Campus United Way campaign aims to provide solutions to issues facing southeast Michigan

When Chris Brintley ran out of milk, he walked down the steps of his Detroit home and headed to the grocery store. And when he needed to mail a package, he grabbed his wallet and keys and trotted down those same steps toward the post office.

But a medical scare changed everything for the 55-year-old Detroit native. A few years ago, Brintley’s left leg was amputated as result of complications from diabetes.

The operation left Brintley wheelchair-bound. Brintley no longer could make his routine trips to the grocery store and post office because getting down the steps proved too difficult.

“Trying to get out for appointments and things, it wasn’t happening,” he said.

That is until a group of University of Michigan-Dearborn students and other volunteers, as part of United Way of Southeastern Michigan, built a ramp that attached to Brintley’s front door so he could run errands and enjoy the outdoors.

“Having a ramp makes a difference, a big difference,” he said.

Brintley credits the volunteers and United Way for giving him back a sense of freedom. This year, Brintley returned the favor by donating to United Way.

“Now I have contributions that go directly to United Way because I know what they’re doing,” he said. “I want to make sure they get theirs.”

UM-Dearborn faculty and staff also have an opportunity this month to donate to a good cause, as the 2011 United Way for Southeastern Michigan annual campaign kicked off Nov. 4 on campus.

This year’s campaign again focuses on areas that provide lasting solutions to the critical issues facing southeast Michigan. These solutions provide metro Detroiters with the three building blocks needed for a good life: an education that leads to a steady job, an income that can help support a family and access to basic needs. There has never been a greater need for help.

For information about the United Way’s goals, please visit http://liveunitedsem.org.

United Way information and pledge cards were distributed to faculty and staff last week. Each unit has an assigned area coordinator who will distribute information kits and will be able to answer any questions regarding the campaign. This year’s pledge cards are due by Nov. 30. And as incentive for those who turn in their pledge cards by Nov. 18, they will be in the running for a pair of tickets to the Michigan/Ohio State football game on Nov. 26 in Ann Arbor.

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.

There are several ways to help, including payroll deductions, credit/debit cards or a one-time check. This year’s goal is to raise $35,000 and generate at least 25 percent participation among UM-Dearborn faculty and staff.

Enrollment Management and Student Life is sponsoring this year’s annual giving campaign.

For more information about this year’s campaign, please contact Christopher Tremblay at [email protected].