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.
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