Albion-Homer United Way Supports Area Youth
Youth have been the focus of many Albion-Homer United Way grants this past giving year. From money to support INNOVATE Albion robotics students, for Boy Scouts to participate in the national jamboree, for getting students back-to-school apparel, to providing easier access to hands-on-play, AHUW has been there to help.
INNOVATE Albion received a grant to support STEM Saturdays year-long free program. According to INNOVATE Albion Director Caroline Hurteau the Saturday program has served over 300 students and their families across Calhoun County with two more events planned in November and December. Based on the popularity of the program the project team from INNOVATE Albion and Kellogg Community College have agreed to host 2024 events in January, March, May, September and November.
Hurteau said, "support from the Albion-Homer United Way has helped ensure that we can provide free access to hands-on STEM educational experiences for children and families. These experiences can be the spark that ignites curiosity in students in engineering, science, robotics, computer science and more. Ensuring programs like these are possible is a vital part of the educational ecosystem in our region.”
Albion-Homer United Way helped students get ready to return to school this year through a grant to Charitable Union in Battle Creek for clothing distributions. Qualifying Albion and Homer students returned to school this year with new clothes.
The August Back-to-School Clothing Distribution was available in both Albion and Homer locations. Children in low to moderate income families were eligible to participate. According to Charitable Union all qualifying children regardless of gender or size were accommodated at the clothing distribution.
The events allowed each student to choose a new or gently used outfit complete with new socks and underwear to start the school year. In addition children and their families were then signed up for a year of services from the non-profit organization.
Charitable Union Fund Development Coordinator Scott MacCannell said because of organizations like Albion-Homer United Way they were able to provide nearly 100 children in the two communities with seasonal clothing.
He stated, “a child starting the new school year feeling good about themselves sets the tone for the entire year and a new outfit can do just that.”
Youth remained the focus for many AHUW grants during 2022-23 including helping local area scouts attend the National Scouting Jamboree in West Virginia. The boys and girls were able to participate in a day at the official gathering.
On their way to the Jamboree scouts from Troop 158 B and 158 G participated in a weeklong camping trip. Camping allowed them to practice skills learned in scouting activities.
According to Scoutmaster Sam Porter these boys and girls “had outdoor and indoor education adventures giving them opportunities these young people had never experienced.” He explained that the scouts visited national park historical sites, went whitewater rafting, caving and hiking. All of this was made possible through money raised and grant funding from organizations like AHUW.
Porter said in preparation for the trip the scouts planned their itinerary and menus for their camping adventure. He added scouts also learned to budget for nutritious meals and how to prepare for outdoor activities through their scouting lessons.
A grant from AHUW helped KNS participate in the Museums for All program which makes it more affordable for families to pay for admission. Museums for All is a national access program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to regularly visit museums and build lifelong museum habits according to KNS Executive Director Katie Gigliotti.
For 20 years KNS has served families in Albion and across Calhoun County and beyond. Gigliotti said, “We see families from all walks of life and we strongly believe that all children and families deserve to experience the power of learning through play that can only happen at a place like a children’s museum.”
The AHUW grant helps families who are eligible for SNAP benefits sign up for the discounted membership program which is good for one calendar year. In addition to museum admission this program gives families discounted admission to special programs, access to members-only programs, discounts on birthday parties and ongoing, monthly reciprocal perks with other museum locations throughout the region.
Albion-Homer United Way’s commitment is to help fund non-profit programs through grants. On-going donations throughout the year are needed for funding these efforts. Recently past donors received a mailing to allow them to continue their on-going support. New donors are always needed to help fund grants from this philanthropic organization.
According to AHUW Executive Director Marcia Starkey there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and funding decisions are made by a local board.
Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier. Donations can be mailed at any time to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563.
AHUW board members are Virgie Ammerman, Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, Art Kale, Michael Leskowich, Isabell Nazar, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.
Over 300 students participated this year in Saturday STEM robotics programs at INNOVATE Albion thanks to funding support from the Albion-Homer United Way. More events are planned for the rest of 2023 and 2024.