We Can When UCAN

Each Thursday in April, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Labor team hosted the annual Union Community Activist Network (UCAN). The conference expanded into each county we serve – taking place at Bricklayers Local 2 in Macomb, Pipefitters Local 636 in Oakland, United Way’s Office in Washtenaw and Laborers Local 1191 in Wayne.

“We did something different this year; we wanted to make sure that we got all four counties,” said Tony Braggs, Labor Liaison at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We wanted everyone to have a chance to come and it’s working out for the best.”

The evening of conversation welcomed presenters on financial literacy, wealth-building and ways to get involved in United Way events, volunteering and advocacy.

Detroit native, India Tuggle, was excited to return to UCAN for the third time.

“I try to do all the UCAN events when they come once a year; it’s very educational,” said India. “It’s an amazing event; their spirits are wonderful and they have new information all the time.

“I see what I can learn so that I can spread the word.”

BEING ABOUT COMMUNITY

With rising costs and fixed wages, our communities are stretched thin. More ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are calling 211 for assistance and UCAN creates a safe space for attendees to discuss their experiences.

John Jake Kincaid shared his experiences as an employee at Stellantis and a liaison to their United Way partnership.

“A lot of our folks had a bad taste about United Way; they said when they called 211, they weren’t getting any help,” said John.

Income above the poverty level but below the ALICE budget threshold can be a frustrating barrier for households who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet and seeking assistance. Moved to speak, another attendee stood to share her personal experience with 211.

“I’ve called 211 a lot and what people don’t understand is that they aren’t the ones who are going to pay your bills; they direct you to the resources that you need,” she said. “They aren’t necessarily the provider, but a directory.”

While income remains a barrier in some cases, Tony assured that food assistance will be available to all.

“If you need help and you don’t qualify, I’ll make it my business to get you a food box,” said Tony. “Things are tight and with that food box, you can put the money you were going to spend on groceries on bills.

“We don’t just want to talk about it; we want to be about it.”

FINANCIAL COACHING TO CURB THE HURT

Vice President of National Community Development at Comerica Bank, Dr. Lykeisha Shelton, and Financial Coach and Accountant at Detroit Recovery Project, Desmond Hill, shared the ins and outs of fighting hidden costs, saving and retraining our financial minds.

“If you’re not gaining 2% yearly, you are automatically on a hamster wheel,” said Desmond. “Hidden costs have risen and holding onto cash is like melting ice.

“If you are working hard for your money, you want your money working hard for you”

Providing financial worksheets and booklets, Desmond dove into mastering your budget and investing in appreciating assets. While it can seem confusing, Dr. Shelton shared a mental shift can accelerate financial wellness.

“My thoughts create my reality, and I choose thoughts that empower me,” said Dr. Shelton. “In this new mindset, we move from survival to strategy, from scarcity to ownership, from fear to confidence and from thinking to execution.

“The good news is you don’t have to be the expert, you can know a little bit about a lot of things, or you can know a person that knows a person.”

Leaning on one another’s financial know-how is an important safety net in tough times. After UCAN, John was ready to take what he learned to his coworkers in need.

“I love the financial information as far as trying to improve not only myself, but others,” said John. “It’s all about growing wealth so we can give more and help other people.”

Interested in attending Labor’s next event? Join us at this year’s Sneaker Ball on June 13, 2026.