Without a doubt 2011 was a “wake-up” call many of our health and human service organizations in Eaton County are happy to shake off.
While it is no surprise that nonprofits have been assisting more with less resources, the past have provided us a roadmap for 2012 preparing us to work more efficiently and collaboratively to leverage resources in order to deliver the best care for those in need. We are excited about the many initiatives and community events that our nonprofits have planned for this month. Some include:
- Project Homeless Connect, a one day “One Stop Shop” will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Charlotte on Thursday, January 26th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The event will offer resources for employment, housing, and health provided by agencies like the Housing Services for Eaton County, Siren, and the Health Department. Donations from businesses and churches in our community, including free hair cuts, coats and mittens, lunch and snacks are available. This year’s event will conduct a focus group. Free rides will be available to and from the event by calling EATRAN.
- MI Nonprofit Vote – where United Way will participate in this initiative led by the Michigan Participation Project (a program of Michigan Nonprofit Association), to engage nonprofits and municipalities to mobilize residents on voter registration and voter/candidate education during this critical election year.
- “Eaton Well” – A county-wide community challenge version of the popular T.V. show’s “The Biggest Loser” will be hosted by Eaton County United Way from February to the end of March. The event will recruit “teams” from local business and community organizations to compete for the title and prize, while building an awareness campaign on healthy eating and lifestyles, which is a critical issue affecting children and adults not only in our communities, but throughout the State.
In the year ahead, we need to take the responsibility to help our residents achieve their potential, promote financial stability and independence and improve people’s health. Here’s to a great new year!
