Capital Area Newsletter December 2022
In this issue:

  • New Year, New Us!
  • Impact Week 2022
  • We're Hiring
  • Utility Assistance Available
  • CapCAN Shares Scholarship Information
  • UWSCMI VITA Volunteers Needed
New Year, New Us!
Our Digital Channels are Changing.
In April of this year, we merged three United Way organizations (UW of Jackson County, Capital Area UW, and UW of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region) to become United Way of South Central Michigan. On January 1, 2023, our social media channels will fully reflect this change. You can now find all things South Central Michigan under the social media handle @unitedforscmi on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Our previous local United Way channels will no longer be updated after the start of the new year.

In addition, we look forward to launching a new digital newsletter - What's Happening @ United Way SCMI - in the new year. You'll find local and regional United Way updates, stories of impact, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and much more. Be sure to subscribe for all the latest information. Text UNITEDFORSCMI to 22828 to join now.

It's Impact Week 2022!
Impact Week starts today! Tune in to our social media channels and website every day this week to learn more about ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Reports and how the data is used to drive our investments, partnerships and programs across our six-county region. Follow us @unitedforscmi on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
We are currently seeking a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Director. If you or someone you know is interested in this highly rewarding position assisting families and individuals in our communities, please share the news!
Utility Assistance is Available
Behind on your utility bills? Struggling to keep up? Forced to make tough choices between food or medicine and keeping the lights on? We’re here to help! The Program Assistance Center, operated by United Way of South Central Michigan, works with utility providers statewide as part of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program. We’ll help you catch up on your utility bills—plus we can connect you with resources to help you become self-sufficient. This help is available to anyone living in Michigan. Get started today! Call, email or go online. UWEnergyHelp.org, (517) 741-0202 or pac@uwenergyhelp.org.
It's Scholarship Season: You Can
Afford to Go to College
FAFSA is the gateway to money for college. By completing the FAFSA a student will learn if they are eligible for grants, scholarships, work-study or subsidized loans from the federal government. FAFSA completion also makes you eligible for state funding including the Michigan Competitive Scholarships and TIP (Tuition Incentive Program). FAFSA also opens the door for funding from the college, the community, and many local scholarships funds.
 
Don't forget to help CapCAN push out #FAFSAFlocked to senior families by using their "You've Been Flocked" tools and posting #FAFSAFlocked social media posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
One scholarship students are eligible for - just by filling out the FAFSA - is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. There is more money for college than ever before in Michigan with this scholarship. It’s available to all students attending both public and private universities and community colleges in Michigan.
 
This month's #CapCANKnows Podcast features a conversation with one of CapCAN’s College Ambassadors about her college journey and how she is taking full advantage of scholarships.
In addition to scholarships, CapCAN is excited this month to be launching their LaunchPAD Assemblies! These are customizable workshops you can schedule with Jonathan Rosewood, CapCAN’s College Access and Engagement Associate. They range from a variety of topics, including: financial aid, college mentoring, goal setting and more. Contact Jonathan (rosewood@capcan.org) to schedule an assembly for your students, parents, youth groups and mentors.
 
Stay safe and healthy this winter!
Become a VITA Volunteer
UWSCMI’s VITA Shared Services team is still looking for volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, also known as VITA. VITA is a service that provides free income tax preparation to low-to-moderate-income individuals and families saving clients hundreds of thousands in tax preparation fees, and help access millions worth of refunds. No prior experience is needed! Training is provided virtually and self-paced, incorporating support from experienced volunteers and staff. Main site is in Lansing, MI with sites also in Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Kalamazoo, Ingham, Ionia, Montcalm, Shiawassee, and Washtenaw counties. If you are in any of those counties, and want to volunteer in person, or have interest in volunteering virtually, this is a great opportunity! Visit micauw.org/vita-volunteers to learn more.

There's Still Time to Make a Difference
Your generous support is changing live in the tri-county area. Please continue to be a part of this important work.. Learn more at unitedforscmi.org
United Way of
South Central Michigan
www.unitedforscmi.org
Capital Area Location
330 Marshall Street
Suite 203
Lansing MI 48912
517.203.5000