For generations, Southwest Michigan farmers have shaped the region's economy and identity, with the Benton Harbor Fruit Market (BHFM) serving as a key connection point between growers and buyers. Today, that system faces growing challenges. Farmers struggle with uncertainty in selling their products, and many residents lack consistent access to fresh, locally grown food.

United Way of Southwest Michigan's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, commonly known as VITA (pronounced VYE-tuh), is pleased to announce that this year's program helped 1,094 clients across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties with free tax preparation and filing, returning over $1.4 million in refunds to Southwest Michigan residents, a 12% increase in refund dollars year-over-year for the program.

The Annual Whirlpool Corporation Appliance Sale wrapped up another record-setting weekend in St. Joseph, raising $139,000 in net proceeds for United Way of Southwest Michigan, surpassing last year's total of $134,000.

More than 300 donors, volunteers, and community partners filled Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center on Thursday, April 23, for United Way of Southwest Michigan's Annual Celebration, a night built around one simple idea: none of this happens without people.

All proceeds from the Appliance Sale to benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan to support programs & services across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.

In the three weeks since United Way of Southwest Michigan activated the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund in response to the March 6 tornado outbreak, the community has responded with remarkable generosity, pushing total donations past $70,000 with more than 210 donors from across the region, and the nation, chipping in.

Empowering local leaders to build a healthier Berrien County starts with residents who know their neighborhoods best. Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health have opened applications for the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy—a free 12-week program for residents of Niles, Niles Charter Township, and Buchanan. The Academy is designed to build local civic leadership, and residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in formal leadership roles are especially encouraged to apply. Participants build skills, confidence, and connections to help lead community-driven solutions.

In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties on Friday, March 6, United Way of Southwest Michigan has activated the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund to support recovery efforts across the impacted region to support United Ways serving the affected communities.

February 11th (2/11) is National 211 Day — an annual observance celebrating the three-digit, 24/7 help resource (2-1-1) that connects people across the U.S. and Canada with local health and human services free of charge. This vital service supports neighbors in need throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.