How I Live United

Paul

Hello. My name is Paul. I’m a Handyman. I’ve always been good at breaking things.  Eventually, I also became good at fixing things.

Today in our community, too many people are unaware of where to find help to solve challeng- ing problems they face or problems their loved ones face.

That’s why I started helping to unite donors, programs, and people with needs by associating myself with all three through United Way. And my favorite time was when about 20 workers at Kandu all stopped working and gave me hugs to show their appreciation.

I build bridges that connect donors to programs that help people, and to those who can use a little help.

Jeanette

Hello. My name is Jeanette. I’m the Executive Director of a United Way Partner Agency called Pathways, MI. I’ve always been good at bringing people together to create solutions.

Today in our community, too many people feel alone. I am particularly concerned about our young people who are transitioning into adulthood without family, a support system, or the basic information and assistance they need to be successful.

That’s why I have “adopted” a 19-year old. For the first time in her life, she has a stable home to count on and she can base her life choices from that place of safety. She is a permanent part of my family and together we are helping her get into school and find a job. My dad said he can’t wait for the opportunity to introduce her as his granddaughter, and she said she is only beginning to realize the importance of family. Her resilience and unfolding potential humble me every day. I am truly amazed by her! Her presence in my life increases my already strong professional commitment to create systems and relationships that young people need.

Kindness and compassion without exception,

Gail

Hello. My name is Gail. I’m an avid volunteer. I’ve always been good at organization and being put in leadership positions.

Today in our community, too many people are not able to advocate for themselves because they don’t know where to go for help.

That’s why I thoroughly enjoy my work at the North Ottawa County Council on Aging plus my volunteer position on the NOCHS board of directors representing the City of Grand Haven. Helping seniors directly, and indirectly by advocating for them at the local and State level, provides satisfaction knowing I have made a positive difference in someone’s life. The hospital is concerned about providing quality health care to our local residents, and serving on the board gives me the opportunity to advocate for policies and programs that accomplish this goal.

Personally, I have been richly blessed and believe in giving back to the community that has been so supportive of me and my family. And, working among the elderly, I have observed that those who do something for others age more gracefully and happily.

Using my leadership skills to better the community,

Jeff

Hello. My name is Jeff. I’m a business lawyer who loves living and working in Ottawa County. I’ve always been good at organizing and helping to complete community projects, like the new Loutit District Library.

Today in our community, too many people are struggling to make ends meet and to provide for their families.

That’s why I donate to, and help to raise money for, the annual United Way campaign—because the United Way campaign is the best way to support my friends and neighbors who are going through difficult times. It’s a great way to make sure that our contributions are used to help those most in need in Ottawa County, and to help our community work like it should—with neighbors helping neighbors.

Contributing and volunteering locally,

Mary Beth

Hello. My name is Mary Beth. I’m a school administrator who loves the opportunity to work with kids. I’ve always been good at bringing people together to get things done.

Today in our community, too many kids do not have goals and a direction for their lives. They do not realize the long-term impact some of their decisions have on their lives and the lives of others.

That’s why I work hard to pair kids with mentors who can be positive role models for them, and to set up peer-to-peer mentor programs to get kids involved in their community. These programs help kids to realize that one person can make a difference, and giving back to the community is important and rewarding.

Helping kids reach their potential,

Pete

Hello. My name is Pete. I’m the general manager of a local business and I’ve always been good at solving problems and getting people to go the extra mile to achieve business-related goals.

Today in our community, I see a lot of people having to go an extra mile just to get by, working harder than ever to provide for themselves and their families. Still, they often have to reach out for a helping hand to make ends meet.

That’s why I support the many organizations that receive funds from United Way. Whether it is the American Red Cross helping flood victims, the Boys & Girls Club providing youth development, or the Center for Women in Transition helping a woman and her children through a life crisis, I know my donation will give that helping hand to lift someone up when they need it the most.

I can’t describe how good it feels when I hear or read a story about someone who has been helped out of a tough situation because of the generosity of others in the community. I know that by giving back and helping people in my community, I’m making it a better place to live…and that’s good for everyone.

Giving back,

Rhonda

Hello. My name is Rhonda. I’m a Client Relationship Representative. I’ve always been good at problem solving.

Today in our community, too many people are suffering the effects of a depressed economy and living without the basic necessities of life.

That’s why I volunteer with United Way. Serving on a Community Investment panel is an eye opening experience. It gives insight into just how desperate these times have become. There are many deserving individuals and organizations that would not survive without the help of the community and United Way. When you are part of the community investment process you get firsthand knowledge of the agencies and their needs. You also get firsthand knowledge of just how passionate the organizations are when it comes to helping their community.

Volunteering with United Way,

Cindy

Hello. My name is Cindy. I’m an Administrative Assistant. I’ve always been good at organization and helping others do what needs to get done.

Today in our community, too many people are just trying to get through the day, dependent on the help of others for meals, transportation, and common daily tasks.

That’s why I help a young man who, as a result of a brain injury due to birth complications, has cerebral palsy. He is a highly intelligent person living in a body that just doesn’t work like it should. He has a college degree and gives lectures by typing the message into a computerized voice device, since he cannot speak. He needs the help of friends to make meals, eat, get groceries, and meet the general demands of daily living so that he can live independently.

This makes me realize how easy it is to take a healthy body and the ability to take care of daily living for granted. Who knows, I may need that kind of help from someone someday.

Sharing a part of my day,

Bill

Hello. My name is Bill. I’m a Plant Manager. I’ve always been good at organizing, prioritizing and leading teams.

Today in our community, too many people are going through life without all of the basic needs of living and without the proper support tools and programs to help them deal with the challenges of life.

That’s why I work on my company’s annual United Way fundraising campaign and then work on the United Way community investment committee to help ensure that the funds raised are distributed as effectively as possible to help the people most in need. It is very rewarding to see how the funds raised help so many people. It comes down to ordinary citizens helping each other.

Sharing my time, energy and resources,