West Michigan Works! has named United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties its 2024 Partner of the Year in recognition of its exceptional contributions to workforce development, community support, and collaboration across public and private sectors. The announcement was made during the 2024 West Michigan Works! annual board meeting held at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on December 9. Other award recipients include Hackley Community Care and Shelondrea Johnson, honored with the 2025 Impact Award, and University of Michigan Health-West, celebrated as 2024 Employer of the Year.
A long-standing partner to West Michigan Works!, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties has profoundly impacted local job seekers through initiatives such as food drives for local pantries and investing in emergency food and shelter services. These efforts have directly supported job seekers with donated items like steel-toed boots, dress shoes, and winter coats—critical resources for those who are not enrolled in programs that provide these necessities.
“We are so grateful and humbled by this honor and recognition,” said Terri Legg, President & CEO, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties. “In our rural communities, there is only one of any type of service agency able to help any given situation. This means we have to look outside of the box to solve issues and serve unmet needs. With a lack of housing and a third of our children reporting that they are couch surfing, we must be willing to take risks to figure out how to keep people working to provide for their families. It takes brave and bold leaders to make this happen and that is what we are doing together.”
United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties partners with West Michigan Works! to serve as a community service site for the PATH program, where participants engage in meaningful activities designed to prepare them for employment. They actively participate in Ascend Youth Collaborative, fostering career exploration and growth opportunities for local youth. Additionally, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties volunteers at MiCareerQuest, an event that inspires students to explore in-demand careers through interactive, hands-on experiences.
In addition to these programs, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties provides free leadership development training to local organizations, offering sessions on active shooter preparedness, poverty simulations, diversity, equity, inclusion, and foundational leadership practices. At the state and federal levels, they are vocal advocates for childcare support, affordable workforce housing, Earned Income Tax Credits, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties exemplifies the transformative power of community partnerships,” said Angie Barksdale, chief operating officer, West Michigan Works!. “Their holistic approach to workforce development ensures individuals have the resources and support they need to succeed while strengthening the communities we serve together.”
For more information about West Michigan Works! services to job seekers click the link below.
