United Way campaign kicks off Oct. 9 at UM-Dearborn

October 3, 2012

Patti Jones understands the needs of southeast Michigan residents.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Children need a solid education in order to excel. Residents who lost their homes to foreclosure need a roof over their head. And those who go to bed hungry need food.

“The needs are definitely there, not only across southeast Michigan, but even at University of Michigan-Dearborn,” said Jones, coordinator of experiential learning for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters’ (CASL) Co-Op Program.

Jones will serve as campaign chair of this year’s United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaign, which kicks off October 9 at UM-Dearborn.

Jones encourages faculty and staff to help her raise $35,000.

This year’s United Way campaign again focuses on areas that provide lasting solutions to the critical issues facing southeast Michigan. These solutions provide metro Detroiters with three building blocks: an education that leads to a steady job, an income that can help support a family and access to basic needs.

For more information about the United Way’s goals, visit United Way of Southeast Michigan.

And there’s never been an easier way to donate. This year, faculty and staff can give to the United Way electronically through Wolverine Access. Under the Faculty and Staff tab, the United Way link is listed as an Announcement. No paper forms are required, although they can be used if a donor prefers it.

“The goal was to make it easier for faculty and staff to donate, and we believe the option to give online does just that,” Jones said.

Faculty and staff may designate pledges specifically to one of the three United Way building blocks for a better southeast Michigan – education, income or basic needs. Pledges also may be designated to a specific agency supporting one of the three building blocks, or to a specific United Way county other than Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.

This year’s goal is to have at least 25 percent participation among UM-Dearborn faculty and staff.

CASL will sponsor this year’s annual giving campaign. For more information about this year’s campaign, contact Patti Jones at [email protected].