These two issues for HEALTH are community conditions that United Way Southwest of 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.

By investing in initiatives that prioritize both physical and mental well-being, communities can enhance long-term financial stability by fostering healthier, more productive populations. Additionally, supporting households with incomes below the ALICE threshold is vital for building economic resilience.

ISSUE: HEALTHY BODIES

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED: 22,067

THE NEED:

  • 13.6% of adults report poor physical health

CHANGE LIVES OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES:

  • 86.39% of People served increased their knowledge of healthy behaviors

  • 73.78% of People served adopted healthy behaviors

ORGANIZATIONS:

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

BE HEALTHY BERRIEN - IMPROVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHY FOODS

BERRIEN COUNTY CANCER SERVICE, INC. – IN-HOME SKILLED NURSING AND SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES

BERRIEN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT - RAISING UP HEALTHY BABIES TASKFORCE

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – TRIPLE PLAY PROGRAM

CARES OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – PREVENTION AND CARE PROGRAM

CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – PREVENTION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

DISABILITY NETWORK SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – SPIRIT CLUB

GIRLS ON THE RUN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

OUTCENTER OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN - LGBTQ+ COMPETENT HEALTHCARE AND PATIENT SAFETY

REGION IV AREA AGENCY ON AGING – ENHANCED CARE

UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN - RAKE A DIFFERENCE

VAN BUREN/CASS DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT – EAT WELL BE WELL

YMCA OF GREATER MICHIANA – HEALTHY U

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Be Healthy Berrien

  • Berrien County Cancer Services, Inc.

  • Disability Network of Southwest Michigan

  • Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan

  • OutCenter of Southwest Michigan

  • United Way of Southwest Michigan

  • YMCA of Greater Michiana

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Advocacy Success! – Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Program Funding and Expansion

  • Voter Engagement

  • Become a UWSM Advocate

ISSUE: HEALTHY MINDS

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED: 10,846

THE NEED:

  • 14.8% of adults report poor mental health

CHANGE LIVES OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES:

  • 87.60% of People served avoided or reduced risky behaviors

  • 92.28% of People served increased their mental and/or emotional health

ORGANIZATIONS:

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

BENTON HARBOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION – 400 B.L.A.C.K. MENTORING PROGRAM

Caring Connection - bENTON HARBOR & PAW PAW

CENTERED ON WELLNESS – MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN, INC.

LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE – COUNSELING SERVICES

MICHIANA FAMILY CENTER – FOSTER PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

REGION IV AREA AGENCY ON AGING – SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM

SAFE HARBOR CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER - CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER FOR VAN BUREN COUNTY

VAN BUREN COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH – HOPE CENTER CLUBHOUSE

WELL OF GRACE MINISTRIES – CLUB H2O

WOODLANDS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK – ADDICTION RECOVERY PROJECT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Michigan

  • Caring Connection

  • Well of GRACE Ministries

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Voter Engagement

  • Become a UWSM Advocate