THE POWER OF ONE

HELPS ALL OF US LIVE UNITED.

HERE’S HOW IT STARTS.

The entire United Way movement was born on this premise back in 1887. A rabbi, a priest, two ministers, and one determined woman in Denver pooled resources so their community’s gifts would stay local and help the people who needed it most. That first “Charity Organization Society” raised money for 22 agencies and set a standard that remains intact nearly 140 years later: give once, and we’ll stretch your gift where it’s needed right here at home.

The Upton family leaders at Whirlpool Corporation were so moved by this idea that they established the Twin Cities Community Chest in 1943, and we are proud to carry on their legacy locally today. Whether it’s funding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so preschoolers open a new book every month, staffing the 2-1-1 helpline that guides neighbors in crisis, volunteering for our annual Rake a Difference Day in November, or running the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to get hard-earned tax refunds back into family budgets, Southwest Michigan thrives because one person or one company decides to lean in to help.

HELP WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST.

United Way also helps to fund over 70 programs in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties that focus their efforts on impact areas such as workforce development, healthy families, and providing youth opportunities. Over the last 10 years, millions of dollars that people like you donate have collectively been spent combating challenges and opening doors to success & resiliency for residents.

TRANSFORMING YOUR GIFT INTO MORE IMPACT.

When you donate to United Way of Southwest Michigan, we can leverage your dollars for much, much more. For example, an employee could decide to pledge five dollars a week. Alone, that’s maybe a couple fancy coffees or an ice cream cone sacrificed. Multiply it across a staff of two hundred and, suddenly, you’ve covered months of mental-health counseling for local teens or delivered hundreds of picture books to toddlers’ mailboxes. The Power of One isn’t a slogan—it’s basic multiplication, and it scales beautifully whether the “one” is a single neighbor or an entire workplace.

LEND A VOICE OR A HAND.

Of course, money isn’t the only lane onto this freeway. Advocacy can stretch every donated dollar tenfold. A quick email to Lansing supporting affordable childcare or a social-media share about housing policy can shift the landscape for working families faster than any check. And if you prefer to get your hands dirty, Volunteer United’s calendar is packed: Rock the Boat’s cardboard boat race, the Whirlpool Appliance Sale, supply-stuffing parties before school starts in Cass County, Rake a Difference, and more fulfilling volunteer projects throughout the area. Show up once and you’ll see how addictive volunteering can be.

HERE’S YOUR INVITATION TO ACTION.

If you’re a business owner, consider launching a workplace campaign this season. If you’re an employee, tick the box when the pledge form comes around, ask your HR team for one if it doesn’t, or simply go to UWSM.org/donate. If your wallet’s tight, raise your voice for a policy that helps ALICE families, or give an afternoon to pass out supplies or sort holiday food boxes. Any single step plugs you into a network already humming with thousands of others.

  • GIVE

    Donate to United Way now to help make immediate impact in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.

    Donate

  • ADVOCATE

    Help us tell the story of impact in Southwest Michigan and be a champion for working families & individuals.

    Advocate

  • VOLUNTEER

    Find opportunities to lend a hand with causes and projects that matter to you.

    Volunteer