Welcome to community m@tters™, your online update of what matters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. This newsletter highlights United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Agenda for Change work in the areas of educational preparedness, financial stability and basic needs -- along with upcoming events, volunteer spotlights and Kurt's Corner, UWSEM demographer Kurt Metzger's look at key regional trends.

In this issue:

• Educational Preparedness: IDA program looks to prep 10 more for college
• Financial Stability: Take control of your future during Money Smart Week
• Basic Needs: MPRI Wayne celebrates anniversary
• Upcoming Events: United Way Emerging Leaders launch event
• Volunteer Spotlight: United Way celebrates region's exceptional volunteers
• Kurt's Corner: MEAP results reveal progress, problems

The search is on for 10 new recruits.

Over the past two years, 27 local high school students have been able to save funds for college and learn to manage their money wisely thanks to United Way’s Individual Development Accounts program, and organizers are looking for a fresh batch of participants.

IDAs make it possible for low-income individuals and families to buy a home, pay for higher education, or start a business by meeting savings goals and completing financial literacy training. This month, 14 area students currently in the program are expected to reach their savings goals and will receive money to help them head off to college this fall.

The students were brought into the IDA program through the YMCA of Metro Detroit, one of several United Way for Southeastern Michigan IDA education partners. All are high school students and participants in the YMCA college prep initiative Countdown to Success, which operates out of the Detroit Youth Foundation’s YouthVille facility. Each student will begin college in September, with 10 attending universities in Michigan. 

How do IDAs work? Well, participants agree to put away money each month into an account, and to undertake extensive financial literacy and money management training. In return, they receive matching funds once a savings goal is reached.

Goals typically range from $500 for college or vocational training to $1,000 for a home or business. United Way provides an 8-to-1 match for education accounts and a 4-to-1 match for home or business accounts, which means students who save $500 receive up to $4,000 to help pay for school.

“The IDA program has been a tremendous help to what we do,” said Jocelyn Boyd, a YMCA program director.

Boyd said that while helping youths from low-income families afford college is often challenging, keeping them there so that they are able to graduate is a tougher task. However, between the training requirements of the IDA program and the college prep work her students undergo, she said, youths are picking up the tools they need to stay on track.

“Now we’re able to address more than social or soft skills. We are able to take a holistic approach that involves the parents, that focuses on financial literacy to teach them the value of saving money and managing it wisely. Skills that they can carry with them,” Boyd said.

In addition to April’s graduates, 13 students completed the IDA program last year, and have since gone on to college. Boyd said she is currently recruiting participants for the next round of the program, and hopes to start with high school sophomores this time out.

The IDA program aligns with United Way’s new Agenda for Change action plan that focuses on educational preparedness, financial stability and basic needs across the region. By making it possible for more metro Detroiters to afford an education, buy a home or launch a business, IDAs provide educational and financial assets that enable individuals to establish and maintain self-sufficiency.

 “As a participant in the IDA program I have changed my lifestyle by making a budget and sticking to it. I will use these financial planning skills the rest of my life,” said Tiffany Ingram, a Michigan State University student who completed the IDA program in 2006 as a senior at Detroit Martin Luther King Jr. High School.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and more than 30 other partners will kickoff the fourth annual Michigan Money Smart Week April 20, helping residents around the region and across the state combat money woes by learning how to control their financial futures.

Actually, Money Smart Week runs April 20-29 and over those nine days individuals throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties have access to a series of free workshops on money management, credit repair, bankruptcy, saving for college, retirement planning and more. 

As part of our new Agenda for Change work, United Way is committed to providing opportunities for individuals and families to build assets they can use to achieve their educational and financial goals. Money Smart Week provides many opportunities for consumers to significantly increase financial literacy.

The Money Smart Week partnership hopes to reach a broad cross-section of tri-county residents, and is particularly concerned with reaching out to the elderly, individuals without formal bank accounts (the unbanked) and young people. We understand that financial illiteracy is not limited to these groups, however experts consider them the most likely to overextend credit, make poor financial choices, become victims of identity theft and potentially seek bankruptcy as a cure for financial woes.

Find out which free financial education workshops are available in your area during Money Smart Week and get additional details by clicking here.

March marked the first anniversary of the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative in Wayne County. United Way for Southeastern Michigan has served as the fiduciary for this collaborative, and is developing a plan to help thousands of men and women leaving incarceration transition back into their community successfully.

MPRI’s overall goal is to ensure every returning prisoner has access to safe and affordable housing, and a chance at stable employment or job training services. Each year, between 2,900 and 3,500 prisoners return to Wayne County, and the initiative has already made strides in meeting their needs.

Through the Greyhound Ambassadors program, upon release, former prisoners ride Greyhound busses. When they arrive at their destination, volunteers are there to provide refreshments, public transit information, toiletry kits and even transportation to commercial housing facilities.

Detroit City Councilwoman Alberta Tinsley-Talabi recently honored two Travelers Aid Society staff members for their commitment to helping former prisoners through MPRI. Last summer, those individuals responded to a call to assist a recent parolee who needed help getting prescription assistance. Travelers Aid is one of several community case management agencies working with parolees, and its employees were recognized for going above and beyond to ensure the parolee saw a physician and subsequently got prescriptions filled.

Initiative partners, including the Michigan Department of Corrections Field Operations staff, MPRI Wayne service providers, and county, city and community based providers receive extensive training in which they learn more about MPRI contractors, new mental health services offered through the program and the many resources available through United Way 2-1-1, among others.

For more information visit www.uwsem.org/mpri.

Who:  Any energetic, inspired and motivated Metro Detroiter who sees the potential of the region and wants to move southeast Michigan forward

When: Thursday, May 10, 6-9:00 PM

Where: McNarney’s Public House (upstairs)

Why:  To hear about United Way opportunities to network with professionals from a variety of industry sectors, volunteer projects, professional development programs and ways to collaborate with others to create positive, tangible, lasting change in the region. 

United Way for Southeastern Michigan marked National Volunteer Week by honoring several metro Detroiters and area companies for their commitment to helping those around them.

More than 1,000 people attended the annual Celebrate Volunteers... Recognizing HomeTown Heroes luncheon, the biggest event of its kind in the nation. United Way handed out 10 awards in seven categories, honoring retirees, youths, volunteer groups, representatives of organized labor and area businesses for their dedication to community service. Another 44 volunteers made the Governor's Honor Roll, which is sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham.

The CorPLUS Award, sponsored by the Junior League of Detroit, recognizes a retiree who exemplifies the highest standards of service in the city of Detroit. A $1,000 gift is presented to the nonprofit of the winner's choice.

Winner: Barbara Wojtas of Sterling Heights
Nominator: Capuchin Soup Kitchen

Barbara has been a devoted volunteer at Capuchin Soup Kitchen for two years. As a retired elementary school teacher in East Detroit Public Schools, Barbara has a lot of experience helping children learn and appreciate school, so three times a week she helps with the organization’s after school program. Working with three or four children at a time, she helps them complete their schoolwork, read and work with computers. Barbara retired 10 years ago and finds volunteering both fulfilling and rewarding. She has spent considerable time since then visiting patients at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Macomb County, and for the past five years has also found time to deliver Meals on Wheels in Sterling Heights.

The Bernie Firestone Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Labor Department, recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union. The honoree demonstrates exceptional commitment to his or her community through volunteerism.

Winner: William Deuparo of Detroit
Nominator: UAW Local 22

William is a retired employee of General Motors and member of UAW Local 22. He has been involved with the Clark Park Coalition for more than 15 years and currently serves as treasurer on the organization’s board of directors. William volunteers almost every day of the week, between seven and 11 hours a day, at the Clark Park Recreation Center. He can be found mentoring youth after school, volunteering at the Clark Park Ice Rink in the winter, and serving as an umpire for the Clarke Park girls’ softball team and scorekeeper and third base coach for the Clark Park adult softball team in the summer. His time and skills are invaluable to the center, helping community youth stay active and safe. He also serves as the official photographer for the Coalition and documents all major events. In addition, he helps with grounds keeping at the park, including shoveling snow, raking leaves, painting benches and playground equipment, and planting trees to keep the park safe and attractive.

The Exemplary Group Service Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, recognizes families, couples or other groups who strive to improve the lives of their neighbors, friends and community through collective volunteer work. A $500 gift is awarded to the agency of the winner's choice.

Winner: Disaster Action Team from the American Red Cross -- Southeastern Michigan Chapter
Nominator: American Red Cross -- Southeastern Michigan Chapter

The 104 members of the Red Cross’ Disaster Action Team are ready to respond in times of crisis. In total, the group logs 25,000 volunteer hours annually and consists of 13 on-call teams that work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each team is able to respond quickly to meet the needs of individuals and families facing house or apartment fires and many other disasters. Last year, they responded to 927 calls, providing food, clothing, shelter, hygiene items and medications. In addition to disaster response, the team members train new volunteers and serve on national disaster response teams when needed. They also coordinated donation drives to collect and package comfort kits for disaster victims, and delivered cots to warming centers and bottled water to cooling centers in the summer months.

The Outstanding Business Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Corporate Volunteer Council, recognizes the many ways businesses contribute to social and economic development through volunteering. A $1,000 gift is awarded to the agency of the winner's choice.

Winner: UPS
Nominator: St. Francis Family Center/Catholic Social Services of Oakland County

UPS employees from the Pontiac and Madison Heights service centers have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of foster children through St. Francis Family Center/Catholic Social Services of Oakland County. Contribution from UPS are reflected in sponsorships, grants, fundraising, volunteerism, community awareness and community mobilization. Volunteers sponsored golf outings to raise money and water park trips to bring fun into the lives of the foster children served by St. Francis Family Center. They also helped with grant applications for placement sustainability of foster children. UPS also provides an opportunity for foster children to apply for seasonal employment, which instills independent living skills as well as financial management and independence. Volunteers also used the company’s Global Day of Caring to improve the family center’s building and grounds, creating a more enjoyable environment for foster children using the facility to visit with birth parents or attend other appointments.

The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes a 12-18-year-old who is taking action to make our world a better place in which to live. Nominees in this category demonstrate leadership, commitment and character by volunteering in many different activities, or by giving significant time to one particular project. A $250 award is presented to the agency of the winner's choice.

Winner: Mikhail George of Novi
Nominator: Red Cross USA

Mikhail, age 17, attends Detroit Country Day School and has been volunteering since he was a freshman in high school. He currently gives his time to the Red Cross, and has spent more than 100 hours helping at local blood drives. He has completed requirements for a “blood trainer” certification, which will allow him to train volunteers in the future. He volunteers for the city of Novi Youth Health Council, giving approximately 60 hours of his time to help organize community events that promote health awareness for children. Mikhail also spent 40 hours last year helping the USMC Toys for Tots program, working to solicit donations and toys for distribution to children. Additionally, he volunteers to read to children at the Novi Public Library.

The Young Adult Award of Excellence recognizes an individual, 19-25, who represents the highest standards of service, leadership, commitment and character in the community. A $250 gift is awarded to the agency of the winner's choice.

Winner: Danielle Baillargeon of Windsor
Nominator: Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS)

Going to school in Detroit, Danielle says she fell in love with the city and its residents and wanted to find a way to help. Looking online, she got connected to COTS and has been volunteering there for the past year, giving more than 100 hours. She has volunteered her organizational and computer skills to help with mailings and data entry in the agency’s development department. In addition, she has given her time to help the organization’s child care and literacy departments, interacting with children and reading stories. In the past, Danielle has volunteered for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and nursing homes and hospitals in Windsor, Ontario.  Danielle is currently pursuing a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Wayne State University.

The Heart of Gold Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, honored four individuals who demonstrated an immeasurable commitment to volunteer service in metro Detroit.

Winner: Dan Ballnik of Dearborn
Nominator: Dearborn Parks, city of Dearborn

Dan cares deeply about the environment and shares his knowledge with everyone he can. As part of Friends of the Rouge, Dan has mobilized thousands of students, Ford Motor Company employees and residents of Wayne County to help restore the Rouge River, and to plant native greenery. Each year, he organizes more than 600 volunteers to restore riverbanks, build bridges and put in new plants. Dan has also organized Schoolyard Habitat projects at elementary and middle schools in Dearborn. The projects generate awareness about native habitats and their restoration in this area. He also helped raise money for these projects, which provide educational opportunities for local the students, as well as additional habitats for local wildlife. Dan participates in the Rouge River Remedial Action Plan Habitat Committee, the Riparian Corridor Management Technical Advisory Committee, and has helped reduce maintenance costs for the city of Dearborn by installing Grow Zones that don’t require mowing.

Winner: Beverly Palise of Madison Heights
Nominator: Katherine Morrison

Beverly has been spreading Christmas spirit for nearly a decade through the annual Festival of Trees benefit for Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Each year, she designs the money tree, which contains 300 festively arranged $1 bills. The tree is then raffled off to benefit the hospital. In 2005, the tree she designed raised $7,000 for the Hospital. She has also designed other trees that are sold during the fundraiser. Beverly’s other volunteer experience includes singing with the Detroit Edison Glee Club at nursing and retirement homes in the region, as well as with the church choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth and Ward Evangelical Presbyterian in Northville. In the past, Beverly has volunteered for the Parade Company, the Rainbow Connection and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Winner: Bobbie Patt of Huntington Woods
Nominator: National Council of Women, Greater Detroit Section

Bobbie is no stranger to nurturing our region’s youth. A retired elementary school teacher, she now gives her time to a variety of programs through the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section. Each week, she tutors children in Ferndale through the Ferndale Public Schools Literacy Project. She also helps the NCJW pack and deliver backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need throughout the region. For the past six years, Bobbie has served as an advocate as part of Children’s Advocates: Court Appointed Guardianship Services for children needing legal guardianship within the Oakland County Family Court System. Through the NCJW, Bobbie delivers Kosher Meals on Wheels and serves as the co-chair of Tributes, the program that manages contributions given in honor of family and friends. She also welcomes people into her home through Sarah’s Tent, a support group for new Jews by choice, individuals in interfaith relationships, and Jewish people with little Jewish education or experience.

Winner: Robert Rosowski of Northville
Nominator: Accounting Aid Society

Robert has been helping individuals with their taxes for nearly 20 years. A retired vice president and treasurer of Masco Corporation, Bob first got involved with Accounting Aid Society as a board member. His leadership was also a valuable asset to the organization’s resource development committee, personnel committee, and its advisory council. Believing that in order to understand what an organization does, one must get closely involved in its work, he also signed up as a tax volunteer. January through April, Bob can be found almost every Saturday assisting low-income individuals with their taxes at the Butzel Family Center on Detroit’s east side. Robert spends about an hour with each client, reviewing financial records, preparing city, state and federal tax returns, and helping individuals locate available tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, home heating credits and property tax credits.  Robert’s effort puts more money back in the hands of metro Detroiters each year.

While overall 2006 MEAP reading test results showed improvements over the prior year, about 33,000 third through sixth graders in tri-county public and charter schools are not reading at grade level, according to recent data. 

Public school districts across the three counties showed improvement across all four grades analyzed.  However, one worrisome trend -- evident in 2005 -- held true for 2006. The share of students who fared poorly on the test grew incrementally by grade level. The averages across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb in 2006 revealed 12.8 percent of third graders, 15.4 percent of fourth graders, 16.1percent of fifth graders and 17.9 percent of sixth graders were identified as “not meeting standards.”

Oakland County had the lowest rate of students “not meeting standards” in each grade, with less than 10 percent until grade six, when the rate rose to 11.6 percent.  Macomb County public schools ran a rather close second in all grades, with their highest “failure” rate also coming in sixth grade at 13.7 percent. Wayne County public school districts (excluding Detroit) came in third with a sixth grade rate of 16.1 percent, but still managed to be better than the state average across the four grade levels.

Detroit Public Schools continued to have the highest “not meeting standards” rate, from 24.5 percent of third graders to 36.5 percent of sixth graders.  The good news is that significant improvement was achieved in all four grades, with the largest drop occurring at the sixth grade level – down from 43.6 percent.

The MEAP analysis covers charter schools in each of the three counties as well, and as discussions continue to revolve around providing children a number of educational options, those tests results should raise questions.  For instance, are the students who generally attend charter schools more of a teaching challenge than those attending public schools? Or, is the quality of teaching in charter schools somewhat less than in public schools? 

These questions arise as charter schools showed consistently higher rates of “failure” across counties and across grades.  In fact, third graders in Macomb County charter schools comprised the only segment that actually saw their “failure” rate rise from 2005 to 2006.  On average, charter schools in Macomb and Oakland counties had rates two to three times as high as their public school counterparts.  Although Wayne County charters were not subdivided as Detroit and out-Wayne, they were still found to have rates six to eight percentage points higher than Detroit and out-Wayne County public schools combined. 

United Way for Southeastern Michigan understands that reading at grade level is crucial to success in life and has made it one of our priority outcomes in our Agenda for Change.  The need in our region is great and will require the involvement of all of us to truly achieve success.

Figure 1. - Click here for full size chart

Figure 2. - Click here for full size chart