Read the latest story from the Foundation about our statement in support of local nonprofits: Nonprofit Support Statement.
Nonprofit Partner Spotlights
Shiawassee Family YMCA
This week’s spotlight is the Shiawassee Family YMCA! The YMCA has been in our community since the late 1800’s, and is one of our longest nonprofit partners at the Foundation. The purpose of the Y is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our vision is to connect and engage people to enhance lives and build community collaboration. The Shiawassee Family YMCA is one of the region’s most valued assets in building youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Ultimately the YMCA is a major support hub for the folks of Shiawassee County – providing a safe space with accessible resources.
The YMCA is staffed by 38 employees and has a board of directors with 17 people. They are funded by grants, donations, and membership and program fees. And they are currently working on their large renovation/expansion to include childcare and a fully renovated fitness center in Phase 1. Phase 2 will expand the current YMCA into a bigger facility with an additional gymnasium and community spaces. You can support Phase 1 efforts by donating to their Capital Campaign today! The Shiawassee Family YMCA Capital Campaign will help transform the YMCA so that critical community needs will be met. The biggest thing to know about the Shiawassee YMCA is that they are committed to a healthy community. The YMCA provides safe, reliable resources in one space. The YMCA is a place where all are welcome and everyone can get connected.
Learn more about the YMCA at their website: https://www.shiawasseeymca.org/.
The Arc of Mid-Michigan
Our first spotlight is The Arc of Mid-Michigan. The Arc of Mid-Michigan is a nonprofit partner with the Cook Family Foundation, and has been in Shiawassee County since 1956. Their purpose is to provide a better quality of life for folks with developmental disabilities, and to help the neurotypical population embrace and accept developmentally different folks. The Arc of Mid-Michigan strives to be a voice for their clients in many spaces, including school advocacy, legislative work, and the larger community. Ultimately The Arc of Mid-Michigan is helping their clients to live and thrive in our community.
The Arc of Mid-Michigan has a small staff, but they get things done! They are 85% public funded from governmental programs and grants. One of their biggest local donor revenues is their BINGO events. Historically they have often had a candidate in the Mr. Owosso campaign fundraising for them, but they don’t have a candidate for the 2025 campaign. They are always looking for new champions to take on this task annually.
The biggest thing to know about The Arc is that they are truly providing a safe and non-judgemental space in our community for folks with developmental disabilities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. The Arc of Mid-Michigan is a space where their clients can just be themselves and can authentically exist. Take some time to learn more about what they do at The Arc of Mid-Michigan by visiting their website: https://www.arcmidmichigan.org/.