Friday Five (9/19/2025)
Hands at Work, Hearts United
Volunteers, partners, and advocates came together this September to make lasting impact across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.
Advocate for ALICE: A Stronger Future Starts With You
No matter where you stand politically, one thing is certain—there’s a lot happening in Lansing, Washington, and right here at home that directly impacts families. United Way of the Lakeshore is committed to staying nonpartisan while making sure ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) have a voice in shaping policies that affect their daily lives. These hard-working families contribute to our economy, yet too often struggle to cover basics like childcare, housing, and healthcare.
As part of the Michigan Association of United Ways, we advocate for policies that build stronger communities, expand opportunity, and improve financial stability for all. We don’t endorse political candidates or parties—but we do champion solutions that help families, strengthen communities, and create pathways to thrive. By joining our Advocacy Action Alert List, you’ll receive timely updates, action opportunities, and exclusive news on how you can help move the needle for ALICE families at the local, state, and federal levels.
Muskegon County Day of Caring: United in Service
On September 5, 2025, United Way of the Lakeshore hosted its annual Day of Caring in Muskegon County, presented by the DTE Foundation with Cannon Muskegon as our County Sponsor. In recognition of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, 375 volunteers contributed nearly 2,800 hours of service across projects that supported sustainability, food security, education, and early childhood development. From trail maintenance at Camp Pinewood and food kit assembly for local pantries, to park revitalization in Muskegon Heights and mural painting at childcare centers, the day united neighbors, nonprofits, and corporate teams to strengthen community resources.
Together, volunteers created safer green spaces, stocked classrooms with essential supplies, supported early learning environments, and provided nutritious meals for veterans and families. With youth, adults, and corporate partners serving side by side, the 2025 Day of Caring honored the spirit of 9/11 by showing what’s possible when our community comes together—one day, hundreds of volunteers, and a lasting impact across Muskegon County.
Day of Caring at Camp Newaygo: Rebuilding the Wetland Trail
On September 12, 2025, more than 90 volunteers—our largest Newaygo County turnout since before COVID-19—joined forces at Camp Newaygo for a powerful Day of Caring project. Featured on the front page of the Times Indicator, the effort gave new life to the camp’s wetland trail, which had been heavily damaged by wildfire just a year ago. Volunteers extended the rebuilt trail across the bog, using new decking to make it wider, more accessible, and easier to navigate for the community.
In addition to trail restoration, teams tackled a variety of camp improvement projects, leaving a lasting impact on this beloved community space. Volunteers represented TrueNorth Community Services, Meijer, CBD Store of MI, Gerber Federal Credit Union, UA Local 174, Mercantile Bank, the Newaygo County Career Tech Center, and Algoma Christian School. Special thanks to the DTE Foundation as our presenting sponsor, and to Camp Newaygo for serving as both our host and lunch sponsor. Thanks to their support and the dedication of our volunteers, the trail system is on its way to becoming safer, stronger, and more educational—with new features scheduled to open next year.
Day of Caring: Feeding Families in Oceana County
On September 13, United Way of the Lakeshore partnered with Shelby State Bank to host a Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry. Together, volunteers helped provide food for 175 families, turning a Saturday morning into a powerful act of community care.
Special thanks go to our partners at Shelby State Bank for sponsoring and staffing the food truck, and to the Shelby Deputy Sheriff’s Office for making sure leftover apples and nectarines were delivered to neighborhood pantries. This is what it looks like when neighbors come together to make sure everyone has access to healthy food.
Next stop: The food truck will be in Oceana County again on September 26 at Spitler Elementary School, thanks to the support of Gray and Company.
Your Input Matters: Community Life Survey (Muskegon County)
When neighbors speak, change happens. Muskegon SHIP is asking adults (18+) across Muskegon County to take the 2025 Community Life Survey—an anonymous, 6-minute check-in on work, health, finances, stress, and daily life. Your responses help fill key data gaps so Livability Lab teams can build smarter, community-led solutions for jobs, health, and economic opportunity.