As we start a new year, many are looking for new ways to engage and give back to our community.  The Barry County United Way is here to help fill those New Year’s resolutions of philanthropy by providing a variety of ways to volunteer, donate or support our local non-profit organizations.  Each year the Barry County United Way collects a list of “needs” from our local agencies to help them better serve our community.  We combine them all into one comprehensive listing for our community – our Barry County community who is always eager to support, volunteer and prove assistance to those in need.

 

The “New Year’s Needs” wish list provides a way for individuals to personalize gifts for agencies in our community that serve residents throughout Barry County.  While many of the agencies have listed “items” they would like to receive, others are in need of volunteers.  Volunteers play a vital role in the work that area agencies do and can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those they assist.

 

For more information, contact Morgan Johnson at the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 269-945-4010.  Wish List items can be dropped off at the local agency that is requesting the item or can be brought to the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 231 S. Broadway in Hastings for distribution.

 

The “New Year’s Needs” list follows:

 

Barry County Commission on Aging – Providing innovative services and resources to promote and support independence, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging for Barry County seniors and their families.

Individually wrapped snacks for Birthday treats to Meals on Wheels recipients

BINGO prizes – sugar free candy, large print word searches or books, laundry soap, dish soap, lotion, paper products, small knick knacks or decorative items

Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers (Hastings Route) – time commitment of about 2 hours.

Financial contribution towards new facility project.

Contact Courtney Ziny, 269-948-4856

 

 

Barry County United Way – Improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of Barry County Communities.

Volunteers for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program – no experience necessary. We will train.

For the Fresh Food Initiative: peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, boxed mac and Cheese, boxed cereal

Contact Morgan Johnson, 269-945-4010

 

CASA for Kids Barry County – Court Appointed Special Advocates provide long-term, highly trained advocates to children 0-18 who are in foster care.  CASA ensures that the needs of the child are met, their voices are heard, and they are in a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.

Gift cards

Warm socks, gloves, mittens, hats, boots

Art & craft items

Games

Contact Shelley Doezema, 517-331-2662

 

Family Support Center of Barry County – A Barry County United Way funded agency that provides services and supports related to the prevention of child chase and neglect in Barry County.

Diapers

Fitted crib sheets

Diaper wipes

Gift Cards – Walmart, Shell gas

Copy machine paper

Contact Bill Mattson, 269-945-5439

 

Green Gables Haven – Their mission is to provide a temporary, secure, nurturing environment and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence in Barry County.

Gift Cards – Family Fare in $10 or $20 denominations.

NEW standard bed pillows

Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towel, tall kitchen trash bags, Clorox wipes, zip lock bags of all sizes

Personal hygiene items

GGH does NOT accept clothing, bedding or household items are this time.

Contact Christy Durham, 269-804-6021

 

Habitat for Humanity – Helps low-income families in need of affordable housing.

Metal brake for use in home construction

Gas cards for ReStore truck doing pick up

Gift cards to cover cleaning and office supplies

Volunteers – ReStore and/or New home build in 2025

Contact Cindy Preston or Kim Jansens, 269-948-9939

 

Hastings Public Library – Serves the community with materials to borrow, computer & WiFi access, programming and gathering spaces. Everyone is welcome.

Monetary donations for cost of installing automatic door openers on all restrooms

Contact David Edelman, 269-945-4263

 

Manna’s Market, Inc – Provides support through an onsite food pantry, clothing bank and baby pantry serving all of Barry County and parts of Ionia and Eaton Counties.

Volunteers!

Food – Eggs and baked beans

Household – facial tissue, toilet paper, paper towel

Installation of insulation, cabinets, stove, and sinks for kitchen

Contact Jayne Flanigan, 269-838-5887

 

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute – set on 850 acres in rural Barry County.  PCCI, is a mix between an environmental education center, nature center, and biological field station, provides visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.

Volunteers!

• Land Stewardship
  • Collecting and cleaning native seeds. Various upcoming dates
  • Trail Adopters – Keep a section of the trail clean monthly with monitoring and vegetation clearing.

Contact Drew Vandegrift, 269-721-4198

 

The Shack – A totally free outreach providing clothing, shoes, bedding, towels and more – available to everyone regardless of income or residency. Run completely on donations and volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS!

Winter gloves

NEW underwear – all sizes

Warm socks

2 – heavy duty outdoor camping chairs

Patio Umbrellas

Contact Kathy Forsyth, 269-207-2515

 

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Do you need help with Christmas presents for your children this year?

We understand that around the Holidays money can be tight and making the choice between paying your utility bill or buying gifts for your kids can be hard. The Barry County United Way is partnering with many local businesses and organizations to ensure that no child goes without this Holiday season.

Toys for Barry County Kids is currently registering families for our annual toy program.  Starting December 2, 2024 any family who is not already registered
with another organization for gifts, can call the Barry County United Way to income qualify and sign up. Call 269. 945. 4010

Please Remember:

• Families may only participate in 1 (one) program to receive Christmas gifts for their children.

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Wanting to donate?

• Contact our office for a list of collection sites or drop items off directly to our office (231 S. Broadway in Hastings).
• Visit our Amazon Wistlist for ideas on what to buy.https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2TL61MLU12GF0?ref_=wl_share

The Barry County United Way is excited to help local children K-12 grade start the school year off right by partnering with our community for our annual Backpack Program. The Backpack Program has been in operation for over 17 years and continues because those who choose to donate. This program runs completely on donations of items from the list provided and also by utilizing monetary donations that come in to support it.

Lani Forbes, Executive Director of Barry County United Way, “We are so blessed to have an amazing community who supports our local youth.  This program could not happen without our generous donors and volunteers.”

Some of the items needed include: backpacks, notebooks, 3 ring binders, folders, pencils, pencil boxes, washable markers, colored pencils, crayons and more.  A full list of what is needed can be found on the Barry County United Way’s Facebook page.

Families who qualify are able to schedule an appoint for their children to choose their own new backpack and fill it with the supplies that they need to start the school year off right.  Forbes explained, “Last year this program helped send almost 300 local children back to school with NEW supplies.  We understand that our economy continues to change and that the need will likely increase this year.”

The goal of this program is to ensure that every youth in Barry County is able to go back to school feeling confident and ready with all of the supplies they need in hand on the first day of school.  Donations of NEW items can be dropped off during the event itself or to the following locations at any time:

Barry County United Way in Hastings; any Highpoint Community Bank location; Edward Jones offices in Hastings, Nashville and Middleville; any Thornapple Credit Union location; Rehmann (formally Walker, Fluke & Sheldon Hastings).

Families who are in need of school supplies are encouraged to call the Barry County United Way at 269-945-4010 to qualify for this program starting Monday, July 22, 2024 up until the start of the 2024/2025 school year.

Barry county has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter national board program. Barry County has been chosen to receive State Set Aside dollars of $27,114.00 within Phase 41 funding for supplemental emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

 

Congress has appropriated $130,000,000 for Phase 41 funding.  The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board has again reserved a portion of the funds for the State Set- Aside (SSA) process. Barry County’s award is based upon our jurisdiction’s total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions.

 

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; the Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide.

 

A local board made up of the Salvation Army, Barry County Commissioners, Hastings area Ministerial Association, Continuum of Care, Commission on Aging, South Michigan Food Bank, Catholic Charities and Barry County United Way will determine how the funds awarded to Barry County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

 

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

 

Barry County has most recently distributed emergency food and shelter funds to the Barry County Commission on Aging, Catholic Family Services, Manna’s Market, Barry County United Way, and the South Michigan Food Bank.

 

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for emergency food and shelter program funds can find the application on our website at www.bcunitedway.org or you can contact Morgan Johnson at the Barry County United Way at morgan@bcunitedway.org or 269-945-4010. Please e-mail to Morgan Johnson, mail or fax the request to:  Barry County United Way: Attention: FEMA/EFSP, 231 South Broadway, Hastings, MI  49058 fax number:  (269) 945-4536. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, April 19, 2024 by 5pm.

PHASE 41 APPLICATION

The Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Volunteer Awards.  The Volunteer Awards recognize, honor and celebrate residents within Barry County who have given so generously of their time and talent for the benefit of the community.

This event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate volunteers who work in a variety of areas.  Nominations are being accepted for the following awards: Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Mentor Award, Continuing Service Award, Corporate Service Award, and Group Volunteer Award.  Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, April 5, 2024 to be considered.

Any organization that utilizes volunteers in Barry County is eligible to submit nominations.  This includes nonprofit agencies, service clubs and organizations, churches, and even businesses that are involved in employee volunteering.  Join us on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6-7pm at the Barry Community Enrichment Center (231 S. Broadway, Hastings).   Winners will receive personalized awards and all nominees will receive a certificate of appreciation.

We hope that you will take a few moments to submit a nomination and recognize a volunteer or volunteers that you know are doing great work for the community.  If you have any questions, please contact me at morgan@bcunitedway.org or (269) 945-4010.

Volunteer Awards 2024 Invite

Nomination Packet 2024

Sponsorship Packet 2024

It is that time of year again that many in our community are looking for ways to give back during the Holiday Season.  This year’s “Holiday Help” list highlights everything that our local nonprofit agencies need to keep doing the great work in our community.

This year’s “Holiday Help” list informs the residents of Barry County of the many different ways that they can volunteer, support, and/or give a gift that will make a difference in their community.  Gift requests often can range from items that an agency is looking to have donated to volunteer work to monetary donations and more.

For more information, contact Morgan Johnson at the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 269-945-4010.  Items can be dropped off at the local agency that is requesting the item or can be brought to the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 231 S. Broadway in Hastings for distribution.

 

The “Holiday Help Needs” list follows:

 

Barry County Animal Shelter – is a small shelter located in Hastings, MI. We strive to return animals to their owners or place them in the best homes possible.

Larger dog collars/leashes, cat collars, Purina Dog/Puppy and Cat/Kitten food, Iams canned dog food, Friskies canned cat food, Milk bones, cat treats, peanut butter, kitten formula, paper towels, Dawn dish soap, Clorox wipes, dishwasher pods, Kleenex, dog/cat beds, litter pans/scoopers, metal bowls, tennis balls, Kong toys, nylabones.

Contact Morgan Pelham (McNutt), 269-948-4885

 

Barry Great Start Collaborative – through community events, home visiting, collaboration with other agencies, Welcome baby Program and the Family Coalition BGSC promotes advocacy for early childhood.

We need help assembling our new office desks and a filing cabinet.  There are 9 large boxes.

 

Barry County United Way – Improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of Barry County Communities.

Volunteers for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program

For the Fresh Food Initiative: peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, boxed mac and Cheese, boxed cereal

Heavy duty utility wagon (preferably collapsible)

New, unwrapped gifts for the Toys for Barry County Kids program

Contact Morgan Johnson, 269-945-4010

 

CASA for Kids Barry County – Court Appointed Special Advocates provide long-term, highly trained advocates to children.  CASA ensures that the needs of the child are met, their voices are heard, and they are in a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.

Gift cards to ACE, Tractor Supply, Walmart, Meijer, TJ Maxx

 

Family Promise of Barry County – Their mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community based response.

Volunteers!

Gas/Grocery cards

Paper products: toilet paper, paper towel

Laundry Supplies: soap, softener, dryer sheets

Cleaning supplies for bathrooms and kitchen

Toiletries and Hygiene items

Bedding Sets: Twin, full, and queen sizes

Contact Abbie Hockstad, 269-256-4594

 

Family Support Center of Barry County – To support and strengthen families to eliminate and prevent child abuse and neglect through awareness, advocacy, and education.

Diapers – especially large nighttime for girls

Contact Linda Maupin, 269-945-5439

 

Green Gables Haven – Offers shelter for abused women and children for up to 4 weeks. GGH provides a temporary, secure, nurturing environment and support to enable victims of domestic violence in Barry County to make appropriate life altering changes.

Gift cards for gas and groceries

Their most current needs can be found on their Amazon wishlist. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XZ4D2YTFNADE?ref_=wl_share

Cleaning products, paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, tissue, paper plates, plastic silverware), ziploc bags (sandwich and gallon sizes), personal care items, Non-perishable food items

Contact Christy Durham, 269-804-6021

 

Habitat for Humanity – partnering with low income families in our community with building homes and repairs.

Gas Cards/Cash for pickups in the Community

New battery operated drill/impact driver kit

New circular saw, New sawzall, Drill bit kit

Contact Cindy Preston or Kim Jansens, 269-948-9939

 

Manna’s Market, Inc – providing food, clothing bank and baby panty serving all of Barry County and parts of Ionia and Eaton Counties.

Volunteers to sort and hang clothing. 3 hour shifts on Wednesday mornings each week.

Volunteers to drive to Battle Creek, Ionia and Hastings to pick up groceries 1x per week. Truck and trailer provided.

Volunteers for janitorial services. Each shift could be between 2 and 3 hours with your availability per week.

Contact Jayne Flanigan, 269-838-5887

 

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute – set on 850 acres in rural Barry County.  PCCI, is a mix between an environmental education center, nature center, and biological field station, provides visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.

New/Used plastic sleds

Masking tape

Pencils and pencil top erasers, glue sticks, glue bottles, dry erase markers, scissors

Loose popcorn kernels

Michigan Fish Examples that have been taxidermied

Contact Sara Syswerda, 269-721-4434

 

The Shack – A totally free clothing outreach available to everyone regardless of income or residency. Run completely on donations and volunteers. We pride ourselves on treating everyone with dignity and respect.

VOLUNTEERS to work (1) Saturday a month 10a-2p

New underwear – all sizes

Gloves/mittens (waterproof)

New Carpet

Sidewalk Repairs

Contact Kathy Forsyth, 269-207-2515

Barry county has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter national board program. Barry County has been chosen to receive State Set Aside dollars of $8,129.00 within Phase 40 funding for supplemental emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

 

Congress has appropriated $130,000,000 for Phase 40 funding.  The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board has again reserved a portion of the funds for the State Set- Aside (SSA) process. Barry County’s award is based upon our jurisdiction’s total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions.

 

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; the Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide.

 

A local board made up of the Salvation Army, Barry County Commissioners, Hastings area Ministerial Association, Continuum of Care, Commission on Aging, South Michigan Food Bank, Catholic Charities and Barry County United Way will determine how the funds awarded to Barry County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

 

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

 

Barry County has most recently distributed emergency food and shelter funds to the Barry County Commission on Aging, Catholic Family Services, Manna’s Market, Barry County United Way, and the South Michigan Food Bank.

 

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for emergency food and shelter program funds can find the application on our website at www.bcunitedway.org or you can contact Morgan Johnson at the Barry County United Way at morgan@bcunitedway.org or 269-945-4010. Please e-mail to Morgan Johnson, mail or fax the request to:  Barry County United Way: Attention: FEMA/EFSP, 231 South Broadway, Hastings, MI  49058 fax number:  (269) 945-4536. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, June 30, 2023 at Noon.

https://www.efsp.unitedway.org/efsp/website/index.cfm

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) may be able to assist. The HCV program (formerly “Section 8”) is a federally funded rental assistance program that assists low-income residents with paying their rent. Generally, eligible families must have income levels at or below the extremely low-income limit as established by HUD based on county and family size.

MSHDA’s HCV Program waiting lists for counties listed below will be open on 3/22/2023, at 11:00:00 AM EST and closed on 4/5/2023, at 11:00:00 AM EST. Applications are available on-line only; no paper applications will be available or accepted. NOTE: You may only apply to one county waiting list.

Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Lake, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Wexford County.

During the time the waiting list is open, you must submit your application online
at: https://mshda.myhousing.com/. Applications received through the website will be entered on the waiting list in the order received (date and time). Preference will be given to County residents (those living or working in the County of application). Additional preferences will be given to Michigan residents (those living or working in Michigan) and to a head of household, co-head, or spouse with a disability.

Placement on the waiting list does not indicate you are eligible for rental assistance. A final determination of eligibility will be made when you are selected from the waiting list, including verifying household income and any preferences selected when applying to the list. If you selected a preference as part of your application and it cannot be verified once you are pulled from the waiting list, your application will be denied, and you will be required to reapply to the waiting list when it is open. Acceptable proof of preferences can be found on MSHDA’s HCV waiting list webpage at: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/rental/housing-choice-voucher/mshda-housing-choice-voucher-hcv-waiting-list-information

If you or a household member is disabled and requires a reasonable accommodation to apply for the MSHDA Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List, please call (517) 241-8986 for assistance with your application.

 

The Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Volunteer Awards.  The Volunteer Awards recognize, honor and celebrate residents within Barry County who have given so generously of their time and talent for the benefit of the community.

 

This event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate volunteers who work in a variety of areas.  Nominations are being accepted for the following awards: Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Mentor Award, Continuing Service Award, Corporate Service Award, and Group Volunteer Award.  Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, March 31, 2023 to be considered.

 

Any organization that utilizes volunteers in Barry County is eligible to submit nominations.  This includes nonprofit agencies, service clubs and organizations, churches, and even businesses that are involved in employee volunteering.  Join us on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 6-7pm at the Barry Community Enrichment Center (231 S. Broadway, Hastings).   Winners will receive personalized awards and all nominees will receive a certificate of appreciation.

 

We hope that you will take a few moments to submit a nomination and recognize a volunteer or volunteers that you know are doing great work for the community.  If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Johnson or (269) 945-4010.

Sponsorships for this event are also being accepted! See the packet below or contact Morgan directly.

 

NOMINATION PACKET

SPONSORSHIP PACKET

 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), a program of the Barry County United Way, offers free tax help to households whose annual income is less than $60,000.  Their certified volunteer tax preparers are trusted experts who will file your taxes for free.

Amy VanZandt, VITA program coordinator, “We have been preparing for another great year and are excited to help our residents save the filing fee by utilizing this program. Last year, this program provided over a million dollars back to our residents through returns and the Home Heating Credit. ”

Appointments are now being scheduled by calling the Barry County United Way office at 269-945-4010. Locations are available in Hastings, Middleville, Delton and Nashville.

This program is in partnership with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).