These two issues for FINANCIAL STABILITY are community conditions that United Way of Southwest Michigan has chosen to address, based on expert and public knowledge. Click to view more about our 2025-2028 Agenda for Change and the other six issues.

For households below the ALICE threshold, targeted support programs and resources are essential to provide pathways to financial stability, including access to education and job training. Addressing the root causes of financial insecurity among these households not only improves their quality of life but also strengthens the overall economic resilience of the community.

Learn more about our impact in 2023-2024: United We Thrive

ISSUE: FINANCIAL SECURITY

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED: 4,865

THE NEED:

  • 41.6% of households have an income below the ALICE threshold

CHANGE LIVES OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES:

  • 81.02% of People served increased their financial health

  • 93.37% of People served increased their financial knowledge

ORGANIZATIONS:

This type of investment includes programs that will lead to change in individuals.

BENTON HARBOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION – FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAM

DISABILITY NETWORK OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NORTHERN INDIANA – FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY

REGION IV AREA AGENCY ON AGING – SENIOR MEDICARE/MEDICAID OPTIONS COUNSELING SERVICE

UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana

  • United Way of Southwest Michigan

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Earned Income Tax Credit

  • ALICE Advocacy Day (March)

  • Voter Engagement

  • Become a UWSM Advocate

ISSUE: EMPLOYMENT

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED: 281

THE NEED:

  • 56.6% - Employment/Population Ratio (the number of workers currently employed against the total working-age population)

CHANGE LIVES OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES:

  • 88.24% of People served increased their skills

  • 87.405 of People served increased gained, maintained, or improved employment status

ORGANIZATIONS:

This type of investment includes programs that will lead to change in individuals.

KINEXUS GROUP – THE LINK EMPLOYER RESOURCE NETWORK

LEGAL AID OF WESTERN MICHIGAN – LEGAL AID FOR EXPUNGEMENT

MOSAIC CCDA – JOBS FOR LIFE

NEW HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. – NEW HEIGHTS AUTO SERVICES

REGION IV AREA AGENCY ON AGING – SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

THE CENTER FOR GROWTH AND INDEPENDENCE – SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

YMCA OF GREATER MICHIANA - CHILDCARE NETWORK

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Career and Technical Education

  • Michigan Reconnect

  • Voter Engagement

  • Become a UWSM Advocate