Editor's Note: Eastern Michigan
University's United Way campaign began Oct. 8 and runs
through Nov. 2. The following is an introductory letter
from Freman Hendrix, Jessica "Decky" Alexander
and Dennis Stolte, this year's co-chairs for the United
Way campaign.
Oct. 4, 2007
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We begin this year's United Way Campaign determined,
as in years past, to make a significant positive impact
on the community. We hope that the immense needs within
our local community can foster our own campus unity.
As campaign co-chairs, we are committed to working in
meaningful and tangible ways with all of you as we strive
to reach our campaign goal.
 |
EASTERN LENDS A HAND: Eastern Michigan
University's United Way campaign kicked off Oct. 8
and continues through Nov. 2. This year's goal is to
raise $110,000 to assist United Way programs in
Washtenaw County. |
HelpSource, a United Way funded agency and Washtenaw County's
largest, nongovernmental social service agency, closed
its doors this September, putting its hundreds of clients,
neglected and abused children, senior citizens, and its
programs in substance addiction and youth mentors at risk
of losing the assistance and support upon which they depend.
Additionally, the loss of the Pfizer Global Research and
Development facility in Ann Arbor will significantly impact
this year's campaign.
As we embark on this year's United Way Campaign, we do
so amid a 7.4 percent state unemployment rate, a 5 percent
countywide unemployment rate, and with 14 percent of Washtenaw
County residents living in poverty. This year's United
Way Campaign focuses on the basics: food, medical
care and shelter for those most in need.
Agencies such as the following depend on the support of
Washtenaw County United Way so they can provide support
for those individuals and families most in need:
Food Gatherers: Michigan's first
food rescue program exists to alleviate hunger and address
its causes in the community by reducing food waste through
the rescue and distribution of perishable and nonperishable
food, and coordinating with other hunger relief providers.
Shelter Association: Serves the largest percentage of
those experiencing homelessness — single adult men and
women. All of their clients share two characteristics;
they have no place to live, and do not currently have the
resources to secure and maintain housing.
SOS Community Services: Started more than 20 years ago
by an EMU student, SOS continues to provide services for
families and individuals with housing assistance, emergency
food and human services referrals.
When you give to the United Way, your dollars go to
support services and people in our communities — people
who need our help to survive and thrive. United Way agencies
get results and "Results Matter."
In the next few weeks, a departmental representative will
be contacting you to ask for a contribution to the University's
annual United Way Campaign. There are many ways to contribute
to the United Way Campaign. Do not hesitate to contact
us or your departmental representative with regard to the
various initiatives, agencies and approaches to contributing
to the campaign.
This year's campaign will run from Oct. 8 through
Nov. 2, with a goal of raising $110,000. With your help,
we know we can do it. Please consider helping EMU help
United Way "build better lives and communities."
Sincerely,
Freman Hendrix, Government Relations
Dennis Stolte, ICT
Jessica "Decky" Alexander, Communication, Media and Theatre
Arts
