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

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.

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.

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!

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!

our work in the news

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

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.

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

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.

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

February 11th (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.

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Get Social with us

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate part-time Volunteer Coordinator to join our team. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will be responsible for building, strengthening, and maintaining relationships with local agencies, organizations, and business
A huge THANK YOU to the incredible students of Hollywood Elementary School for their generosity and kindness! As part of their annual Give Back Day, they assembled 30 Birthday Boxes filled with everything needed to make a child’s birthday extr
Happy Birthday, Morgan! Her hard work helps make a real difference in our community, and we are so grateful for all that she does. We hope your day is as amazing as you are! Drop some birthday wishes for Morgan in the comments!

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