Building a Stronger Community Together: Our Annual Workplace Giving Campaign

What Is Our Annual Workplace Campaign?

An annual workplace giving campaign is a company fundraising effort that empowers employees to support United Way of the West Shore through payroll deductions, a one-time gift, or flexible giving options. Beyond raising critical dollars, workplace giving provides local businesses with a meaningful opportunity to foster stronger employee engagement, boost workplace morale, and make a direct positive impact in their surrounding communities.

Understanding Local Needs: ALICE Data in Mason & Manistee Counties.

Our campaign priority is shaped by data from United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), which measures working households earning above the Federal Poverty Level but below the basic cost of living as wages fail to keep pace with household essentials.

Mason and Manistee County at a Glance (2024 Data)

• Financial hardship: Mason County: 39% of households (5,022 of 12,801) live below the ALICE threshold, including 26% ALICE and 13% in poverty. Manistee County: 43% (4,571 of 10,561), including 31% ALICE and 13% in poverty. Combined: 41% of households (9,593 of 23,362).

• Household survival budget: Mason County: A single adult needs $28,008 a year ($14.00/hour); a family of four with two children in child care needs $74,040 ($37.02/hour). Manistee County: A single adult needs $30,552 ($15.28/hour); a family of four with two children in child care needs $82,716 ($41.36/hour).

• Vulnerable populations – single female-headed households and the elderly: Among single-female-headed households with children, hardship affects 76% in Mason and 88% in Manistee. Among householders under 25, it affects 54% in Mason and 73% in Manistee. Among seniors aged 65 and older, the reported rate is 49% in Manistee.

How We Help: Direct Services & Referral Services

Contributions to United Way of the West Shore fund essential community networks designed to remove personal and professional barriers:

• Resource Advocates in the Workplace: Embedded directly within partner companies, on-site Employer Resource Advocates work one-on-one with staff to address challenges—such as housing instability or financial stress—that impact job performance and overall well-being.

• Resource Advocates in the Schools: Placed in local K–12 school districts (Ludington Area Schools, Mason County Central, Gateway to Success Academy) and West Shore Community College, Advocates assist students and families with basic needs, healthcare, and community referrals so teachers can focus on instruction.

• 2-1-1 Information & Referral Helpline: A free, confidential 24/7 helpline connecting residents to vital local health and human services via phone, text, or live chat.

• Community Initiatives & Agency Partnerships:

  • Nutrition Assistance (Manistee County): Supplying local food pantries with fresh protein and running a 50% produce buy-back program with local farmers.

  • Ludington Coats & Boots: Providing free winter clothing to qualifying Mason County students.

  • Partner Programs: Supporting TrueNorth’s Family Housing Support, Home Team Housing’s Critical Home Repair, Staircase Youth Services, and Kick Start to Career savings accounts for fourth graders.

• Emergency Loan Programs: Employer-linked financial tools repaid conveniently via payroll deduction, including Bridge Loans (up to $1,000 paired with a $500 savings incentive through West Shore Bank) and interest-free Transportation Loans (up to $2,000).

What Your Funding Allowed Us to Do Last Year

Thanks to campaign donors, United Way of the West Shore delivered life-changing support across our region during the last fiscal year.

• 7,485 Direct Services: Resource Advocates assisted 632 unduplicated individuals across K–12 schools, West Shore Community College, and partner workplaces.

  • K–12 Schools: Served 351 individuals (a 37% increase), with housing assistance requests growing by 54% and transportation needs by 33%.

  • Workforce Partners: Served 154 employees across 10 companies, seeing a 76% increase in transportation loan assistance and a 29% increase in bridge loans.

• $17,316.22 in Direct Financial Assistance: Provided urgent relief to 37 individuals for housing ($7,586.10), utilities ($4,075.66), transportation, gas cards, food, and emergency lodging.

• $19,389 in Emergency Loans Issued: Supported 8 workers with Bridge Loans ($8,875 total) to handle emergencies and build savings, and issued 8 Transportation Loans ($10,514 total) for vehicle purchases or vital auto repairs.

• Food Relief: Distributed 2,000 pounds of protein to 10 local food pantries in Manistee County.

• Client Satisfaction & Emotional Impact:

  • 94% of client survey respondents indicated that services helped address their needs.

  • 96% stated they would recommend working with a Resource Advocate.

  • Qualitative feedback highlighted that Advocates provided life-changing relief, preserved client dignity, and significantly reduced day-to-day anxiety during major financial hardships.