Welcome, Northwest Michigan

Starting October 1st, the Michigan Association of United Ways will begin supporting nine counties across northwest Michigan directly: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, and Wexford. That means 211 stays available around the clock for anyone who needs it, and our ALICE work continues giving local leaders the data they need to understand and support families who are working hard and still falling short. Both commitments carry forward without interruption, backed by the full resources of Michigan's statewide United Way network.

The Michigan Association of United Ways brings together Local United Ways across the state as the largest network of non-governmental service providers and funders in Michigan. Together, our members raise and distribute more than $100 million a year to support local health and human services, and I've spent my career in this network because I believe in what's possible when communities pool their strength and act together. You don't need a local office to belong to this network. Northwest Michigan continues to be part of it.

For fifty years, United Way of Northwest Michigan has shown their community what it means to Live United, and I'm excited to honor that legacy. I'm glad to welcome this region, and to show what partnership across the Michigan United Way network can look like.

That's really what this is: a welcome, and an invitation to keep building together. In the coming days, we'll share more about how you can give, get involved, and stay connected to the work ahead. For now, I just wanted Northwest Michigan to know I'm glad you’re here.

Kaitlynn Lamie
President and CEO, Michigan Association of United Ways