Coach?

Renee Stockholm doesn’t look like your typical coach…
In fact, she isn’t.
But, because Renee has been giving to the Barry County United Way through her Union since the 1970’s she has enabled numerous children to be coached through her contributions. Youth are learning teamwork, self-esteem and leadership skills. Your contribution helps us change lives, shape our community and create a positive impact for years to come.

Renee makes it happen and so can you through your contribution.

Dr. Troy Carlson doesn’t look like a typical chef…
In fact, he isn’t.
But, because local physician Dr. Troy Carlson contributes to the Barry County United Way campaign, we are able to support programs that provide food to families and meals to aging adults in our community.Your contribution helps us change lives, shape our community and create a positive impact for years to come.

Dr. Carlson makes it happen and so can you through your contribution.

Chef?

Counselor?

Sgt. Ade Bierens doesn’t look like your typical counselor…
In fact, he isn’t.
But, because Ade chooses to designate Barry County United Way on his Kent County employers pledge card, we are able to support programs that provide counseling to children, teens and adults in our community at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Your contribution helps us change lives, shape our community and create a positive impact for years to come.

Ade makes it happen and so can you through your contribution.

Why it matters…..

Lives Changed…..

Nationally, at least 7 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 spend too much time on their own during a typical week, without access to positive activities.
(After School Care in Brief, 1998)

In 2003, your gifts helped 9,846 children participate in youth activities throughout Barry County including 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the YMCA.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)

79% of Seniors, 65 years and older, are homeowners. As this number increases, community support programs are a vital resource for allowing seniors to remain independent.
(Community Investment Report, 2003)

519 Seniors received Meals on Wheels or In Home services through the Commission on Aging.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)
"At 91, I am able to live alone, the meals on wheels service makes it possible to eat nourishing, well balanced meals everyday"

In 2003, FIA reports an increase of 16.7% over 2002 for families receiving food assistance.
(Michigan League for Human Services )

648,943 lbs of food were delivered to Barry County through the network of non-profit member agencies. 39% of the household members served are children and 13% are seniors over 65.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)

Requests for United Way services have risen 45% since 2002.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)

In 2001-2002, 23,403 times services were requested of United Way and its member agencies, this past year 51,420 times services were requested.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)

29% of all households checked for working smoke detectors had none.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)

436 smoke detectors have been installed in Barry County homes and 54 non- working batteries replaced. Families are safer in their homes.
(Barry County United Way Annual Report)