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Peace Gathering

Flute lying on sheet music for Peace Gathering event in Alpena.

Join Us for a Peace Gathering in Alpena

The Alpena Peace Community warmly invites you to a special evening of reflection and music at the Peace Gathering. This event will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 7 to 8 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 119 W. Dunbar St, Alpena.

Event Highlights:

    • Musical Performance: Enjoy the serene sounds of the flute played by MaryAnn Hubbard, accompanied by Judith Case.
    • Peace Meditations: Participate in meditations focused on bringing peace to our world, country, communities, and personal lives.
    • Refreshments: Stay after the meditation for some light refreshments and fellowship.

Support Our Community: We encourage attendees to bring non-perishable food donations for the Little Food Pantry at Grace Lutheran Church.z

This gathering is open to everyone, and we hope it will provide a space for peace and contemplation. For more details, visit the Alpena Peace Community on Facebook or email [email protected].

Everyone is welcome to join us in creating a moment of peace and unity!

United Rivals Fundraising Challenge

United Rivals Live United logo featuring United Way for Southeastern Michigan with blue and yellow theme.

United Rivals: A Fundraising Challenge Between Michigan and Ohio State Fans

The United Way of Northeast Michigan is thrilled to join the excitement surrounding the University of Michigan vs. Ohio State University football game with a special fundraising collaboration: United Rivals! This innovative initiative, spearheaded by United Way for Southeastern Michigan and United Way of Central Ohio, harnesses the energy of one of college football’s greatest rivalries to support communities in need.

What Is United Rivals?

United Rivals is a friendly fundraising challenge between fans of the University of Michigan and Ohio State University. Supporters can donate to show their team spirit while making a difference in the lives of individuals and families who rely on United Way services. This unique collaboration crosses geographic boundaries, bringing together local United Way organizations throughout Michigan and Ohio. Every donation counts, and contributions received from outside specific service areas will be distributed to the appropriate local United Way based on the donor’s zip code.

Why Participate?

  • Support Your Team: Show your school pride while contributing to a meaningful cause.
  • Expand Awareness: This initiative highlights the important work United Way does in our communities.
  • Strengthen Our Impact: Together, we can raise more dollars to help those we serve.

How You Can Help

We invite our supporters and local organizations to join us in promoting this challenge. Let’s rally together to ensure Michigan fans rise to the occasion and best our neighbors to the south! Access the Toolkit: Click here to download a toolkit with graphic assets and draft social media messages. Share on Social Media: Use the graphics and messages provided, or share posts directly from the United Rivals accounts: Join the Challenge! Whether you’re a lifelong Wolverine or a proud Buckeye, this is your chance to make a difference and add to the spirit of the rivalry. Together, we can transform school pride into powerful support for our communities. For more details on United Rivals, read the attached overview or contact us with any questions. In partnership,The United Way of Northeast Michigan

Christmas Wish List | United Way of Northeast Michigan

Christmas Wish List Logo 2024 - United Way of Northeast Michigan

UNITED WAY of NORTHEAST MICHIGAN - CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

The Christmas Wish List has officially kicked off matching of gift recipients to donors and the phones are very busy! If you can’t get through, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call.

Through the Christmas Wish List, United Way of Northeast Michigan matches generous donors with the specific wishes of needy children in our community.  The families of hundreds of local children are struggling financially during this time of year. An ideal way to contribute is to combine resources with a work group or family members. Some donors choose to give to others less fortunate in lieu of gifts to one another. This can grow into a wonderful holiday tradition.

The following are typical requests from children on the List 

Name, Age,
Gender		 Code Gift Requests
& Sizes
Joanna, 15, F H252 Bedding, make-up
Braxton, 8, M TB260 Pants, shirt/
sweatshirt,
boots
Kaylee, F TB279 Sketch book,
art supplies
Natalie, 13, F B287 Winter coat, pants, shirt
Dominic, 4, M B306 Hat, gloves, pj’s,
socks, underwear

To be matched with one of these or a similar child or family, please call Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 4:00 p.m. Call (586) 703-4019. Please make sure you are matched with a child before purchasing items.  

If you prefer not to shop, your cash donation will allow the United Way staff to purchase needed items as well as food baskets and grocery gift cards. Please send donations to United Way of Northeast Michigan, 108 Water Street, Alpena, 49707.  

United Way of Northeast Michigan works with the Salvation Army, Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and the Vietnam Vets Toys for Kids programs to ensure that services are not duplicated. This safeguards donors’ funds and ensures that all who need services are provided for. 

Please return gifts to AMA/ESD Central Office on US-23 South ~ Across from Taco Bell  ONLY during the week of:  Monday, December 2 thru Friday, December 6. 

 Hours: Mon – Thurs, 8:30-5:00 pm & Friday, 8:30 – 6:00 pm   

Thank you! 

 

2024 Walk Against Homelessness and Hunger

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Registration will begin at 9:30am

SALVATION ARMY CHURCH

722 N. Second Avenue, Alpena

Walk 10:00am - 11:00am

Children & Pets Welcome

Funds collected will be given to local programs providing homeless and/or hunger assistance
QUESTIONS?
Call Randy at (989) 657-9313

Celebrating Community and Generosity: Dork Brothers 5K Raises $3000 for Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Thank you to all who participated in the exhilarating Dork Brothers 5K 2024 Run/Walk! Held on a beautiful July 4th at 701 Woodward Avenue in Alpena, this event brought the community together along the scenic Thunder Bay River bike path. With the spirited presence of our own Joe Gentry and the iconic Dork Brothers Racing team, the event was a vibrant celebration of fitness, friendship, and philanthropy. This year, we are proud to have raised $3,000 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, directly supporting early childhood literacy in our community. The legacy of the Dork Brothers, known for their humorous camaraderie and ‘Athletics Worst’ attire, continues to inspire and entertain, making this event a highlight of our community calendar. We are grateful for every runner, walker, and supporter who joined us, helping to make a significant impact on the lives of our youngest residents. Scroll down for the official race results and more highlights from the day!

2024 Dork Bros. 5K Results

PlaceNameGender/
Age		Time
1Logan SzumilaM1417.40
2Alexander AllenM1417.43
3Elijah AllenM1817.59
4James
Monson III		M1618.24
5Kenan KnightM1718.46
6Brandon WerthM1318.50
7Tyler BischoffM3518.58
8Luke SarrazineM2519.04
9Austin ReinhardtM1719.09
10Aiden BurnsM2119.22
11Quinn KellyM1719.30
12Jhayden
Bacchus		M1719.45
13Thurston ImhoffM1719.52
14Logan
Meerschaert		M1219.55
15Katrina KreichettF3320.15
16Shawn PoelletM3220.24
17Will NederhausM3020.25
18Brett WerblowM3620.41
19Micah PoelletF2120.56
20Bruce PoelletM3020.57
21Keith NowakM4021.28
22Jake NiergarthM2821.36
23Milo DahleenM1521.44
24Joel KaiserM1522.02
25Aric KnightM1522.09
26Matt NowakM4422.28
27Gentry BalogM1622.33
28Burdock
LaBarge		M3122.34
29Ethan
Quarandillo		M1922.45
30Jonathan ParrisM1423.08
31Ann VillalobosF3123.10
32Charlie BehlerM823.13
33Lisa MischleyF4423.16
34John BregeM1423.28
35Cooper StevensM1323.49
36Henry
Meerschaert		M924.10
37Leif DahleenM4824.31
38Ben SzydlowskiM1924.38
39Alex NowakM1524.45
40Mary BehlerF3724.48
41Joseph CampbellM1924.54
42Dave BrownM6424.55
43Sophia BorowskiF1925.05
44Eric KosseM3625.06
45Joshua CampbellM1725.18
46Kent HurleyM5525.19
47Gary SmithM6925.21
48Sarah SzostakF2625.27
49Sarah NowakF3925.28
50Jessica DonakowskiF3325.29
51Shane IsonM4025.30
52Corey SpratianM4425.31
53Gabe DonakowskiM1325.32
54Joe DonakowskiM3725.34
55Brody GableM1425.35
56Seth FrentosM3425.38
57Taylor HefeleF1525.44
58Mason HinkleyM1625.47
59Lucas QuimbyM1225.48
60Liv SowtonF1425.51
61Beth BachwichF2326.07
62Jay NowakM1726.16
63Mark CampbellM5026.25
64Ryan StevensM3926.29
65Matthew RabbideauM1026.33
66Kat TreinenF3226.36
67Ethan HanaM2226.37
68Bradley PrzelawskiM4226.42
69Candie DombrowskiF4326.43
70Michael BorowskiM5226.46
71Luke BorowskiM2026.47
72Amanda GlantonF1926.48
73Otto DahleenM1326.58
74Marcelina PowalkaF2227.03
75Ashley ReinhardtF3727.04
76Eva BorowskiF1627.08
77Nicole KensaF4127.11
78Jack RouleauM927.19
79Mike WurtsmithM6527.23
80Eric RouleauM3827.25
81Lauren NowakF4127.26
82Carolyn BeyerF3027.33
83Daniel BlizzardM4327.37
84Alan MastersM5727.39
85James Monson IIM4327.41
86Emily HurrrellF3427.42
87Rayce DahleenF4127.47
88Brenan PerrettM2528.03
89Kayla MaleportF3628.04
90Raylee PrestonF1528.06
91Lydia AllenF1028.09
92Andrew ReinhardtM3928.17
93Christy WerthF4628.20
94Clay CorneliusM4528.22
95Boris GerberM7128.28
96Kaitlyn NiederhausF2828.38
97Gerry PerrettM5628.39
98Toby CampbellM2428.50
99Juliana LewisF1928.58
100Jason SmolinskiM4729.05
101Pete SchullerM3629.08
102Giovanna MeekF5129.13
103Jordan CorwinM3029.28
104Forrest RoznowskiM2729.36
105Mary CloseF4129.47
106Jenny SyskoF5229.53
107Mary RademacherF3229.54
108Tanya FlannerF4730.01
109Eric CornishM6530.05
110Caitlin IsonF3930.06
111TJ CrawforthM4230.07
112Lucie SilverF3630.10
113Mary O’NeilF6530.11
114Zachary HallM1530.13
115Hannah SutlonF2631.05
116Marin GraholmF5131.06
117Lauren WirgauF2631.07
118Logan QuimbyM1131.09
119Barry PrichardM3431.14
120Stacy RabishF4331.19
121Gina BeyF4031.28
122Joseph FarrellM4131.32
123Sarah PrellF2031.34
124Elizabeth PrellF1631.37
125Matt McDonaldM4731.40
126Agata PowalkaF5931.42
127Matt SzydlowskiM5031.44
128Mary SchimmelF2631.52
129Kolin GhidoniM2631.54
130Samuel BachwichM2631.55
131Shannon VoF4132.09
132Amiya GonzalesF2032.13
133Kathleen BorowskiF4332.44
134Alexander WraskM1332.44
135Rachel BlizzardF4232.47
136Chantal KniperF3832.54
137Natalie PoelletF5932.58
138Thomas MeekM6633.01
139Rylie HanaF1933.02
140Brenda BeyerF3433.07
141Karen HolenF4933.09
142Colin SamuelM1233.13
143Krystal SamuelF3533.14
144Elizabeth DownsF4633.16
145Sarah HanaF4833.20
146Michael VansipeM3733.48
147Max BirdM1233.49
148Brenna DeckerF3433.50
149Lisa NelsonF5333.51
150Alex GonzalesM3233.55
151William RyckmanM7333.57
152Aiden GableNB1734.01
153Sarah GroshF3434.03
154Ranson Vorpah;M3634.05
155Amanda FreelandF3834.19
156Emily CurleyF3634.20
157Thomas MischleyM7534.32
158Katie GardnerF3534.35
159Stella SkandalarisF1234.36
160Harper WoolmanF1234.37
161Mike WitterM3134.38
162Evelyn WoolmanF1434.55
163Karen KarbowskiF6434.58
164Paige QuarandilloF2234.59
165Sophie GableF1735.15
166Rhianon PoelletF1535.15
167Josiah HandrichM1835.46
168Amanda ClarkF4135.52
169Renee PerrettF5436.02
170Shawna PrestonF4036.19
171Kathy HimesF50ish36.24
172JJ RundellM4336.49
173Camryn SingerF1137.01
174Donna SmithF6937.02
175Ainsley NowakF1237.06
176Mark GableM5137.11
177Scott PrellM5137.15
178Connie JaraczF4937.26
179Pat GarretF6137.31
180Joanne GroshF7038.25
181Rachel GroshF3238.26
182Jessica SingerF3838.27
183Nathaniel HurleyM3039.26
184Madison JoyceF1339.27
185Laurie DekyyserF4739.35
186Jenna CorwinF2639.47
187Abby CorwinF2839.48
188Betsy RouleauF3539.57
189Amanda RoznowskiF3539.59
190Theresa StiverF2340.17
191Leo BirdM1040.21
192Amelia LynnF1140.22
193Barbara LynnF4440.27
194Anne BirdF4840.32
195Lee BirdM4640.34
196Zanna KirschnerF1340.43
197Samantha WheelerF3340.47
198Jimmy WrightM3240.48
199Maddie SzydlowskiF1340.49
200Andrew KirschnerM5640.57
201Madison HallF1441.03
202Derek ChristiansonM5442.22
203Michelle CornishF5242.27
204Chase EnF5243.35
205Shonna YoungF4043.47
206Angela CampbellF2244.04
207Samantha CampbellF2244.15
208Judy GrahamF6245.21
209Krista HainesF4546.45
210Angela BucklerF5247.21
211Jackson SingerM748.13
212Bjorn ChristiansonM1348.59
213Rose ManitzF6649.05
214Karen ChapmanF6349.39
215Eden RosalesF4751.12
216Lauren BergesF4451.12
217Huilin GaoM5651.24
218Darby HinkleyF4352.58
219Justin HinkleyM3853.42
220Avery JenninggsF1454.37
221Gwen LaBargeF2857.21
222Tatum JenningsF1257.25
223Tatum JenningsF4557.26
224Kathleen GrayF2758.25
225Andi SpeersF3259.10
226Kathleen HayF7160.22
227Donita KirschnerM1661.02
228Brianna FischerF3361.03
229Cathic OsdrasF6861.04
230Don BeemM8462.18

UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST MICHIGAN TO HOLD 69TH ANNUAL MEETING

The 69th Annual Meeting of the United Way of Northeast Michigan will be held Tuesday, June 18th at 4 pm at the APlex, 701 Woodward, Alpena, MI 49707. The United Way of Northeast Michigan provides programs and services concentrating on educational success, financial equity, access to health care and meeting basic human needs. United Way is the sponsor of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Alpena & Presque Isle County and also sponsors Christmas Wish List. This Annual Meeting’s agenda items include approval of the 2023 Annual Meeting minutes, Treasurer’s Report regarding the financial status for the year ending December 31, 2023, nominations to the Board of Directors and election, President’s Report of 2023 United Way accomplishments, 2023/2024 Campaign Report and recognition awards. The regular Board of Director’s meeting for June will be held following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.

United Way of Northeast Michigan Receives Consumers Energy Foundation Grant

United Way of Northeast Michigan Receives Consumers Energy Foundation Grant

United Way of Northeast Michigan received a $4,000 grant to support meeting basic human needs in Alpena, Alcona and Montmorency counties.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2024

Alpena, Michigan – The United Way of Northeast Michigan has received a $4,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation in support of meeting basic human needs in Alpena, Alcona and Montmorency counties. Food assistance, motel/hotel vouchers for homeless citizens, access to facilities for showering and bathing, footwear and clothing and transportation assistance are services that this grant will support through the United Way. The ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population in all three counties (46%) has increased far above the statewide average (38%) due to increased food costs, gas prices, rent increases and household incomes that have not risen as quickly.

A grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a joint commitment to caring for people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to make a positive impact to Michigan and the United Way of Northeast Michigan is appreciative of their support during these economically challenging times.

Consumers Energy has been giving back to Michigan for 135 years, and since 1990 they have been helping local communities grow and thrive through the Consumers Energy Foundation. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumes Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important – its people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information about Consumers Energy Foundation visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

Pictured is Rich Castle, Consumers Affairs Manager for Consumers Energy presenting a $4,000 check to Joe Gentry, Executive Director, United Way of Northeast Michigan.

Joe Gentry
United Way of Northeast Michigan

Rental Assistance Finder Tool

Friends – We are excited to share the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) “Rental Assistance Finder” tool that members of your community can use to learn about emergency rental assistance available to tenants and landlords. The tool is now live at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/renthelp and you can use the hashtag #RentHelp on social media. We would be grateful if you can share this far and wide!

 

Learn More

Alpena, Alcona & Montgomery Awarded Funds Under the EFSP Program Phase 39

Alpena, Alcona & Montgomery Awarded Funds Under the EFSP Program Phase 39

Alpena County has been awarded funds under Phase 39 and Phase ARPAR of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Congress has appropriated $130 million under Phase39 & $400 million under Phase ARPAR to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs. Alpena County’s award is based upon the county’s total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions. Alpena has been awarded $10,794 under Phase 39 and $33,363 under Phase ARPAR. The spending period under both Phases is November 1, 2021 thru April 23, 2022.

Alpena County has a Local EFSP Board that will allocate the money awarded to their county to fund existing programs in compliance with EFSP national standards that assist residents with emergency food, shelter and utility payments. Each county’s Local Board is made up of representatives from food pantries, charitable groups, human service agencies, government and local churches.

Under terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funding must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice non-discrimination, 5) have the capacity to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply for funding.

Organizations interested in applying for EFSP funds should contact the United Way of Northeast Michigan, administrator of EFSP program funds, at 989-354-2221 or [email protected].

DOWNLOAD THE EFSP PHASE 39 ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM

DOWNLOAD THE EFSP PHASE ARPAR ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM

Email completed forms to [email protected]

Deadline for applications is Friday, February 25, 2022.