Community Impact
Read our 2010-2011 Community Impact Report
Strategic Initiatives
2-1-1 - This 24/7 Information and Referral Hotline became operational in September 2011. Callers seeking information on local services can call 1-877-211-LAKE (5253) or go to call-211.org. Download a flyer to post.
Poverty Reduction Initiative - Working with other agencies, we are developing programs to help families get off the financial tightrope.
Public Transportation- We are providing leadership to Friends Enhancing Emmet Transit to establish a public transit system helping people get to work, appointments, and recreation.
Volunteer Connections- Our "virtual volunteer center" launched in December of 2009. It is the mission of Volunteer Connections to serve the volunteer needs of Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, by providing additional resources for volunteer recruitment, recognition, and management. The purpose of Volunteer Connections is to promote and increase volunteerism in our two county area. Volunteer Connections will assist organizations in maximizing their utilization of volunteers while assisting community members in finding meaningful volunteer opportunities. To see available volunteer opportunities in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties click here. To register on Volunteer Connections and begin posting your non-profit's volunteer opportunities click here.
Day of Caring - Each year volunteers come together to complete projects for local non-profits. In 2011, the Day of Caring will be on September 15th.
Stuff the Bus - Each year United Way collects a bus-full of school supplies to donate to children who can't afford them. In 2011, Stuff the Bus was held August 13th. Over 10,000 items were collected and donated to local schools
Project Connect - In 2011, nearly 850 people were connected with the services they desperately needed. Project Connect 2012 is scheduled for March 21, 2012.
Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Char-Em United Way is the local administrator of the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which brought $44,073 of federal funds into the community in 2011. These funds were distributed to: Brother Dan's Food Pantry, Manna Food Project, Salvation Army, Women's Resource Center, Good Samaritan Family Services, East Jordan Care and Share, and St. Francis Church.
Rx Discount Cards - We provide cards for anyone without prescription coverage, yielding savings of nearly $100,000 in our two counites.