initiatives.

I told you earlier about the different initiatives through the Heart of West Michigan United Way, and now it's time for more details!

First up, the United Way partners with the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force to address issues in the community head on. The ENTF is a combo of non-profits, government, faith based organizations, funders and other concerned citizens who come together to provide people with basic needs. They help develop and manage basic service systems that provide food, shelter, utilities and transportation.  

Another initiative is the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition, which offers free income tax return preparation, assists with filing tax credit claims and financial literary courses. They help all types of families achieve economic success through the support they offer them.

Last but not least, the Schools of Hope program partners with Grand Rapids Public Schools and provides them with reading tutors to work with kids grades 1st through 3rd in fifteen different schools. These tutors spend 30 minutes with the same child each week to help them develop their reading skills.

All of these are wonderful projects for the HWMUW to take on and support. I especially love the Schools of Hope program! If you are retired, working part time or even working full time and have a desire to help the children of Grand Rapids, click here to learn more! Just 30 minutes a week can help enrich the life of an elementary student :) Again, I am collecting school supplies this month for the kids of Grand Rapids--click here for the list of items!

Be the change. Make the difference.