United Way of Northwest Michigan remains fully committed to the Char-Em region. Local leadership is still in place to help guide the efforts of the organization. Rebeca Otto, who previously served as the Executive Director for Char-Em United Way, has stayed on board as the Community Impact Director for the Char-Em Region. “I am excited and honored to continue my commitment to serving our community through the work of United Way.”

Please reach out with any questions to Rebeca Otto, Community Impact Director for the Char-Em Region, at rebeca@unitedwaynwmi.org.

So, what does this change mean?

For starters, a volunteer platform has been established for Charlevoix and Emmet counties to connect volunteers with agencies that need help. This means less operational overhead, as some of the administrative tasks are rolled into the existing ones at UWNWMI. Families can now benefit from regional programs that are already a part of UWNWMI, such as Bright by Text and 211, at no added cost to the organization.

Where will the dollars go?

Donations raised in the Charlevoix and Emmet region will be reinvested in those two counties. The decisions regarding where those funds will be allocated will be made by an advisory board comprised of residents of these two counties. The advisory board will be guided by reports from 211, an information and referral line funded by United Way, and connections to agencies serving the most vulnerable in our region.