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American Dream Initiative 

United Way’s American Dream has helped 79 families with elementary school age children to become strong, stable, and healthy since the program was created in 2008.  There are currently 30 active families in the program working on improving their education, overcoming barriers to employment, accessing community resources, and learning new skills related to budgeting, parenting, and health and nutrition. 

United Way is pleased to announce that the American Dream raised $43,000 with the support of 62 donors in 2009 and will be able to improve the lives of more families in the coming year.  These families will receive in-home case management services, monthly group educational sessions, and assistance with transportation, childcare, tuition, and other barriers to improving their education and employment opportunities. 

The American Dream services are provided to Bay County families in collaboration with Literacy Council of Bay County and Lutheran Child and Family Service.  These organizations have built relationships with the families, supported them in continuing their education, and have empowered them to achieve their personal goals.  Heather’s story below is just one example of the many successes that families in the program have achieved.

“What the American Dream program has done for me is exactly what the name of the program is called.  It gave me the dream to be able to do something with my life…The American Dream helped pay for me to go to the Bay Arenac ISD and take classes to get into the medical field….Since I was able to take the classes, it has given me confidence in myself and my family.  Without the American Dream, I wouldn’t be graduating this June as a Certified Medical Assistant.  I am truly grateful that there is a program like the American Dream where people can get the help they need to make them independent and be able to be more productive people in society.”

Women’s Leadership Initiative Cabinet

Ellen Talbott - Chair

Ellen Albrecht

Brenda Burzynski

Amy Dehaan-Legge

Gena Gates

Mary Gust

Sharon Kram

Sue Murphy

Kim Prime

Amy Rodriguez

Dee Dee Wacksman