I am thrilled to announce that as of today, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and United Way of Washtenaw County have officially merged to form one united organization that will serve the four-county region of Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne. This is a historic moment for our communities and our mission to improve lives and empower every family to succeed.
This merger is the result of 18 months of planning and execution, guided by a shared vision of growing our impact and creating more equitable opportunities for all. We are grateful to Pam Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Washtenaw County, for her leadership and courage in initiating this idea and bringing it to fruition. Pam has been a champion for social justice and a catalyst for change in Washtenaw County for over a decade. She will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the combined organization for several months.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank both United Way staffs for all their work and dedication. You are the backbone of our organization and the driving force behind our impact. You have shown remarkable resilience, adaptability and collaboration during this transition. I appreciate your passion, professionalism and commitment to our cause. You make me proud to be part of this team.
As we embark on this new chapter, we are excited to bring our collective resources, expertise and networks to Washtenaw County and the entire region. Over the next few months, you will see more of us in your neighborhoods, listening to your needs, learning from your experiences, and collaborating with you on solutions. We believe that by working together, we can reach more people and change more lives.
This is only the beginning. The combined United Way will now be able to do more for every those in need across the region, helping them to become more stable and ensuring children have an opportunity to thrive and succeed. We are committed to creating equitable communities for everyone, where race, income, gender or ZIP code do not determine one’s destiny.
We invite you to join us on this journey of transformation and hope. Together, we can make a difference for families and the entire region.
Sincerely,
Darienne Hudson
President and CEO
United Way for Southeastern Michigan