University of Michigan faculty, staff and retirees are being challenged to make a difference in the lives of those in need by making a pledge to the 2021 United Way Campaign.

This year’s campaign co-chairs are Alfreda Rooks, director of community health services for U-M Health – Michigan Medicine, and Chris Kolb, vice president for government relations. They are encouraging their U-M colleagues to help raise $1 million by Dec. 31.

“The university’s campaign offers our campuswide community the opportunity to combine resources and have a powerful impact throughout our area through agencies supported by the United Way of Washtenaw County,” Kolb said. “When we come together we make a difference.”

The focus of the programs and services provided by United Way is to address many of the inequities inherent in the county — not letting one’s ZIP code determine opportunities in life and in doing so create a healthier community for everyone.

“Through the United Way, nonprofit agencies in our area are able to continue providing critical services to people in Washtenaw County who need a hand up, making a more thriving community for everyone,” Rooks said.

Agencies supported by the United Way provide such assistance as access to quality preschool for hundreds of underprivileged children, help families cover health-care costs, and provide housing, substance-abuse treatment and employment resources to those who need it most.

Pledges can be made through the secure ePledge system on Wolverine Access or a pledge form that is available at uway.umich.edu.

Every pledge can be designated to a nonprofit of one’s choice or invested in the Community Impact Fund, which supports programs and services that have demonstrated success in addressing the community’s most pressing needs.

Those who give $1,000 or more become members of the Leadership Giving Association and will receive an invitation to the annual reception hosted by President Mark Schlissel in early 2022.

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