Editor's Note: Eastern Michigan
University's United Way campaign begins Oct. 19 and runs
through Dec. 8. The following is an introductory letter
from Jessica "Decky" Alexander,
Mary Jo Desprez and Dennis Stolte, this year's co-chairs
for the United Way campaign.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We begin this year's United Way campaign determined, as
in years past, to make a significant impact on the community.
Our EMU community has experienced tension and hostility
that has and continues to impact many of us. We
understand such tensions may challenge this year's campaign,
but do hope that the immense needs within our local community
can bring us together for a larger community. We are committed
to working in meaningful and tangible ways with all of
you as we strive to reach our campaign goal.
 |
EASTERN EFFORT: Eastern
Michigan University's
United
Way campaign kicks off Oct. 19
and continues
through Dec. 8.
This year's goal is to raise
$120,000
to help United Way
programs. |
As we embark on this year's United Way campaign, we
do so amid a 7 percent state unemployment rate, an
average 4.3 percent countywide unemployment rate, and
14 percent of Washtenaw County residents living in poverty.
In 2005, 28 percent of Washtenaw families with a female
householder were living below the poverty level. The
United Way campaign will be providing support and assistance
for some of our neighbors who are most in need.
Agencies, such as the following, depend on the support
of United Way so they can provide support for people and
families in need:
- Peace Neighborhood Center serves families and youth with
after-school programs, substance-abuse recovery, job training
and placement for youth and adults.
- SOS Community Services, started more than 20 years ago
by an EMU student, continues to provide services for families
and individuals with housing assistance, emergency food
and human services referrals.
- ICARD/Ypsilanti Student Literacy Corps, which uses pre-EMU
student teachers to provide after-school tutoring to students
at schools and public housing sites on Ypsilanti's south
side.
- Hope Clinic, which provides free medical and dental care
to individuals without medical benefits or the ability
to pay.
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
on the various initiatives, agencies and approaches to
contributing to the campaign.
This year's campaign will run from Oct. 19-Dec. 8,
with a goal of raising $120,000. With your help, we know
we can do it. Please consider helping EMU help United
Way "build
better lives and communities."
Sincerely,
Jessica "Decky" Alexander
Mary Jo Desprez
Dennis Stolte
