Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Orchard View Early Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Orchard View Early Elementary |2820 MacArthur Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442

When: TBA 

Help shape the future of our community—right here at home.

Do you care deeply about Newaygo County and want to play a hands-on role in strengthening our community? United Way of the Lakeshore is looking for passionate, thoughtful, and community-minded volunteers to serve on our Newaygo County Community Committee.

This isn’t a “sit back and listen” committee—it’s a roll-up-your-sleeves, share-your-voice, help-guide-the-work kind of role.

As a committee member, you’ll help guide the local direction of United Way’s work in Newaygo County by:

Second Thursday of each month 8:00–9:00 AM

Gerber Federal Credit Union Headquarters

Virtual attendance options available

You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who:

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Set Up Volunteers

Tear Down Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Information Tent & Check-In Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Ticket Sales Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Walkerville. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Craft Beer Server Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Water Sales Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Domestic Beer Server Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

ID Check Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Ticket Rover Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Kid's Zone Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Trash & Clean-Up Volunteers

All Parties in the Park volunteers will receive a free T-shirt!

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 2 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help preserve the voices of those who served.

As a Veterans History Project Volunteer, you will sit down with local veterans to record and preserve their stories, ensuring their experiences are honored, remembered, and shared for generations to come.

Through this work, you are not just recording history. You are helping tell the human story behind service, sacrifice, and resilience.

Some interviews may be submitted to the Veterans History Project, while all recordings become part of our local Voices of Service: Lakeshore Veterans Archive.

Volunteers guide veterans through a respectful, conversational interview process. Responsibilities include:

Connecting with a veteran to schedule an interview

Preparing thoughtful, open-ended questions

Recording a video interview using a phone, tablet, or camera

Creating a comfortable and supportive environment

Assisting with basic paperwork and documentation

Submitting recordings and materials to United Way staff

Interviews typically last 30 to 60 minutes

Opportunities are flexible and scheduled based on your availability

Monthly recording opportunities will be available, along with additional interviews as veterans sign up

Training and ongoing support are provided. No prior experience is required

Individuals who enjoy listening and connecting with others

Those interested in history, storytelling, or community service

Volunteers looking for a meaningful, relationship-based role

Anyone who wants to honor and support veterans in a personal way

Strong listening skills

Respectful and patient communication

Comfort using basic technology such as a smartphone or tablet

Ability to navigate emotional conversations with care

Reliability and follow-through

All volunteers receive training and resources, including:

Interview techniques and sample questions

Trauma-informed conversation guidance

Technology tips for recording

Step-by-step support throughout the process

You are not expected to do this alone. Our team provides support at every step.

Every veteran has a story.

Some stories have never been told. Others risk being lost over time.

By volunteering, you help ensure that these voices are heard, valued, and preserved within our community.

Student United Need For Hour Tracking Purposes

About Mission United: 

Mission United engages military veterans and their families to serve and address veteran needs in income stability, education, and health. These individuals help steer the impact work of United Way veteran-based programs and host special events such as the Memorial Day Clean Ups and Veterans Day activities.

Region: Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties 

Mission United Chair: Sunny Crenshaw
Mission United Vice Chair: Henrietta Hadley 

Meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month.

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Math Program at Martin Luther King Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children in Muskegon Heights. We are looking for volunteers for each classroom grades 3-5 at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary 55 E Sherman BLVD, Muskegon, MI 49444. 

A love for working with young students. Great communication skills and the ability to work both independently and with others. Comfortable with technology or willing to learn. A supportive and encouraging approach to math.

An hour & a half (1.5) time commitment, 3 times a week, Monday-Friday. The students need this intervention each day for the program to be successful. We do ask that volunteers commit to an entire school year so that we can ensure the success of our students.

A commitment to completing our training (provided by the school and United Way of the Lakeshore). This training is about 1.5 hours and will walk you through the basics of the math program and the technology skills needed. Place, date and time of training will be determined with volunteers.

Background checks (no fee required). For the safety of our schools and you as a volunteer, you must complete two background checks - an initial check with United Way of the Lakeshore and then a secondary with each school site you plan to volunteer at. These background checks are covered by our organization and are of no fee to you!

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Beach Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Beach Elementary |2741 Heights Ravenna Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444

When: 12:15-1:45pm 

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Edgewood Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Edgewood Elementary |3255 E Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport , MI 49415

What You'll Do

When: 2:00-3:30pm 

Mentor students: Help young learners increase their literacy skills through a structured routines.Assist outside the classroom: Work alongside teachers to support students’ educational growth.Share your experiences: Report back on the successes and challenges of your mentoring journey.Be a role model: Show students the joy of learning while maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
A love for working with young students. Great communication skills and the ability to work both independently and with others. A supportive and encouraging approach to reading.A two hour time commitment once a week. (Monday-Friday available) The students need this intervention each day for the program to be successful.Volunteers will report to Shettler Elementary.
A commitment to completing our training (provided by MAISD and United Way of the Lakeshore). This training is about 3 hours and will walk you through the basics of the literacy routine, giving volunteers time to practice and ask questions.  Training TBD. 
Background checks (no fee required). For the safety of our schools and you as a volunteer, you must complete two background checks - an initial check with United Way of the Lakeshore and then a secondary with each school site you plan to volunteer at. These background checks are covered by our organization and are of no fee to you!

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Bunker Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Bunker Elementary |2312 Denmark St, Muskegon, MI 49441 

When: TBA

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Campbell Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where:  Campbell Elementary |1355 Greenwich Rd, Muskegon, MI 49441 

When: TBA 

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Holton Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Holton Elementary |6425 Syers Rd, Holton, MI 49425

When: TBA

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Edgewood Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Edgewood Elementary |3028  Howden St, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444

When: 2:15-3:00pm Monday- Thursday 10:15am-11:00am Friday

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Edgewood Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Edgewood Elementary |3028  Howden St, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444

When: 11-11:50am Monday-Friday 

Muskegon Maritime Academy (571 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon) is seeking caring, dependable volunteers to help serve lunch to students now through the end of the school year.

Muskegon Maritime Academy is a K–5 school that will unfortunately be closing at the end of this academic year. Due to funding cuts, the school does not have adequate staff available to serve daily lunches. While generous partners are helping ensure meals are prepared and available, volunteers are needed to assist with the lunch service itself so students can continue receiving a warm, nutritious meal each day.

What Volunteers Will Do:

Serve lunch to students (approximately 30 students at a time; about 100 total per day)

Set out utensils, plates, and supplies

Place food into warmers

Support a smooth and welcoming lunch experience

Students assist with clean-up at the end of their lunch periods, and school staff will be present — volunteers are not expected to handle discipline matters.

Schedule:

Monday–Friday

11:00 AM – approximately 12:45 PM

Shifts are under 2 hours

Help is needed consistently through June

Volunteer as few or as many days per week as you’re able

What’s Provided:

Gloves and aprons

A nutritious lunch

A meaningful way to support local students during a time of transition

Requirements:

Volunteers must be 18+

Background check required

Even one or two days a week can make a real difference. Providing consistency and a friendly presence during lunchtime will help ensure students continue to feel cared for and supported during these final months of the school year.

Where labor leadership meets community impact.
The Labor Participation Committee brings together labor leaders and community partners to strengthen the connection between organized labor and United Way.

The Labor Participation Committee (LPC) helps build meaningful partnerships between organized labor and United Way of the Lakeshore. Members serve as ambassadors for the mission, supporting workplace engagement and helping ensure resources reach working families across the community.

Subcommittee opportunities include:

Monthly meetings
Additional opportunities to engage through subcommittees and events
Meeting details
Second Tuesday of each month

Interested in joining?
Contact Jana Routt at jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org to learn more or get involved.

Please note: Submitting your interest does not confirm membership. A United Way team member will follow up with additional details about the committee, expectations, and next steps for joining.

Connecting the people who connect our community.
The Case Managers Network brings together professionals across sectors to share resources, strengthen relationships, and better support individuals and families in our community.

The Case Managers Network is a collaborative group of professionals from community-based organizations, healthcare, government, education, and other human service sectors. The network focuses on sharing information, highlighting available resources, and staying connected to emerging community needs.

Monthly meetings (1 hour)
Open, flexible participation
Meeting details
Fourth Thursday of each month
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Virtual

Interested in joining?
Contact Jana Routt at jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org to learn more or get connected.

Please note: Submitting your interest does not confirm membership. A United Way team member will follow up with additional details about the committee, expectations, and next steps for joining.

Where community voices turn into action.
The Community Impact Strategy Team helps ensure that what we hear from the community is reflected in how United Way invests in solutions that matter most.

This team connects community needs, local data, and strategic priorities to United Way’s investment process. By listening to community input and reviewing trends, members help guide decisions that shape long-term impact across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.

The Community Impact Strategy Team brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to provide vision, oversight, and insight — ensuring our work stays grounded in real community conditions while identifying opportunities to collaborate and grow.

Three-year term
Monthly meetings (1.5 hours each)

First Wednesday of each month
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Hybrid Options Available
United Way of the Lakeshore Building
31 East Clay Ave., Muskegon MI

Contact Wyneice Hairston, Community Impact Director, at wyneice@unitedwaylakeshore.org
to learn more or express interest.

Next step:
Submitting your interest does not confirm membership. A team member will follow up with additional details about the committee, expectations, and next steps for joining.

Keeping the spaces that serve our community strong, safe, and ready for impact.

This committee helps ensure that the physical spaces supporting United Way’s work are well-maintained, functional, and positioned for future growth.

The Human Services Center / Building Committee oversees the care, maintenance, and long-term planning of properties owned or leased by United Way of the Lakeshore. This includes supporting facility improvements, reviewing space needs, and helping guide decisions related to property use and potential expansion.

Meets approximately 2 times per year, as needed

Scheduled as needed throughout the year

Contact Stephanie at stephanie@unitedwaylakeshore.org to learn more or get involved.
New committee members are welcome.

Next step:
Submitting your interest does not confirm membership. A team member will follow up with additional details about the committee, expectations, and next steps for joining.

Care about Oceana County? So do we.
The Oceana County Community Committee brings together local leaders who want to help shape the future of their community. This group plays a key role in guiding United Way of the Lakeshore’s work by connecting local insight with action.

Committee members provide thought leadership and community expertise to help guide strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure United Way’s work reflects the needs and strengths of Oceana County. Members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and trusted stewards of the organization’s mission.

Regular meeting attendance

Participation in at least one work group

Ongoing engagement in committee initiatives

3rd Tuesday of Every OTHER Month
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hybrid Option Available
Health Department #10, 3986 N. Oceana Drive, Hart MI

Contact Barbara Sims, Oceana County Director at barbara@unitedwaylakeshore.org to learn more or attend a future meeting.

Next step:
Submitting your interest does not confirm membership. A team member will follow up with additional details about the committee, expectations, and next steps for joining.

Lead the charge. Build the relationships. Fuel the impact.
The Campaign Cabinet is a group of volunteer leaders who help drive United Way of the Lakeshore’s annual campaign by building relationships, engaging workplaces, and connecting our community to meaningful impact.

Campaign Cabinet members serve as ambassadors and relationship-builders, working alongside staff and community partners to grow support for United Way’s mission. This team helps shape campaign strategy, strengthen corporate partnerships, and expand engagement across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.

Rather than focusing only on logistics, Cabinet members play a key role in influencing, connecting, and leading — helping bring new partners to the table while strengthening existing relationships.

Typical engagement may include outreach emails, meetings with business leaders, event invitations, and connecting partners to volunteer or impact opportunities

Seasonal (with highest engagement during campaign months)

Participation in campaign meetings and event

Ongoing relationship engagement throughout the campaign

Contact Jana Routt, Sr. Director of Workplace Campaign, at jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org, to learn more or express interest.

Next step:
Submitting your interest does not confirm membership. A team member will follow up with additional details about expectations, timeline, and how you can get involved.