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Welcome!
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Welcome to your monthly Live United eUpdate. This newsletter highlights United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Agenda for Change and the ways you can Live United and support our work.
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Center for Working Families facilitates stability
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 Families in metro Detroit will get a little more support as they strive to build assets in this tough economy thanks to a new partnership between United Way and Detroit LISC.
The Greater Detroit Center for Working Families (CWF) is an innovative partnership between United Way and Detroit LISC to advance community economic development in Southeast Michigan. The two organizations will serve as the intermediary of the CWF and manage it in partnership with the organizations delivering the program's services.
CWF is designed to provide a comprehensive set of services to the working poor that help them learn to save, build assets, and eventually move from negative net worth, or debt, to positive net worth and financial independence. To make this happen, the Centers focus on three components: one-on-one financial coaching to help individuals learn how to manage their debt and begin to save; career coaching to help individuals find the right job or training program to suit their long-term goals; and assisting with finding additional supports such as tax credits and other public benefits that provide additional income.
The CWF model is based on a national model developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and has found success in other communities. In fact, in evaluating the model, the Casey Foundation created a composite family using characteristics of real families in the program. When looking at the composite, the Casey Foundation learned that the CWF model yields an approximate 400 percent Return on Investment when participants take advantage of all three of the program elements.
Bringing this model to Southeast Michigan is critical, particularly in the current economic climate. Across our region, 30 percent of the population is living 200 percent below the poverty line, an income that is necessary for a family to consistently meet its basic needs. And the need continues to grow – in Oakland County alone, there has been a 20 percent increase in the proportion of families living without sufficient income.
The pilot program launched with five sites: Focus: HOPE, Goodwill Industries, Southwest Solutions, SER Metro, and Lighthouse of Oakland County. The sites were identified because of their strong connections to individuals and families who could most benefit from the program. Combined with United Way and LISC, this network is a unique collaboration creating opportunities to leverage the strengths of each organization. In addition, it is creating a shared voice for advocacy and systemic change, which is crucial to improving conditions for the residents of Southeast Michigan over the long term.
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LNext 2008-2009 calendar
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Leadership Next is proud to present its 2008-2009 calendar of events. From our wildly popular CEOs: Off the Record presentations to Lunch and Learns and Impact Tours, you're sure to find something that suits your interests. All events are free, but some do have limited space, so RSVP today!
Civic Leaders Lunch and Learn
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: United Way for Southeastern Michigan, 1212 Griswold, Detroit [directions]
RSVP here.
This Lunch and Learn series is intended to create a dialogue among Leadership Next members and regional leaders addressing issues at the macro level. The sessions will provide a 10-year view of the work happening to make this region one of the Top 5 places to live in the country by 2030.
The October session will be hosted by Dona Ponepinto, Vice President of Financial Stability and Community Investment, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. There is truly innovative and ground-breaking work happening in this region around Financial Stability. This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn more, and find a way that you can get involved. The session will focus on what financial stability means for this region and the players making it happen. Topics will include:
Micro-Enterprise through Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
Greater Detroit Centers for Working Families
Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative
See the Impact: Increasing Financial Stability in the region
Date: Thursday, November 6
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Location: Departs from United Way's Pontiac office, 50 Wayne St, Pontiac [directions]
RSVP here.
The number of families living in poverty in our region is increasing, but what are we doing about it? Join us on this 90 minute bus tour to find out.
Activation Session
Date: Thursday, November 6
Time: 5:30p.m. - 6:30p.m.
Location: Northern Lights Lounge, 660 West Baltimore, Detroit [directions]
RSVP here.
You want to get involved, but you don't know how. You want to connect with others who share your community interests, but you don't know where. Come to our activation session and get the answers you need. We'll present a menu of different activities that need leaders, skills and time.
CEO: Off the Record
Date: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
RSVP here
Lorenzo Creighton, CEO of the MGM Grand, will host a small group of Leadership Next members for a candid conversation about the region. Reserve your space now!
See the Impact - Early Childhood Education
Date: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Location: Departs from United Way office, 1212 Griswold, Detroit [directions]
RSVP here.
Did you know that 90 percent of brain development occurs by age three and that children from low-income families will hear 30 million fewer words by the time they enter school than children from high-income families?
What is United Way doing to close the achievement gap? Join us for this 90 minute bus tour to find out.
CEOs: Off the Record
Date: Tuesday, December 9
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
RSVP here.
Beth Ardisana, CEO, ASG Renaissance, will host a candid conversation with Leadership Next members. More info to come. Reserve your space now! |
Live United in action at the marathon
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 More than 30 people showed the community how they Live United by participating in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon on October 19.
United Way fielded a team in the marathon’s 5K event, and the group served as a testament to the power of unity and team work. In addition, runners participated in the half marathon, full marathon, and marathon relay, all with Live United emblazoned across their chests.
It was a sight to see, all of those people coming together for United Way.
But the true expression of the Live United message was what our team did after the 5K ended. Many stayed behind to participate in United Way’s spirit stations along the marathon course. There, they lifted their voices and opened their arms to other runners, providing positive support as they raced toward the finish line.
To Live United is to reach out a hand to others, and in doing so, to change the condition of all. That could mean helping a child learn to read or helping a family with basic necessities like food and shelter. But it can also be as simple as supporting a friend, neighbor, or even a complete stranger as they embark on a personal goal.
No matter how we choose to make a difference in the lives of those around us, we are all part of the Live United movement. The marathon is just one example of the thousands of ways you can Live United. Learn about other ways by logging on to our Web site, www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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Give.
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The most effective way you can make a difference in your community is by giving to United Way. Whether it's $5 or $500, your gift will improve the lives of individuals and families across our region.
Give now.
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Advocate.
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We're so close to bringing financial literacy courses to Michigan schools. In fact, the Senate just needs to vote on the bill! Please urge your legislators to bring it to a vote.
Advocate Now.
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Volunteer.
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It's easy to volunteer! Just create a profile on our new Web site and you'll be able to find opportunities throughout the region and connect with other volunteers.
Volunteer Now.
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Power of 10.
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Legislators tell us that if they hear a consensus from 10 people, they consider it a mandate. Make your voice heard at www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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BE AN ADVOCATE
Forward this eNewsletter
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You can LIVE UNITED by helping us spread the word. Imagine how many people we could reach if everyone forwards this to five people.
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