The United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) recently held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the community. These awards celebrate the dedication, hard work, and impact of volunteers and partners who strive to make a difference. In this blog post, we highlight the stories and achievements of the 2024 award winners.

Dominic Violeta: Champion of College Access

Dominic Violeta, a dedicated member of Capcan through AmeriCorps, spent a year and eight months making a remarkable impact on the education system. His role involved setting up field trips, assisting with FAFSA applications, helping students apply to colleges, and guiding them through goal-setting and personal development. Dominic’s efforts reached 400 seniors, with 98% meeting him more than once.

Dominic’s commitment did not go unnoticed. The Ingham Intermediate School District and Wilson Talent Center proudly presented him with the 2024 College Access Network Champion award.

Gart’s Support for Student Success

The Ingham Intermediate School District supports students through various initiatives, such as college visitations, sessions on goal setting, time management, and study skills. They pair students with current college attendees for mentorship and provide assistance with the FAFSA process. For students not immediately pursuing college, they offer career days and expose them to workforce opportunities. Their focus is particularly on the class of 2026, but their impact spans across all high school grades.

MSU Gear Up: Preparing Students for Success

Through a collaboration with Capcan, the Gear Up program at Michigan State University offers students a unique five-day residency. This initiative provides a taste of college life, including staying in dorms, dining in the cafeteria, attending classes, and participating in life skills sessions. One memorable activity was visiting MSU’s dairy farm where students saw baby cows and learned about careers in animal care.

The Capital Area College Access Network awarded MSU Gear Up with the College Access Champion of the Year award, recognizing their efforts in preparing students for academic and career success.

The Marion Marshall Award: Honoring Arion Stewart

The Marion Marshall Award is given annually to a volunteer demonstrating outstanding dedication and commitment. This year’s recipient, Arion Stewart, long-time employee campaign manager at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA), has been a steadfast supporter of United Way campaigns. Arion has led creative fundraising efforts such as chili cook-offs, dessert bake-offs, and tailgates, along with organizing volunteer days. Her leadership and enthusiasm have been instrumental in the success of the United Way campaigns.

MHA: Corporate Partner of the Year

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association is recognized as the 2023 Corporate Partner of the Year for its alignment with the United Way’s mission. MHA’s commitment to the community and partnership with United Way has resulted in significant support for Lansing and surrounding areas. This recognition underscores the importance of collaboration in making meaningful progress in community health.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Johnson and Ray Mundo

Kathy Johnson: A Pillar of Support

Kathy Johnson has been a volunteer with the Davies Project for seven years, primarily driving children and their parents to medical appointments. She has seen firsthand the positive impact of her work, witnessing children’s progress and development over the years. Kathy was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award, recognizing her dedication and impact on families.

Ray Mundo: Empowering Women Through Volunteerism

Ray Mundo, a volunteer at the Women’s Center, offers crucial support such as resume building, translations, and general assistance. His commitment to empowering women has made a significant difference, and he is celebrated for his efforts with an award from the center. Ray is actively taking part in changing the narrative about women in the world.

A Legacy of Volunteerism: Sherri Jones’s Story

Sherri Jones, deeply rooted in a family tradition of volunteering, has dedicated her life to helping women and children. From fundraising for Angel House to participating in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, Sherri’s contributions have been vast and impactful. Her efforts in raising $2 million for Angel House and her hands-on involvement in various projects demonstrate the profound impact of sustained volunteerism.

Conclusion

The stories of these incredible individuals and organizations highlight the powerful impact of volunteerism and community support. The United Way of South Central Michigan continues to recognize and celebrate those who dedicate their time and resources to making a difference. Congratulations to all the 2024 award winners, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community.

For more information on how you can get involved or support the United Way and its partners, visit the United Way of South Central Michigan.