This week's Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce "Member Spotlight of the Week" recognition is going out to the Branch County United Way. Read more below on why Executive Director Kevin Sheppard believes that the Branch County United Way deserves this week's Spotlight!
The Branch County United Way (BCUW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people and community resources together to address pressing issues we face as a society such as poverty, education, and improving lives to make a better community for us all. Whether it is literacy programs for children, or programs that provide basic necessities to families, these programs/agencies make a lasting impact to help the most vulnerable in our community. Over ninety-eight percent (98.5%) of all dollars raised here in Branch County, stay here to provide these necessary services and programs to the community.
Currently, BCUW has 24 partner agencies in Branch County that provide services in education, health, income, and emergency services. To date, over 70,000 books have been delivered to children in through the Imagination Library in Branch County, and over 500 children were given the gift of new shoes through the Happy Feet program in Branch County schools. Approximately 139 survivors of Domestic violence received emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and a new start on life through the Shelter house and Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (BCCADV), and over 256 individuals received lifesaving medical care and ongoing support for long term health care thorough the Free Health Clinic of Branch County. These are only some of the success stories that we see every day at BCUW.
Last year, BCUW was able to allocate over $127,000 to these partner agencies to help provide necessary health, education, income, and emergency services to change the lives of those in need in our community for the better. Together, we truly can make a difference. The BCUW 2018-2019 campaign has kicked off as Executive Director, Kevin Sheppard, meets with local businesses to speak about the impact BCUW has on our community. Donations, whether it be $1 payroll deduction, or a onetime donation, all is needed and given back to our community. BCUW also holds multiple fundraising events during the year such as the quarterly Calendar Raffle, Power of the Purse, Derby Fest, and the Color Run 5K. If you want to give back, but are unsure how to go about it or don’t know where to start, consider contacting Branch County United Way. Visit our website at
www.branchcountyunitedway.org, or contact us at 517.279.7129.
