Programs and Partnerships

United Way of the West Shore places Resource Advocates in schools to help remove barriers and address concerns that can stand in the way of student success. We address basic needs, healthcare, and provide community resources — allowing educators to focus on teaching while students are better supported to learn and reach their potential.

United Way of the West Shore provides an Employer Resource Advocate to ten local partner companies. This collaborative program is designed to support employee success. Each participating workplace has access to an on-site Employer Resource Advocate who works directly with employees to address challenges that may interfere with job performance or long-term wellbeing.

2-1-1 is a free, FCC-designated service that connects individuals to health and human services 24/7 by phone, text, or live chat. This is effort is led by United Way Worldwide, the Michigan Association of United Ways, and The Community Access Line of the Lakeshore.

Ludington Coats and Boots is a nonprofit organization that provides free winter clothing and boots to qualifying students in need within Mason County.

For more information, visit their website at:
https://www.coatsandboots4kids.com/

West Michigan Community Mental Health’s mission is to partner, coordinate, and provide high quality care for children, adults, and families experiencing mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders, serving the Mason, Lake, and Oceana Counties.

We partner with WMCMH for substance use inpatient treatment transportation assistance.

For more information, visit their website at:
https://www.wmcmhs.org/

Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters' (COVE) mission is to provide shelter, protection, and advocacy to victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault while also educating the community about the root causes of violence.

We are parters in COVE’s Shelter Services program.

For more information on COVE, visit their website at:
https://www.callcove.com/

TrueNorth strengthens rural and urban communities and empowers individuals by meeting them wherever their needs are. Their programs help inspire future leaders, encourage self-sufficiency, and create new opportunities by offering assistance with housing and other essential needs.

We partner with TrueNorth Community Services’ Family Housing Support Program.

For more information on True North’s services, please visit:
https://www.truenorthservices.org/

Dedicated to empowering, encouraging and educating people in their path to quality, affordable housing, which includes critical home repair.

We partner with Home Team Housing’s Critical Home Repair Program.

A youth services outreach organization serving Lake, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Oceana and Wexford Counties, providing prevention, supportive, and homeless services to youth and families at risk or in crisis.

We partner with Staircase Youth Service’s Youth Outreach Program.

For more information on Staircase’s operations, visit:
https://www.staircaseyouthservices.org/

The Community Foundation for Mason County’s Kickstart to Career program provides every kindergarten student with a special account that will continue to grow over a child’s K-12 school years. These accounts will help children start saving money for their future career training or college expenses.

United Way of the West Shore sponsors fourth grade classes in Mason County as they work to achieve their academic goals.

For more information about the K2C program, visit their website at:
https://mason-foundation.org/kick-start-to-career/