UNITED IS THE WAY We Create Lasting Change.

United Way of Southwest Michigan works in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to create and sustain a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs, and thrives. You can help by giving, advocating, or volunteering.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Save the date for United Way’s celebration

We look forward to seeing you at our Celebration on April 24, 2025 at Grand Upton Hall at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. This special evening will highlight the incredible impact we make together and celebrate the people who drive our mission forward. Additional details, including how to RSVP, will be forthcoming closer to the event.

Learn more

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

The VITA Program offers free tax help to people who make $67,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

Learn more

IT’s COMING! ROCK THE BOAT 2025

Honor Credit Union and United Way of Southwest Michigan are welcoming cardboard boat builders from across the area to compete in the annual ROCK THE BOAT event coming back to the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph Thursday, July 17, 2025!

Get Information

help support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

March is National Reading Month, and we are launching a fundraising campaign to help bolster Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties!

Learn more

our work in the news

Media Releases

Mar 3, 2025

United Way of Southwest Michigan Launches National Reading Month Campaign to Bolster “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library”

Mar 3, 2025

March is National Reading Month, and United Way of Southwest Michigan and our community partners at Honor Credit Union are launching a fundraising campaign to assist in sustaining Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. United Way is looking to meet a goal of $50,000 in new donations during the month to help meet the sustainability goal for the program.

Mar 3, 2025

Feb 17, 2025

United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP/FEMA) Program

Feb 17, 2025

United Way of Southwest Michigan (UWSM) announced that it is accepting funding proposals from Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County agencies for Phase 42 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP/FEMA). The National Board has awarded Berrien County the grant amount of $58,883 for this phase, Cass County the grant amount of $19,779 for this phase, and Van Buren County the grant amount of $30,843 for this phase.

Feb 17, 2025

Feb 11, 2025

United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the Community

Feb 11, 2025

February 11^th (2/11) is National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7 three-digit (2-1-1) resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The three-digit service connects information about resources and services available in our local community and is free to utilize.

Feb 11, 2025