COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
- Income: Promoting financial stability and independence in our community.
- Education: All Jackson County students meet state graduation requirements and are college and/or
career ready.
- Health: Partnering to increase opportunities to improve and sustain community health.
- Programs Funded
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
OTHER STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES
The goal of Community Impact work is to produce lasting changes in the community that address the root causes of problems. Rather than continuing to feed the hungry, can we prevent people from needing to request food assistance? Rather than treating or incarcerating drug abusers, can we address those underlying factors that cause youth and adults to begin using drugs in the first place?
This work is difficult and complex, but United Ways across the country have proven that it can be done. Our United Way utilizes many strategies to achieve Community Impact. These include public policy advocacy, our improved Community Soluntions process, grant writing, developing initiatives around specific issues, convening and participating in task forces, and working with traditional and nontraditional partners including business, education, government, health and human service providers, media, community members, and faith-based and neighborhood organizations. All of this work is guided by a few basic principles:
- Focus on the most pressing community needs
- Ensure we are accountable for every dollar
- Engage as many partners as possible, to maximize results
- Explore collaboration as a way to minimize waste or inefficiencies
- Empower our volunteers to make the best possible decisions for our community
The following detailed information provides more information about Community Solutions. Community Solutions is what United Way is best known for – raising and distributing funds to local nonprofit organizations. Following a description of our improved process, you will find a list of all currently-funded programs. Then we discuss our emerging work with Community Initiatives, which are proving to be highly effective means of achieving Impact. Please keep in mind that this work constantly evolves. As new strategies emerge and community needs change, we are committed to adjusting our Community Impact approach to best meet those needs.
Community Solutions
One of the ways the United Way of Jackson County tackles Community Impact is through a process called Community Solutions. The Community Solutions process is a concerted effort by volunteers and staff to use United Way donations and resources - including dollars, volunteers and in-kind services - in a manner that will achieve maximum improvement in the lives of Jackson County residents. We have three areas - Income, Education and Health.
BACK TO TOP
Community initiatives
Initiatives are formed by groups of stakeholders around a specific community issue (e.g. early childhood development). These stakeholders examine the factors that influence the issue such as: public attitudes, economic conditions, historical trends, media messages, health care system practices, educational system practices, system relationships, family characteristics, personal choices, neighborhood conditions and private and public sector practices. After examining the research related to the community issue, factors that influence the issue, and current “best practices” in the field, the stakeholders work together to form outcomes and develop a strategic plan to address the problem. Strategies could include: developing and funding new or existing programs; public policy advocacy; grant writing; and collaboration among service providing agencies.
Central Michigan 2-1-1
United Way Priority Area to Which it Relates:
Income, Education and Health
United Way Staff Representative:
Bethany Stutzman (517) 796-5123
The problem, issue, or need:
Many resources are available to help Jackson’s residents in need. The right service can be difficult to locate in the confusing “alphabet soup” of telephone directories, especially when an individual is facing barriers such as emotional crisis or illiteracy. The Federal Government recently reserved the 2-1-1 dialing shortcut for non-emergency information and referral services, and Jackson’s call center opened to the public in 2003. People dialing 2-1-1 from a land line anywhere in the county are connected at no charge to a specially trained operator who sifts through a database of thousands of services to help connect the caller with the help he or she needs.
History of the Initiative:
Prior to Jackson County 2-1-1, the Jackson County Health Department had a web-based directory called Access Jackson. Catholic Charities heard about 2-1-1 and convened a meeting of key community organizations to investigate bringing a call center to Jackson. Shortly after the first 2-1-1 meeting, Access Jackson’s web host went bankrupt and lost all of their electronic data. The Health Department decided to support 2-1-1 rather than recreate that service. United Way of Jackson County and LifeWays Community Mental Health agreed to jointly lead the project with support from many area organizations. In 2003, the information and referral service was launched with a seven-digit number, and by December of 2004 the service had received approval to operate with the three-digit 2-1-1 number. Callers simply could dial 2-1-1 from any landline in Jackson County to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist.
Major partners sharing accountability for successful planning and implementation:
Community Action Agency, Michigan Works (County Commissioner), Department of Human Services, Department on Aging, Disability Connections, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Interfaith Shelter, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson District Library, Lifeways, Salvation Army, Summit Township Office, United Way of Jackson County.
Intended Results:
- Create a comprehensive information and referral system that all residents in Jackson County will have access to.
Results Achieved:
- All Jackson County residents have access to 2-1-1.
- Over 124,000 calls have been taken in Jackson County since 2-1-1 began operations. Ten percent of 2-1-1 callers are contacted by phone for follow-up. Callers consistently report high rates of satisfaction with the service they received.
- Improved sustainablity has been achieved through servicing additional counties. Central Michigan 2-1-1 not only serves Jackson County, but also: Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Lenawee, Livingston and Shiawassee Counties. Enlarging the service area has lead to decreased costs for Jackson County and created more jobs in Jackson County.
United Way’s Role in the Initiative:
United Way operates as Jackson County 2-1-1’s fiscal agent. Staff invests significant time writing grants and collaborating at the state level to bring 2-1-1’s services to all counties in the state.
Note: Some corporate phone systems may not recognize 2-1-1 calls without programming; contact your telephone representative if you cannot connect.
BACK TO TOP
Jackson County
Substance Abuse
Prevention Coalition
United Way Priority Area to Which
it Relates:
Health
United Way Staff Representative:
Kelsey Haynes, Prevention Manager (517) 796-5133
Wendy Murdock, Drug Free Communities Grant Coordinator, (517) 796-5129 Erin Sutfin, Prevention Associate (517) 796-5131
The problem, issue, or need:
The Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has identified that alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs as concerns.
Alcohol:
- In Jackson County, 53% of high school youth have tried alcohol and 29% have had at least one drink in the past 30 days (2010 Michigan Profiles for Health Youth).
- In 2009, there were 4 alcohol related deaths in Jackson County (Annual Drunk Driving Audit).
Tobacco:
- In Jackson County, 32% of high school youth have smoke a whole cigarette in their lifetime and 17% have smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days (2010 Michigan Profiles for Healthy Youth).
- From 1997-2009 Jackson’s tobacco sales rate to minor was 26% (Synar Tobacco Compliance Checks).
Marijuana:
- In Jackson County, 33% of high school youth have tried marijuana and 19% have used marijuana in the past 30 days (2010, Michigan Profiles for Health Youth).
- According to the City of Jackson Police, in 2007 46% (252) of their narcotic and drug arrests were for marijuana. This does not include the 168 narcotic equipment arrests that could also be related to marijuana.
Methamphetamine:
- In 2008, Jackson County has 8 cases related to methamphetamine (Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team).
- Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug and production of this drug can be very harmful to the environment.
History of the Initiative:
The Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission is responsible for channeling public funding for substance abuse prevention activities to several Michigan counties. In the summer of 2006, Mid-South requested that United Way’s Full Circle Initiative coordinate substance abuse prevention planning activities in Jackson. Full Circle entered into a contract to employ a full time coordinator toward that end. In 2008, the Coalition became a stand-alone initiative of United Way of Jackson County when Full Circle dissolved. Additionally, the Coalition applied for and was awarded a new funding stream in 2010 called the Drug Free Communities Support Grant.
Major partners sharing accountability for successful planning and implementation:
Allegiance Health, Big Brother Big Sisters, Breakout Drug Education Program, Catholic Charities of Jackson, Center for Family Health, Dove Counseling, Family Service & Children’s Aid, Home of New Vision, Jackson County Circuit Court, Jackson County GIS, Jackson County Health Department, Jackson County Intermediate School District, Jackson County Youth Center, Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team, Jackson Police Department, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson Tobacco Reduction Coalition, LifeWays, Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission, South Central Michigan Works, Jackson Area Association of Realtors and United Way of Jackson County
Intended Results:
- Continue to develop the capacity of the community to address substance abuse
- Demonstrate sustained multi-sectoral coordination of planning and evaluation of substance abuse prevention efforts across Jackson County
- Collect and utilize local survey and archival data to assess substance abuse prevention needs, identify gaps in prevention services, focus Jackson County’s efforts on prioritizing needs and mobilize resources across the county
- Support evidenced based substance abuse prevention services that match identified needs of Jackson County
- Provide resources to the coalition membership and the community
- Implement media communication plan
- Collaborate on the Most Teens Don't campaign
- Continue to analyze, update and modify structure of the Coalition in order to ensure comprehensive system support
- Advocate to address substance abuse prevention needs that arise at the local, state and federal level
- Update Jackson County’s Methamphetamine Map
- Conduct youth and parent focus groups
- Alcohol and tobacco retail vendor education
Results Achieved:
- Convened a countywide collaborative decision-making body of community members that plan and implement measures to prevent underage alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in Jackson County
- Secured Mid South Substance Abuse Commission funding for Children of Promise Excel (Big Brothers/Big Sisters), the Breakout Drug Education(Family Services & Children’s Aid), and the First Time Offenders Program(Family Service & Children’s Aid)
- Provided data and support to local agencies to seek additional dollars for the Jackson Community
- Submitted and received dollars for its yearly implementation plan since its inception.
- Analyzed, updated and modified structure of the coalition in order to ensure comprehensive system support
- Worked with law enforcement, first responders and the County to develop a system of computer mapping of all methamphetamine production and dump sites
- Created an Drug-Free Activities guide
- Produced a substance abuse toolkit for local schools
- Developed a substance abuse prevention Girl Scout badge
- Secured federa funding from the Drug Free Communities Grant
United Way’s Role in the Initiative:
United Way has three full time staff member who coordinates the Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.
BACK TO TOP
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Click here to view the
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Strategic Plan
United Way Priority Area to Which it Relates:
Fostering Health and Well-Being Physically, Mentally and Emotionally – Preventing Teen Pregnancy
United Way Staff Representative:
Bethany Stutzman (517) 796-5123
The problem, issue, or need:
Jackson County ranks 76 out of 83 Michigan counties for high teen pregnancy rates. In 2003, the estimated pregnancy rate for Jackson County residents age 15-19 was 78.4 per 1,000, compared to 56.9 per 1,000 statewide. 13.8% of Jackson County live births were to teen mothers, a full 4.3% higher than the state average. Teen mothers also accounted for 22.3% (or 85) of the induced abortions in Jackson County (2003). A total of 283 births were to teen mothers in 2003 (Michigan Department of Community Health). In Michigan, births to teen mothers are estimated to cost society at least $4,951 per year (National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy). Teen mothers face numerous issues, including disrupted and incomplete education, poverty, and increased health care needs. Children born to teen moms are more likely to suffer a lifetime of challenges.
History of the Initiative:
Prior to the 2006-2009 funding cycle, United Way’s Community Investment Cabinet looked at community data/needs and prioritized prevention of teen pregnancy under its Fostering Health & Well Being Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally area. Teen pregnancy is a very difficult problem to impact; only broad-brushed, multi-pronged efforts have proven successful. Jackson’s Health Department had led an ambitious prevention initiative some years ago, but when that funding ended all centralized coordination was lost; what prevention services still exist are fragmented. In November 2005 United Way convened a broad group to develop a strategic plan and set aside a portion of community funding to start implementation of that plan when completed.
Major partners sharing accountability for successful planning and implementation:
Center for Family Health, Do’chas II, Florence Crittenton Services, Foote Health System, Foundation for a Healthy Community, Jackson County Health Department, Jackson County Intermediate School District, Jackson Public Schools, LifeWays, Lily Missions Center, Planned Parenthood, Pre Natal Task Force, United Way of Jackson County.
Intended Results:
Results Achieved:
- Community group meeting regularly to develop a plan for our community.
- Analyzed needs data, current programs serving teen moms and promising models.
- Identification of the Carrera Teen Pregnancy Prevention program as the most promising way to prevent teen pregnancies among Jackson’s youth.
United Way’s Role in the Initiative:
United Way has committed $75,000 per year over the next three years toward this initiative, and convened a collaborative group to develop a prevention plan for our community. At the suggestion of that planning group, United Way awarded the Jackson County Health Department a $20,000 grant in June of 2006 to further develop and lead the initiative; the Health Department staff that led the previous community efforts were still employed there and brought considerable expertise and experience to these efforts. United Way continues to invest staff time on this initiative; its Vision Councils will review the Strategic Plan upon completion and recommend ways to fund the plan through their set-aside funds.
BACK TO TOP
other strategic activities
Emergency Needs/Special Response
Through a special arrangement between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and United Way of America, our local United Way coordinates distribution of FEMA funding to nonprofit programs, faith-based providers, and other qualified groups providing temporary shelter, food, and other basic needs to people in crisis.
United Way staff started Jackson’s Emergency Needs Coalition and still actively participates on it. The Emergency Needs Coalition works closely with numerous local nonprofits engaged in those activities to ensure services are coordinated and resources are distributed as efficiently and effectively as possible. That staff member also disburses a small amount of funding each month, assisting individuals in crisis by assisting with medical bills, rent and utility payments, and a variety of other needs. Sometimes a relatively small amount of assistance can mean the difference between an individual or family maintaining fiscal health versus falling into deep and lasting debt; over the years this program has helped numerous families retain their homes, obtain needed medication or treatment, achieve transportation, and retain some basic human dignity. A local foundation recently began contributing to this fund.
BACK TO TOP
In the summer of 2005, a large amount of community data was analyzed to assess the needs of Jackson County. As a result, United Way’s Community Investment Cabinet recommended the priority funding areas below. All of the programs and initiatives that United Way funds are required to align with the priority areas in order to receive funding. |
