United: Eddie Manuszak, Team WISD Early Childhood”

Eddie Manuszak, Run United Team WISD

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Why I Run United: Lanette Ervin, Team Girl Scouts
Lanette smiles for a selfie with headphones around her neck in an orange shirt.
“Why I Run United: Lanette Ervin, Team Girl Scouts”

Lanette Ervin, Run United Team Girl Scouts

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Why I Run United: Chris Ott, Team Jeep
Chris smiles outside wearing a Detroit hat, airpods and a Run United shirt.
“Why I Run United: Chris Ott, Team Jeep”

Chris Ott, Run United Team Jeep

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Why I Run United: Lynette McBride Hyde, Team Bronco
Lynette races to the finish line in the United Kingdom, while smiling and celebrating with her arms raised above her head.
“Why I Run United: Lynette McBride Hyde, Team Bronco”

Lynette McBride Hyde, Run United's Team Bronco

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Washtenaw Community Unites to Stuff the Bus for Local Students
“Washtenaw Community Unites to Stuff the Bus for Local Students”

Kari Dorr, Stuff the Bus co-founder

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Leading with Lived Experience
“Leading with Lived Experience”

Ashley Brown, Ambassador at HAND

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Engaging Scholars in STEAM
“Engaging Scholars in STEAM”

Karin Rai, pre-K coordinator and literacy coach at DAAS

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Lacing Up for a Good Cause: 2025 Sneaker Ball
“Lacing Up for a Good Cause: 2025 Sneaker Ball”

Alicia Dennis, director of labor relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Healthy School Meals for All
“Healthy School Meals for All”

Lauren Marks, manager of advocacy and government relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Amyre W., Detroit
“Amyre W., Detroit”

Amyre W., Detroit

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Students Soar at the Soap Box Derby
“Students Soar at the Soap Box Derby”

Raegan, driver of Blue Money Soap Box Car

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Going the Extra Mile
“Going the Extra Mile”

Theresa Trowell, social navigator at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Connected Right Away
“Connected Right Away”

Rufus F., Detroit resident

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More Like A Family
“More Like A Family”

Shanita H., Detroit

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Nothing in the Cupboard
“Nothing in the Cupboard”

Jacob D., Detroit resident

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ALICE? That’s Me.
“ALICE? That’s Me.”

Lazaro Q, Detroit resident

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Putting the “Fun” in Fundraising: 2024 Cornhole Tournament
“Putting the “Fun” in Fundraising: 2024 Cornhole Tournament”

Tom Vitale, an attorney at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

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2-1-1’s Biggest Fan: Donnielle L.
“2-1-1’s Biggest Fan: Donnielle L.”

Donnielle L., Hazel Park resident

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Students Supporting Students
“Students Supporting Students”

Alex Elia, high school senior at Detroit Country Day

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New Roads: A refugee’s journey with Ride United
“New Roads: A refugee’s journey with Ride United”

Sayeed M., Dearborn

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Robots Take Over Ann Visger’s Innovation Lab
“Robots Take Over Ann Visger’s Innovation Lab”

Kaylee, third grader at Ann Visger

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Friendly, Fast and Free Tax Assistance
“Friendly, Fast and Free Tax Assistance”

Antonio H., Highland Park resident

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Bridging the Digital Divide: One Device at a Time
“Bridging the Digital Divide: One Device at a Time”

Arath, eighth grader at Lincoln Park Middle School

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Danyelle Winfield, Detroit
“Danyelle Winfield, Detroit”

Danyelle Winfield, Detroit

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Angie Alnidawi, Detroit
“Angie Alnidawi, Detroit”

Angie Alnidawi, Detroit

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30 Years of Hope: Labor of Love Event Expands to Detroit
“30 Years of Hope: Labor of Love Event Expands to Detroit”

Sonja Burks, parent outreach coordinator at Warren E. Bow Elementary School

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Making Seasons Bright: Labor and United Way
“Making Seasons Bright: Labor and United Way”

Michael Martin, chairman of UAW Local 174

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School Visiting Tour Reinvigorates Local Educators
“School Visiting Tour Reinvigorates Local Educators”

Cresandra Washington-Montgomery, Teacher at Denby High School in Detroit

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Volunteering is Healing
“Volunteering is Healing”

Johnny Monroe, founder of Avenue Runners & Walkers

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Purse Powered Change
“Purse Powered Change”

Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

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Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, 2025 Woman of the Year
“Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, 2025 Woman of the Year”

Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, President & CEO of Washtenaw Community College

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Amika’s SoNeeded Journee
“Amika’s SoNeeded Journee”

Amika Adams the 1st, Owner of SoNeeded Journee

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A Year of Unity: Looking Back on Two United Ways Joining Forces for The Greater Good
“A Year of Unity: Looking Back on Two United Ways Joining Forces for The Greater Good”

Megan Mazurek, realtor with Reinhart Realtors

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When Women Unite: 2025 WOI Summit
“When Women Unite: 2025 WOI Summit”

Carla Walker-Miller, CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services

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Makerspace Inspires Students
“Makerspace Inspires Students”

Latricia Brown, K-12 school leader at Pontiac Academy for Excellence

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Zaman International
“Zaman International”

Maya Mortada, director of health services at Zaman

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Suzanne Shank
“Suzanne Shank”

Suzanne Shank, president and CEO of Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC

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Ride the WAVE: Western-Washtenaw’s Community Connector
WAVE driver giving thumbs up as she fills the gas tank of bus.
“Ride the WAVE: Western-Washtenaw’s Community Connector”

Marie Gress, executive director at WAVE

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Shawnkieta Baker
“Shawnkieta Baker”

Shawnkieta Baker, Detroit

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Rooted in Community: Women-Owned Marketplace
“Rooted in Community: Women-Owned Marketplace”

Kimberly Jones, owner and founder of Epic Infants

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Chelsea Wilson
“Chelsea Wilson”

Chelsea Wilson, 2-1-1

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Egypt Mabins
“Egypt Mabins”

Egypt Mabins, 2-1-1

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Black History- An American History
“Black History- An American History”
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GrandFriends: Creating Intergenerational Bonds
“GrandFriends: Creating Intergenerational Bonds”

Emily Mueller, Director of Basic Needs at United Way

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Tiffany Larry, Supervisor of Call Center Operations
“Tiffany Larry, Supervisor of Call Center Operations”

Tiffany Larry, 2-1-1

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STEM Learning Journey: Pizza, Ballpark
“STEM Learning Journey: Pizza, Ballpark”

Dr. Hiba Kakish, director of quality assurance at Little Caesars

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Eric Rogers, Detroit
“Eric Rogers, Detroit”

Eric Rogers, Detroit

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Women Lighting the Way: Alfreda Rooks
“Women Lighting the Way: Alfreda Rooks”

Alfreda Rooks, 2024 Washtenaw Woman of the Year

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Getting Families to the Other Side of Crisis
“Getting Families to the Other Side of Crisis”

Brooke Dahlia Hill, president of the Board of Directors at SOS Community Services.

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Boots on the Ground: PATH at Community Housing Network (CHN)
“Boots on the Ground: PATH at Community Housing Network (CHN)”

Mellena Martinez, director of housing resources at CHN

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The Joy of Reading for All Ages
“The Joy of Reading for All Ages”

Makai

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Closing Opportunity Gaps in the Digital World
“Closing Opportunity Gaps in the Digital World”

Ellen Gilchrist, senior director of early childhood and education at United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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Community Information Exchange: Providing Coordinated, Human-Centered Care
“Community Information Exchange: Providing Coordinated, Human-Centered Care”

Clara Rigsby

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Women Lighting the Way: Carla Walker-Miller
“Women Lighting the Way: Carla Walker-Miller”

Carla Walker-Miller, founder and CEO at Walker-Miller Energy Services

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Racial Equity Fund Helps Fuel ‘life-affirming’ Programs
“Racial Equity Fund Helps Fuel ‘life-affirming’ Programs”

Rhonda Greene, founder, Heritage Works

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NETWORK OF PARTNERSHIPS HELPS DETROITERS STAY IN THEIR HOMES
“NETWORK OF PARTNERSHIPS HELPS DETROITERS STAY IN THEIR HOMES”

Renetta

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File your taxes for free with United Way’s MyFreeTaxes
“File your taxes for free with United Way’s MyFreeTaxes”

Megan Thibos, United Way

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United Way partners offer free virtual tax prep, financial coaching for Metro Detroiters
“United Way partners offer free virtual tax prep, financial coaching for Metro Detroiters”
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Community Schools Offer Holistic Approach to Student Success
“Community Schools Offer Holistic Approach to Student Success”

Heather Johnson, mother

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2-1-1 answers a mother’s call for help
“2-1-1 answers a mother’s call for help”

Carolyn Byrd

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Out of Crisis: Standing United against homelessness
“Out of Crisis: Standing United against homelessness”

Darrin Ogburn, discussing United Way partner IIMD

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Out of Crisis: Standing United for Financial Empowerment
“Out of Crisis: Standing United for Financial Empowerment”

Lucreshia Simon

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Out of Crisis: Standing United to defeat hunger
“Out of Crisis: Standing United to defeat hunger”

Gail Smith, who received food assistance through United Way partners

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5 ways to give back during the holiday season
“5 ways to give back during the holiday season”
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‘Now I can just be me’
“‘Now I can just be me’”

Tim Wichman

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5 ways to keep kids engaged after school
“5 ways to keep kids engaged after school”
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More than just a meal: United Way and partners build a healthier, happier summer
“More than just a meal: United Way and partners build a healthier, happier summer”

Melissa

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United Way literacy tools help children read to succeed
“United Way literacy tools help children read to succeed”

Bianca Boden

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This summer, try these recipes with your family
“This summer, try these recipes with your family”
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Earned Income Tax Credit helps families toward stability
“Earned Income Tax Credit helps families toward stability”

Renee

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Use your birthday to make a difference
“Use your birthday to make a difference”
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Tax preparers help Metro Detroit families keep more of what they earn
“Tax preparers help Metro Detroit families keep more of what they earn”

Lew Elbert

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United Way partner Women Who Weld prepares women for “life-changing” careers
“United Way partner Women Who Weld prepares women for “life-changing” careers”

Kyle Tripp

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Tips for building healthy family mealtime habits
“Tips for building healthy family mealtime habits”

Lily Doher

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United Way, care providers work to build better child care
“United Way, care providers work to build better child care”

Gloria Moyet

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United Way’s 2-1-1 provides a boost toward a better life
“United Way’s 2-1-1 provides a boost toward a better life”

Daisjona Whitson

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Volunteer Spotlight: Building brighter futures with Oakland Family Services
“Volunteer Spotlight: Building brighter futures with Oakland Family Services”

Jamie Clayton

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Joe Klecha and Liz Alvarez: Securing the future for our children
“Joe Klecha and Liz Alvarez: Securing the future for our children”

Joe Klecha and Liz Alvarez, United Way donors

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Getting a Great Start
“Getting a Great Start”

Lorna Parks

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Controlled chaos
“Controlled chaos”

Paul Potts

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Will and Jeanne: Providing a path for children
“Will and Jeanne: Providing a path for children”

Liz Caldwell, United Way donor

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Jim Petersen: ‘United Way was there for me’
“Jim Petersen: ‘United Way was there for me’”

Jim Petersen, United Way donor

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Beth Chappell: ‘We have a responsibility to give back’
“Beth Chappell: ‘We have a responsibility to give back’”

Beth Chappell, United Way donor

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Eric Hespenheide and Judy Hicks: Giving to Greater Detroit
“Eric Hespenheide and Judy Hicks: Giving to Greater Detroit”

Eric Hespenheide, United Way donor

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