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In this Issue
- United Way joins collaborative efforts to improve southeast Michigan
- United Way's 2-1-1 celebrates major milestone
- ‘Wish List’ makes holiday dreams come true
- Year-end tax donations
- Detroit Lions, United Way huddle up
- Kurt’s Corner: The latest trends shaping our region
United Way joins collaborative effort to improve southeast Michigan
Unprecedented collaboration will develop a one-vision, one-plan blueprint to achieve transformation in the areas of economic prosperity, educational preparedness, regional transit, race relations, regional cooperation and quality of life.
Previous efforts to achieve significant transformation of the city of Detroit or any single part of southeast Michigan have lacked two important factors – sufficient collaboration between organizations, which together can make transformation possible, and a scope that encompasses the entire region working as a whole. That will soon change as six community organizations have joined forces to form a unified group called One D: Transforming Regional Detroit to ensure the region works together to achieve measurable goals in six areas of priority: economic prosperity, educational preparedness, regional transit, race relations, regional cooperation and quality of life.
While each of the organizations work to meet specific objectives of their own (United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s scheduled a Dec. 18 announcement), they recognize that they have a collective responsibility to the region as well. Some specific initiatives intended to address one or more of the six priority areas are further developed than others, and those will be announced by One D over the next few months. Input and data gained from the community, government officials and other organizations outside of One D (United Way heard from well over 7,000 area residents and leaders during our community assessment phase) are extremely important factors in the success of this unprecedented transformation effort, and will be used by One D to build a one-vision, one-plan blueprint for transforming southeast Michigan. The final blueprint is expected to be unveiled at the 2007 Mackinac Policy Conference.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan's President and CEO Michael Brennan said, "After many months of reviewing data and obtaining valuable input, each of our organizations has joined together in a way that has never been done in southeast Michigan to develop and implement one vision and one plan that ensures coordination, consistency and comprehensiveness. This was a long-time coming and will greatly enhance the likelihood of this transformation effort to succeed."
The chart above shows our vision of the intersections between our work going forward and those of One D. We will be concentrating our efforts in the areas of Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability and Basic Needs, all critical to the overall success of the larger effort. We also heard repeatedly through our assessment process that our success would be dependent upon regional collaboration and an end to the racial divide. This interdependency was demonstrated at the recent Leadership Conference on Race Relations, sponsored by New Detroit, which utilized our core areas as its framework for discussion. The recognition of the importance of the human/social service sectors in the overall economic development and vitality of a region is unprecedented. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is pleased to be at the table and poised to make a significant difference in the lives of southeast Michigan’s residents.
United Way's 2-1-1 celebrates major milestone
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| Rodney E. Slater Chair, United Way of America |
United Way's 2-1-1 is an easy access, multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral service serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties that is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. From child care to adult day care, tax assistance to holiday help, United Way's 2-1-1 connects people to more than 6,600 health and human services, as well as volunteer opportunities.
Top requests during 2006 included utility assistance, food pantries, housing and rent assistance, with job assistance being the fastest growing category. More than 90 percent of people United Way's 2-1-1 followed up with found the service useful and would recommend the help line to a friend.
“The sheer volume of people calling 2-1-1 in its first year proves how necessary the service is for this region,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “2-1-1 has made great strides in the past year to streamline access to services and to provide a single point of entry into the health and human service system. In this unprecedented time when the request for services is at an all time high, 2-1-1 is a valuable resource for those who need help or those who wish to give help.”
In addition to providing information and referral services, 2-1-1 has been involved in partnerships with the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority to prescreen residents for Medicaid and help residents gain access to prescription assistance. United Way's 2-1-1 also partners with WJBK-TV FOX 2 and Gardner White Furniture for Holiday Connection, which promotes United Way’s Wish List, a special book that includes agencies in Southeastern Michigan and their respective needs. The books are available at all Gardner White Furniture Stores and online at www.uwsem.org/wishlist.
Currently, there are 209 active 2-1-1 systems in 41 states, with the first 2-1-1 call center established in 1997. Currently, about 70 percent of Michigan residents have access to 2-1-1 with more than 40 percent covered by United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s call center, making it one of the largest 2-1-1 call centers in the nation.
“With nearly 100,000 calls received in 2-1-1 during the first year this is really a celebration about the 100,000 lives touched through 2-1-1,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way of America. “But we have the opportunity to touch so many more lives.”
Gallagher continued: “Our experience tells, us at some point, 2-1-1 has to be statewide. There are 700 different information and hot lines in state government making the system hard to navigate. United Way's 2-1-1 is a way to streamline that and make it easier for people everywhere to access information.”
Carol Ann Rowland, of West Bloomfield, recently received assistance from 2-1-1. She was living with ovarian cancer, but didn’t have medical insurance to cover any treatment she would need.
“I tried calling so many different people and organizations, but was not’t finding anyone who could help,” she said. “2-1-1 connected me with a disability lawyer who helped tremendously. I was able to have surgery to remove the cancer. The service was so helpful for me.”
United Way's 2-1-1 is a collaborative partnership with The Information Center, The Detroit Public Library, Common Ground Sanctuary, Macomb County Crisis Center, Neighborhood Service Organization and United Way's 2-1-1 Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. This partnership ensures that 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Several companies and foundations have helped make 2-1-1 a reality by sponsoring a portion of the start-up costs, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Comerica Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, ConnectMichigan Alliance, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation, Hudson-Webber Foundation, The Jewish Fund, The Kresge Foundation, Lear Corporation, McGregor Fund, Metro Health Foundation, Michigan First Credit Union, Ralph & Winifred Polk Foundation, the State of Michigan, and the Whitney Fund.
To give help or get help, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.uwsem.org/211.
‘Wish List’ makes holiday dreams come true
Another holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s annual Wish List.
This year’s guide features 75 nonprofit agencies, through which you can help brighten the lives of people around you. Because, while the holiday season should be a time of joy, for many, it’s a time of sadness.
Southeast Michigan is experiencing well-publicized economic hard times. Many who were employed at this same time last year, no longer have a job. Those who have never had to ask for help before are now finding themselves needing assistance for their families. The Wish List is your chance to make a difference in their lives.
Each Wish List agency features items and volunteers needed during the holiday season (and throughout the year round as well). Desired items include canned food, clothing, baby items, children’s books, household items, tools, sports equipment, appliances, personal computers and much more.
Join FOX 2, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Gardner-White Furniture in teaming up to make a Holiday Connection for individuals and across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Whether you have items to give or time to share, the Wish List is your connection to the agencies and people who need your help.
Make a difference today by looking through the Wish List to see how you can help. Your time and support could make this holiday season special for someone else.
Year-end giving is as easy as making a charitable gift and saving taxes. The tax laws intentionally encourage charitable giving. Because of the income tax charitable deduction, individuals who make their gifts by Dec. 31 and itemize can significantly reduce their income taxes for 2006.
Example: If you make a charitable gift of $10,000 in 2006, you can save $3,300 in taxes if you are in the 33 percent tax bracket. And the higher your tax bracket, the more money you save with a charitable gift.
Giving is, of course, much more than tax brackets and charitable deductions. Philanthropy provides the meaningful difference in what we can do.
Every gift counts and will make a difference.
Following is a brief introduction to some of the best tax–advantaged methods of giving. Please be sure to check with your accountant, tax attorney or other tax advisor for additional information on how these general rules apply to your situation.
Gifts of Cash
There is no easier way to garner a charitable deduction for 2006 — and support United Way at the same time — than by simply writing a check or giving online. If you itemize, your outright gifts of cash are fully deductible for federal income tax purposes up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your total gifts should exceed this limitation, the excess may be carried forward for tax purposes for up to five additional years.
Click here to make an online donation, or send your check or money order payable to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to:
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
1212 Griswold
Detroit, MI 48226
Make sure your envelope is postmarked by Dec. 31. If it is, your gift will qualify as a 2006 gift, even if we do not receive it until the first week of 2007.
Gifts of Stock
Giving long-term appreciated stock offers you two-fold tax savings. First, you avoid paying any capital gains tax on the increase in value of your stock. In addition, you receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift. For income tax purposes the value of such gifts may be deducted up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income, with an additional five-year carry forward.
Example: If you purchased stock many years ago for $1,000, and it is now worth $10,000, an outright gift of that stock to us would result in charitable deduction of $10,000. In addition, you permanently avoid paying capital gains tax on the $9,000 of appreciation.
For more information on donating gifts of stock to United Way for Southeastern Michigan, please call us at 313.226.9204.
Detroit Lions, United Way huddle up
United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Detroit Lions teamed with Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank on Dec. 5 to feed thousands of hungry metro Detroiters during the 8th annual Hometown Huddle at Ford Field.
The distribution effort included 20,000 pounds of frozen chicken donated by Tyson Foods, 1,000 cans of soup donated by Campbell’s® Chunky™, and 3,000 battery packs donated by Interstate Batteries. United Way volunteers and Detroit Lions’ players loaded the products into the vehicles of more than 30 (pre-selected) nonprofit agencies that run food pantries. The distribution of food and product benefited approximately 2,000 metro Detroit families in time for the holidays.
Hometown Huddle is a 33-year partnership between United Way and the NFL, supporting the work of both organizations to make a positive and lasting impact on the region. They received support from a group committed to service.
Lift Up America works with corporations and professional sports teams to provide far-reaching aid to the less fortunate, and participates in 25 similar events throughout the country. Tyson Foods focuses on the issue of hunger in America, donating more than 41 million pounds of much-needed protein to hunger relief efforts across the country. Gleaners feeds the hungry throughout southeast Michigan by providing over two million pounds of food per month to more than 400 nonprofit and charitable organizations in the region.
"The NFL and the Lions have had a long and rewarding relationship with United Way nationally and locally,” said Tom Lewand, executive vice president and COO, Detroit Lions. “We are thrilled to be able to use Hometown Huddle to address hunger and feed thousands of people right here at home.”
“We are very grateful to partner with the Detroit Lions, Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank whose compassion for others is evident by their mission and service to those in need,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Partnerships such as this one demonstrate the tremendous impact we can make in the lives of others when we work together.”
Kurt’s Corner: The latest trends shaping our region
The number of births in the city of Detroit dropped by more than 45 percent between 1990 and 2005, while the decrease has been only 14 percent in the remainder of the county. This trend has resulted in out-Wayne County births -- which only accounted for two-thirds of those in the city in 1990 -- to pass Detroit in 2002 and continue to widen the gap. This trend has been driven primarily by urban sprawl and population loss from Detroit, a nation-leading decrease in births to teens in the city, and a generally aging population.
This trend is only one of many that are coming out of a partnership between United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Great Start Collaborative-Wayne.
UWSEM’s research unit supports Great Start in Wayne and Oakland counties
Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s Great Start initiative was announced in her 2004 State of the State speech, and encourages early literacy efforts and parenting education. Great Start began as an effort to better coordinate services the state of Michigan provides for its children. The project includes immediate steps to strengthen Michigan’s early childhood efforts and to create the state’s blueprint for building an early learning system for all children.
“Children learn more from birth to age three than any other time in life. During this time, what we do matters and will determine the way they learn, think and behave forever,” said Granholm, in announcing Great Start. “To ensure all children in Michigan have the opportunity for a Great Start and a great life, I have launched a statewide effort to coordinate both public and private efforts to achieve common objectives and measurable results for Michigan’s youngest children. Project Great Start (PGS) encompasses both immediate action and creating a blueprint, or strategic plan, for Michigan's early childhood system of programs, services and support aids for all children from birth to age five.”
The Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) was established in February 2005. The ECIC is designed to allow the state to more effectively focus early childhood efforts and leverage public and private dollars to expand the availability of high-quality early education and childcare, including parenting education. The blueprint for Michigan's comprehensive early childhood system contains:
- The vision for children from birth to age 5 and their families
- The mission, or purpose, of an early education and care system
- Results and indicators of progress
- Policies, programs, services and supports that make up the system
The major themes that came out of a number of community conversations leading up to ECIC’s establishment developed into Michigan’s Vision for Young Children and Their Families:
- Children must be Michigan’s No. 1 priority and resource for the future
- We must give parents the tools they need to be their child’s first and most important teacher
- To give children early learning opportunities, the basic needs of Michigan’s families must be met
- Communities welcome, value, and act on behalf of young children and their families
The State requested proposals from counties across the state to serve as pilots for the Great Start program. Both Wayne and Oakland counties were chosen. UWSEM Research responded to an RFP to serve as the consultant to gather data required by the state and assist in developing a Report Card on the status of children and families in Wayne County. The information collected will be shared broadly in the community.
The next steps (United Way will participate) involve the identification of strengths and resources available, as well as an assessment of redundancies and gaps in services. Finally, a strategic plan will be created.
United Way is participating in a similar process in Oakland County, and the research unit will be assisting this effort as well through limited data collection and geo-mapping.
We are in the process of developing our GIS mapping capacity at United Way and have great plans for developing an online resource for the community in 2007. Stay tuned for exciting announcements.
Kurt's Corner is written by demographer Kurt Metzger, director of research at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. For more information on UWSEM's research visit www.uwsem.org/research, or contact Kurt at kurt.metzger@LiveUnitedSEM.org.