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.

United Way of Southwest Michigan is once again seeking nominations of volunteers to receive recognition at our Annual Celebration, to be held on April 23, 2026 at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall in Benton Harbor. Two awards will be featured at the event: The Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award, and the Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County. Nominations for both of these awards will be taken through January 31, 2026 at uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer.

The organization plans to use the donation for a new kitchen installation at the shelter.

When neighbors come together to learn, listen, and lead, a community’s future begins to shift. Over the past several months, a group of Benton Harbor residents has been doing just that—meeting after work, asking hard questions, and building the skills needed to act on the issues that matter most to them.

Across Berrien County, residents are finding new ways to live healthier— walking connected trails, shopping at local farmers markets, and participating in programs that strengthen neighborhoods. By improving walkability, expanding food access, and responding to residents’ needs— these community-driven efforts show how everyday life can flourish when health becomes a shared priority. A $55,000 award from community partner, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals to United Way of Southwest Michigan helps strengthen the systems that make these opportunities possible.

United Way of Southwest Michigan is coming together with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) to support their annual “Stuff a Truck” Food Drive with 99.9 Y Country and News Talk Sports 94.9 WSJM.

United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 15th Annual Rake a Difference event was held Thursday, November 13 as volunteers spread throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to rake leaves and clean gutters for senior citizens. The event saw its biggest volunteer number ever, with a total of 1,541 volunteers participating across 148 teams. Over 347 senior homes were served during this year’s event. A massive 11,455 leaf bags were distributed to teams as well.