The United Way Women’s Initiative expands the capacity of community programs in Midland County to serve women, children, families and the community by educating women and focusing funding and volunteers on issues and programs that matter most to women.

Our Mission
To improve lives in the Midland community by addressing unmet needs and unleashing the caring resources of women.

For and About Women
The United Way Women’s Initiative is a leadership network of women working to improve the Midland community through a focused investment of time, talent, compassion and philanthropy.

Through our events and programs, we offer women 5 great opportunities:

• 1 -- a chance to connect with others on issues that matter most to women
• 2 -- a collective voice on issues related to improving the quality of life for everyone in our community
• 3 -- a sense of community among women by providing opportunities to learn, volunteer, network and mentor
• 4 -- recognition for those accomplishments
• 5 -- opportunities to direct funding and volunteer time to programs that address women’s concerns - a collective philanthropic effort in the community

  For the Community
  The Women’s Initiative provides a network of women dedicated to enhancing the health and vitality of life for women, children, families and the community through:

  • Community awareness events – “Finding Balance Through Connection:  Hope for Women With Too Much To Do”- Oct.’05
  • “Children of Children”, A photographic exhibit by Michael Nye, Sept.’06
  • Teen Pregnancy in Midland County panel discussion – Sept. ‘06
  • Community Grants Program – 2006 and 2007
  • Volunteer opportunities – National Family Volunteering Day, Nov. ‘05

  Support
  The Women’s Initiative began with support from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. The Dow Foundation challenge grant for United Way Leadership Circle donors provides funding for the community grants program scheduled which began in the spring of 2006.

  Midland County was one of six Michigan communities selected to pilot a national strategy to increase the philanthropic practices of women and girls and provide children and youth with the 5 fundamental resources needed to succeed -caring adults, safe places, healthy starts, marketable skills and opportunities to serve.  A challenge grant from the Corporation for National Service and its leveraged local matches enabled the United Way of America and the six local UW’s in Michigan to initiate a civic engagement movement to involve more women and girls as effective advocates and result in better outcomes for children and youth.

  Women's Initiative Leadership Council