United Way of the West Shore - Manistee County

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we celebrate the people who keep Manistee and Mason Counties moving — the workers, caregivers, service providers, and neighbors whose efforts strengthen our communities every day.

It is also a reminder that having a job does not always mean being able to afford the basics, and that's why United Way advocates for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These households earn above the federal poverty level, but still fall short of what it costs to cover essentials like housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, and technology.

In Manistee County, 31% of households are ALICE. In Mason County, 26% are ALICE.

Today, we honor the value of work — and the people behind it — while recommitting ourselves to a community where every hardworking household has the opportunity to thrive.

09/02/2026

United Way is bringing the Feeding America Food Truck to St. Raphael Church on Friday, September 18th at 11 a.m.

Be sure to check out the flyer for additional details!

Also, please share this post to help others in the community learn about this opportunity!

And as always, you can find nutrition assistance resources in Manistee County using our guide, located at:

https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/nutrition-assistance-in-manistee-county

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United Way llevará el camión de alimentos de Feeding America a la Iglesia de San Rafael el viernes 18 de septiembre a las 11 a. m.

¡Asegúrate de revisar el volante para obtener más detalles!

Además, comparte esta publicación para ayudar a que otras personas de la comunidad conozcan esta oportunidad.

Y como siempre, puedes encontrar recursos de asistencia nutricional en el condado de Manistee usando nuestra guía, disponible en:

https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/nutrition-assistance-in-manistee-county

08/24/2026

We're still feeling so much gratitude for our community. THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our annual fundraiser – Suds on the Shore Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival! Your energy and generosity made this year’s event one of the most successful yet.

Together, we raised more than $121,000 to directly support United Way of the West Shore’s essential community programs! We were thrilled to welcome over 1,600 attendees, volunteers, VIPs, musicians, and beverage partners who showed up for our neighbors.

A special thank you to our incredible breweries, wineries, distilleries, and dedicated community partners like AndyS and the Emerging Leaders of United Way West Shore. Your partnership and passion are what make Suds on the Shore an annual highlight—and more importantly, what facilitate real, lasting change for individuals and families across Mason and Manistee counties!

08/03/2026

United Way is bringing the Feeding America Food Truck to Lakeview Church of the Brethren on Friday, August 21st at 11 a.m.

Be sure to check out the flyer for additional details!

Also! Please share this post to help others in the community learn about this opportunity!

And as always, you can find nutrition assistance resources in Manistee County using our guide, located at:

https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/nutrition-assistance-in-manistee-county
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Aquí tienes la traducción al español:

United Way traerá el camión de comida de Feeding America a la iglesia Lakeview Church of the Brethren el viernes 21 de agosto a las 11:00 a. m.

¡Asegúrate de revisar el folleto para obtener más detalles!

¡Además! ¡Por favor comparte esta publicación para ayudar a que otros en la comunidad se enteren de esta oportunidad!

Y como siempre, puedes encontrar recursos de asistencia nutricional en el condado de Manistee usando nuestra guía, disponible en:

https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/nutrition-assistance-in-manistee-county

07/17/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING TODAY'S MOBILE FOOD PANTRY: Due to hazardous air quality, and for the health of our participants and volunteers, today’s Feeding America Food Truck mobile pantry at Bear Lake Community Church has been rescheduled for Monday, July 20th at 11 AM. See the flyer for more details.

Thank you.

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ACTUALIZACIÓN IMPORTANTE SOBRE LA DESPENSA MÓVIL DE ALIMENTOS DE HOY: Debido a la calidad peligrosa del aire y por la salud de nuestros participantes y voluntarios, la despensa móvil del Camión de Alimentos de Feeding America de hoy en Bear Lake Community Church ha sido reprogramada para el lunes 20 de julio. Consulte el volante para obtener más detalles.

Gracias.

07/08/2026

ALICE households work hard to keep their families and communities moving forward every day.

But when the cost of basics like groceries, gas, or utilities soar, even small increases can have an immediate impact on already tight household budgets.

Understanding these challenges is an important step toward building communities where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more in our new report about the challenges facing many Michiganders and Manistee County residents:
https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/alice

07/04/2026

Today, we celebrate not only Independence Day, but also the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

For 250 years, our nation’s story has been shaped by communities coming together to support one another, overcome challenges, and build a brighter future. That same spirit continues to inspire the work we do every day.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, we’re grateful for the volunteers, donors, partners, and neighbors who help strengthen our community and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

From all of us at United Way of the West Shore, we wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July. 🇺🇸

06/29/2026

United Way is bringing the Feeding America Food Truck to Bear Lake Community Church on Friday, July 17th at 11 a.m. Be sure to check out the flyer for additional details!

Also! Please share this post to help others in the community learn about this opportunity!

And as always, you can find nutrition assistance resources in Manistee County using our guide, located at:

https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/nutrition-assistance-in-manistee-county

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¡United Way traerá el Camión de Alimentos de Feeding America a Bear Lake Community Church el viernes 17 de julio a las 11:00 a. m.! Asegúrese de consultar el volante para obtener más detalles.

¡Además! Comparta esta publicación para ayudar a que más personas de nuestra comunidad conozcan esta oportunidad.

Y, como siempre, puede encontrar recursos de asistencia alimentaria en el condado de Manistee utilizando nuestra guía, disponible en:

https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/nutrition-assistance-in-manistee-county

06/27/2026

Excitement is building for our annual summer fundraiser! Get your tickets today and support United Way of the West Shore as we strive to make a positive impact in our community.

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/suds-on-the-shore-craft-beer-wine-festival--2026

Here’s a look at some of the food, retail and entertainment options you’ll find at this year’s festival. (Vendors to be added as the festival gets closer!!)

REMINDER: Get your tickets here, before prices increase: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/suds-on-the-shore-craft-beer-wine-and-cocktail-festival

🍗 Cluck Bucket (Cluck Bucket - Downtown) – A Ludington favorite serving up classic dishes.

🍪 Criminal Cookies (Criminal Cookies llc) – Treat yourself to handcrafted gourmet cookies and other delicious baked goods that have earned a loyal following across Michigan.

💎 Lavender Links Permanent Jewelry (www.instagram.com/lavenderlinks/) – Create a lasting memory with custom-fitted permanent jewelry, including bracelets, anklets, and necklaces welded for a seamless fit.

📚 Modern Literates (Modern Literates)– Browse a curated selection of contemporary fiction, fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, romance, and timeless classics, along with fun book-themed merchandise perfect for every reader.

🎶 Plus, enjoy live performances from Whiskey Rebels (The Whiskey Rebels) and Firebird Sweet as you sip, shop, and explore everything Suds on the Shore has to offer.

Don’t miss one of the Ludington's favorite summer traditions—we’ll see you August 15!

06/24/2026

The affordability crisis is real across the U.S. and here in Manistee County, where the cost of basic necessities for a family of four can be as high as $83,000 per year.

A cook and a teller — two common occupations in Michigan — both working full-time, brought in a combined $62,946. That’s more than $20,000 short of what a family needs to afford housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and other essentials.

Let’s work together to make sure that paychecks add up for ALICE and for all families in Manistee County.

See the numbers in our latest Report: https://www.unitedwayofthewestshore.org/alice