We joined a lively group of 7th and 8th grade girls in the band room at Bullock Creek Middle School. They were getting to know Officer Vince, a road patrol officer with Midland County. As the father of teenage girls himself, he knew just how to get and keep their interest. He was the guest speaker at this week’s Moving On meeting.

The girls asked a lot of targeted questions, but were really interested in tasers and whether or not he had been on the receiving end. He relayed a very humorous story about “accidentally” getting tased while bringing down a perpetrator. His partner had the used the taser to stop a fleeing suspect and when Officer Vince made contact with him, was given “the shock of his life.”

After lots of laughter and questions about how it felt to get a jolt of electricity, they felt comfortable to ask more questions. He explained how he had gotten in law enforcement and the skills and education needed to be successful. The girls were somewhat surprised to learn that he uses math and science in his job every day.

One subject they discussed was bullying. The girls were quick to share personal stories of being bullied or knowing a classmate who had been bullied. One young lady pointed out that: “in their minds they think it makes them look better.” Everyone agreed that the opposite was actually true. They brainstormed different ways they can stop this destructive behavior. One brave girl shared how she actually stands up for someone being bullied, even if it isn’t one of her friends.

They covered a lot of ground, from the dangers of texting while driving to what to expect as they made the transition to high school.

The Moving On program was launched in 2009 and matches middle school aged kids with student mentors from local colleges and universities. The group meets once per week and strives to build self esteem and confidence through one to one mentoring, learning and hands-on activities. There are currently eight groups formed in Midland County with a waiting list of kids in need of a mentor. There is a particular need for young men to serve as mentors.

Your support of United Way allows Hidden Harvest to rescue food in Midland and deliver it free of charge to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other nonprofit community programs that feed many of our neighbors every day. To find out more about Hidden Harvest or how you can help make a difference, visit www.hiddenharvestshares.org.

As the bell rang at Eastlawn Elementary, the halls quickly filled with students, staff and parents. We made our way to the Library, where high school students from Midland and Dow High were getting ready to welcome their “Littles.”

The first stop was the snack table, where everyone could share in cheese sticks, crackers and apple juice. There were twelve pairs of bigs and littles gathered around the tables, working on homework, playing games and spending time together.

Nicki is a senior at Midland High and has been a mentor to 9-year-old Brady for the past four years. They spent time going over this week’s spelling words, and working on today’s homework. Brady’s favorite subjects are math and reading, and they both love looking up facts from resource books like Guinness Book of World Records. Nicki is following in the path of her older sister, who also served as a Teaming Up With YOUth mentor.

Across the room, Raye Anne and Andrew are working on math flash cards. Raye Anne was a little for over six years and now is thrilled to be able to be a big to Andrew. After getting homework completed, they like to play games. Their favorite is Trouble. Andrew has three younger sisters and a younger brother and loves having the experience of a “Big Sister.”

Another pair, Luke and Travis, are enjoying  their snacks while working on a reading assignment. Luke, a sophomore at Midland High has two older brothers who mentored him during his childhood and thought being a big to Travis would be a good way to give back. They both enjoy the time they spend in the gym playing games after the homework is complete.

Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan’s Teaming Up With YOUth program matches kids in grades 1-5 with a high school mentor in this popular after school program.  Mentors and students meet once a week in a group setting, focusing on homework, playing games and creating lasting friendships to build confidence, self-esteem and academic achievement.

Your support of United Way allows Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan to continue to make a difference in the lives of local youth. To find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters or how you can help make a difference, visit  http://www.bbbsheartofmi.org.

We arrived at Hidden Harvest and were greeted warmly by Executive Director, Rich Premo, who led us into their open-concept office space. Staff members Jane and Andy were preparing to redistribute 300 bags of groceries and 250 pounds of potatoes to hungry Midland County families that day.

Hidden Harvest rescues food from forty food donors in Midland, including schools, corporations, restaurants, grocery stores and farmers. Last year, 825,000 pounds of food was rescued in Midland and over 2 million pounds of food was distributed in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

As we came through the doors of the warehouse and couldn’t miss a mountain of potatoes in front of us. A local farmer donated 40,000 pounds of potatoes that Rich said would be gone by the end of the week. Earlier in the season, that same farmer generously contributed 80,000 pounds of sweet corn.

The warehouse was sparkling clean and so was all of the equipment. Rich was proud of the sanitizing station that employees use to clean the interior of the delivery vehicles each night. Food safety is taken very seriously at Hidden Harvest.

Our next stop was a pile of pickles! A local fast food restaurant donated five gallon pails of dill pickles stacked more than five feet high. What an impressive sight! Not many non-profits would be able to receive a donation this large, but Hidden Harvest has a huge facility for storage, an effective delivery system and distributes to a wide network of agencies.  More than 30 agencies in Midland and 175 in the region receive rescued food from Hidden Harvest.

Rich recalled a phone call he received from an ice cream distributor who had 17,000 pounds of ice cream that needed to be donated immediately or it would go to waste. Thanks to the large freezer space, Hidden Harvest had the resources to store the incredible donation. Within two days the ice cream made it into the hands of local families who normally wouldn’t be able to afford  this tasty treat.

Proud of the grass-roots movement to rescue food, Hidden Harvest encourages local gardeners to “plant a row” for hungry families. Midlanders can drop off fresh produce at local churches, including Messiah Lutheran, Memorial Presbyterian Church, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Containers were overflowing with apples and potatoes this year.  

Your support of United Way allows Hidden Harvest to rescue food in Midland and deliver it free of charge to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other nonprofit community programs that feed many of our neighbors every day. To find out more about Hidden Harvest or how you can help make a difference, visit www.hiddenharvestshares.org.

After a warm greeting from the staff at Senior Services, we headed to the Trailside Center where a  group of senior women were learning how to line dance, in preparation of an upcoming “hoedown”.  You could smell the beginnings of lunch, which is served at this site to an average of 50 people each weekday.  Senior Services provides meals at five other locations throughout the county.   Combined, they provide nearly 189 on-site meals to seniors each day.

Additionally, they provide 463 meals each week through their “Meals on Wheels” program, which delivers a healthy meal to home-bound seniors.  

Senior Services Centers provide lively and engaging activities for older adults. There is something for everyone, including arts & crafts, book clubs, woodworking, painting and much more. They also provide a series of educational programs, including the Great Decisions group which focuses on current events and the Lunchtime Learners seminars. These critical-thinking activities help to improve and maintain brain health.

Senior Services has a fleet of vehicles and over 50 volunteers that provide door-to-door transportation throughout the county for older adults who can no longer drive themselves. For just $2 per one-way trip, local seniors can be transported to medical appointments, grocery stores and even a trip to the hair salon.

Earlier this year, they had the grand opening of Seasons II, an adult day center specializing in Alzheimer’s or and dementia care. Seasons I continues to meet the needs of those who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, while Seasons II meets the unique needs of those in the later stages of the disease. The new facility became necessary with the growing needs of seniors in Midland County. Both Seasons programs provide transportation as needed and operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

When we arrived at Seasons I, there was a group of participants working on a new recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies. There were also a few tables where board games were being played, along with their morning coffee. A piano was in place for a lunch-time sing-along and special music

Senior Services is dedicated to meeting the ever-evolving needs of our community’s older adults and their families. They strive to help people remain independent as long as possible, while offering support and services to the family members who are taking care of them. Their Friendly Visitor and Meals on Wheels programs supports home-bound seniors and their Handy Man program provides home improvement help. They also provide counseling for families, home housekeeping services, legal aid from local attorneys, prescription assistance, and health camps.

Your support of United Way allows Senior Services to help local seniors and their families. To find out more about Senior Services and their Seasons Program, visit them at www.seniorservicesmidland.org.

We arrive to the sound of the phone ringing, a very typical sound for this busy call center. 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan is a free, single connection to the hundreds of health and human services available in our community. Callers get one-call convenience and advice from a trained specialist who directs them to the resources that will serve them best during their time of need. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including crisis calls.

Each call is taken by a certified call specialist, who helps to assess and guide the caller to the best resources to meet their needs. Often the problems they are calling about are not actually the root cause for their situation, and this guidance better helps them find real solutions.

2-1-1 answered over 11,000 calls in 2010 alone, most seeking help for meeting their basic needs like food, housing and utility costs. With the continuing economic struggles, many are first-time callers who never thought they would need to reach out for help.

Their extensive database includes 378 agencies and over 1,500 individual programs that they refer callers to and is updated regularly. They also participate in numerous community collaboratives to best keep their finger on the pulse of new programs and services to those in need.

2-1-1 Northeast Michigan currently serves five counties: Midland, Isabella, Gratiot, Clare and Gladwin, with plans to expand in early 2012 to serve 17 counties throughout northeast Michigan. By late 2012, the entire state should be able to pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1. Good to know that people in need in our community have a compassionate place to call when they need a lifeline the most.

Your support of United Way allows 2-1-1 to be on the line to help those in need throughout the region. To find out more about 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan, visit www.211nemichigan.org.

It’s a typical Tuesday morning, and West Midland Family Center is buzzing with activity. The preschoolers are coming in from the nature playground, seniors are dancing and playing cards, a couple is working in the computer lab, and folks are arriving to receive help filling their pantries with healthy food. There’s a reason that the word “family” is in their name.

West Midland Family Center is just that—a center of family activity for those living in the west end of the county. Every weekday from 8:00 until 2:00, seniors gather (for the Greendale Happy Diners meal program sponsored by Senior Services) to play games, socialize and enjoy lunch. Today there is live music, a few games of euchre and Mardi gras beads for everyone.  One woman, whose grandson just left for his third tour of duty overseas, was hugged and reassured from her friends. Another gal mentioned the preschool class, and as the kids stop by, they join in the dancing before they head out for lunch. She loves “hanging out” with the kids. In fact, she and many of her friends, stay later in the afternoon to help tutor students at West Midland’s After School Program.

West Midland Family Center offers two full day preschool classes on site (and three more classes off site). The students learn through play, reading stories, playing educational games and learning valuable life lessons. Each day after lunch, students take a lot of pride in cleaning up the table and washing their own dishes. We arrive during story time and a rousing song of “We wish you well” for a classmate who is sick at home. One young boy was thrilled to be the weather person that day and reported that “the trees have wind in them today.”

We toured the elementary room and teen room, where kids from all ages come after school to spend time with friends, get help with homework and blow off some energy in the gym. This incredible program is provided every day until 5:30 and even provides free transportation home to those in need.  There is also a parent resource room with take-home activity totes, helpful books and information about community programs and services.

We stop by the office for Dow COP (College Opportunity Program) where they serve high school students from limited income households.  The students start the program in the 9th grade, and work hard while in high school to make their dream of a college education a reality. Counseling, accountability, cultural activities and mentoring make up the core or the program. WMFC staff members are particularly proud of the college graduation rate for those who complete their program—75% compared to 20% for similarly situated students who did not attend the program.

Your support of United Way allows West Midland Family Center to reach the families, seniors and individuals in the west end of the county with a message of hope for the future. To find out more about West Midland Family Center or how you can help make a difference, visit www.wmfc.org.

Tears welled up in Kim’s* eyes as she opened up to the group for the first time. Shocked by a diagnosis of breast cancer only two days before Christmas, Kim underwent a double mastectomy last month. Her body had changed so drastically,  she looked for reassurance online. Unable to find photos of anyone who looked like she did after her surgery, Kim felt alone in her journey.

After a hug from staff member, Lisa, a breast cancer survivor herself, Kim was encouraged by the interactive session.  She learned Cancer Services could provide her with post surgical supplies to make her more comfortable, books and resources to guide her recovery and a sense of belonging to a community of women facing similar challenges.

Another member shared her gratitude for the resources Cancer Services provides. “I don’t know what I would have done without this support group,” she said.  Although she’s in remission now and providing hope and encouragement for others, in her early stages of treatment she described herself as an emotional wreck and relied on the group for support.

After a healthy lunch, members heard from a community expert focusing on wellness. She encouraged participants to find a healthy balance; emotionally, spiritually and physically. She guided the women through a nutrition lesson and taught the benefits of exercise and stress reduction.  

Members have requested speakers who bring information to meet their changing needs. Guests have included experts in acupuncture, nutrition, wellness and finance.

In addition to the women’s support group, Cancer Services offers a monthly support group for men with prostate cancer. Their Facing Forward series, offered every other month in collaboration with local cancer professionals, and the Coping With Cancer Together Support Group focus on life after cancer treatment .  To reduce the risk of recurrence and to improve mood, Cancer Services brings Gentle Yoga, Reiki Healing Energy and Zumba Gold to its clients.

Your support of United Way allows Cancer Services to help families and individuals cope with the difficult diagnosis of cancer. To find out more about Cancer Services or how you can help make a difference, visit www.cancerservicesmidland.org.

*Her name has been changed to protect her identity.

During a very detailed discussion about the intense emotional and physical changes that take place after a baby arrives, one young father gently leaned over to his expecting partner and lovingly stroked her expanding belly.

Designed for young and first-time parents, Family & Children’s Services (FCS) Prepared Parents class is a like boot camp to prepare for the challenges that a new baby brings. The class runs for twelve weeks and covers a range of topics including pregnancy, labor & delivery, postpartum recovery, infant care and CPR, child development and child safety.

The topic for the night was postpartum care, life adjustments, bonding and breastfeeding. Many in the room were surprised to learn that about 20% of new mothers experience some type of postpartum mood disorder. In addition to pregnancy and delivery support, FCS is committed to offering free counseling sessions to members of the group for the first year of the baby’s life. They recognize that the many changes that take place can leave many new parents feeling overwhelmed and alone and are committed to being a beacon of hope for these new parents.

The participants were quick to absorb the material, and enthusiastically participated in brainstorming creative ways to develop their new baby’s brain. One young couple talked about reading and singing to their baby before it is born and another new mom had considered using headphones to expose her baby to classical music. A young father was excited to count his son’s fingers and toes for him in the first months of his life.

After a healthy snack and a group discussion about baby names, the men and women separated into two classes. The men headed to Daddy Boot Camp, to learn how to support their partner and child in the coming months. The women were given step-by-step instructions on breast-feeding. One mother, who is due to deliver next week, was concerned about passing on infections through breast milk. She was reassured when the therapist told her that the antibodies her body would produce would actually help protect the baby, not harm her.

Family & Children’s is committed to being there to support young and first-time parents. They strive to connect participants to playgrounds, learning opportunities, developmental screenings, and financial and housing resources. All of their pre- and post-natal services are provided free of charge.

Family & Children's Services also provides family and couples counseling, comprehensive substance abuse services and prevention programs. They provide outreach programs in the local schools including teaching life skills classes to area high school and middle school and elementary students. During the summer months they host Camp Iknowme, a day camp for at-risk youth that focuses on positive social relationships, anger management and substance abuse prevention.

Your support of United Way allows Family & Children’s Services families to reach out to new parents and prepare them for the challenges and joys that a new baby brings. To find out more about this and the many other programs they offer, contact FCS at (989) 631-5390.

Diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, John Smith* faced a tough reality. Months of treatment took a serious toll, but throughout he kept a positive outlook and counted on the support of family and friends. John beat the odds and today is an inspiration to many who are struggling with the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis.

Through the Partners As Life Survivors (PALS) program at Cancer Services, John comes along side others who have received the same grim news he once heard. The mentoring program pairs survivors with newly diagnosed patients to help them navigate the emotional ups and downs that a cancer diagnosis brings.

His story provides encouragement and hope for other cancer patients. Cancer Services focuses on both supporting cancer patients and their families, and preventing the disease from happening in the first place. Visit the office and some days you’ll find salsa music playing in the conference room with folks participating in a lively Zumba class. Other days, gentle yoga sessions relax and energize.

Support groups, financial assistance, counseling and volunteer support is available free of charge through Cancer Services. An extensive supply of wigs is also provided to those suffering through the side effects of cancer treatments. More than one hundred volunteers dedicate time to driving patients to appointments, assisting with errands and providing support through encouraging phone calls.

Cancer Services also focuses on educating the community through awareness events and a robust library of materials. They provide tobacco dependence treatment and colorectal cancer screening kits. Healthy Living School presentations in the local schools aim to keep our youth tobacco-free.

*His name has been changed to protect his identity.

Your support of United Way allows Cancer Services to help families cope with the difficult diagnosis of cancer. To find out more about Cancer Services or how you can help make a difference, visit www.cancerservicesmidland.org.

The evening began with a quote by Abraham Lincoln: “I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.”

Every woman in the group is a survivor of domestic violence. They began with a discussion of the Abraham Lincoln quote. Many agreed that being a survivor means standing up for yourself.

For seventeen years, Zoe, the mother of seven, felt that she could never do anything right. She and her children had to hide library books, for fear her husband would verbally attack her for wasting gas money. Even though he never hit her, the scars from the constant controlling and berating abuse are still visible. She found safe haven at Shelterhouse years ago, and continues on her journey of healing by participating in the weekly support group.

Susan has four young children and didn’t even realize she was in an abusive relationship until she saw a domestic violence checklist in the newspaper. When she checked 16 of the 17 boxes, she knew she needed to take action. After returning to her husband four times, she made her final escape and is now concentrating on her education and raising her children.

Ruth suffered abuse for five years, and when she finally fought back, she spent time in jail for assault. Now divorced, she is putting the pieces of her life back together, with the support of her sister, Mary.

After the birth of her son, Mary’s husband became jealous and the physical abuse and isolation she experienced for ten years escalated.  To protect her son from harm, Mary escaped to Shelterhouse. Today her son is confident and happy in school, and Mary is rebuilding the broken relationships with her family.

The women share their stories and encourage each other in their journey toward healing. After a relaxing meditation, the women learn how to escape from their fear-filled thoughts and can ease into a peaceful night’s sleep. “I am grateful for the A. C. E. support group, it gives me the strength to make it through the next six days,” shared one survivor.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of interviewees.

Your support of United Way makes the healing process possible for the residents of Shelterhouse. To find out more about Shelterhouse or how you can help make a difference, visit http://www.shelterhousemidland.org/

“I’m not ready to die. I thank God for this place,” shared a resident at Shelterhouse who had arrived two nights earlier. The residents come together each morning with a client advocate to plan goals for the day. A woman with two small children needed a dentist appointment, help with her Medicaid status and planned to submit job applications that afternoon. Other residents were planning to visit grandchildren, attend counseling sessions and offered to drive others on their job hunt. They all agreed that turkey and stuffing would be the meal they would prepare together at dinner.

This is a glimpse into the daily routine of a victim of domestic violence seeking refuge at Shelterhouse. Many residents show up with only the clothes on their back, and struggle with making even the smallest decision, like “What’s for dinner.” For many survivors of abuse, the ability to make every day decisions has been taken away.

There are usually twelve residents living at Shelterhouse, sharing 6 bedrooms, a common living room and a kitchen. The average stay is about one month, some leaving sooner and many staying longer. Each person is assigned an advocate and all receive free counseling for themselves and their children. They are offered parenting classes, basic necessities like clothing, toiletries, food and blankets.

Independence is a desire for every resident, including housing, employment and securing health care for themselves and their children. Many also need help navigating the legal system. Living together can be a very important first step, as they learn to trust and make connections with other people. They are encouraged to find common ground and overcome the isolation that so many have experienced.

Your support of United Way makes the healing process possible for the residents of Shelterhouse. To find out more about Shelterhouse or how you can help make a difference, visit http://www.shelterhousemidland.org/