Heart of West Michigan United Way

Meet Brianne Jurs, Community Impact Manager

Brianne joined United Way in 2025, after a move brought her to West Michigan. She and her husband, who is a pastor, moved from Lyn, MA, located near Salem. Brianne is a Hooiser native - Go IU!

What she appreciates most about her role is the opportunity to work in financial security, where issues like affordable housing, employment, and basic needs are deeply connected to people’s everyday lives. She states, "As someone who understands how hard it can be to build stability and get ahead, I care deeply about supporting the organizations doing this work in our community. I love being able to come alongside our partners, lift up their impact, and help connect people to the support they need."

Brianne teaches aqua fitness classes at the YMCA. She has a senior rescue pit mix named Isaac. She loves to cook without recipes and is excited to grow plants for their new home in the Midtown neighborhood.

Stability starts here.

When a family is worried about rent, income, or keeping the lights on, nothing else can move forward.

That’s why we focus on Financial Security—helping people stay housed, access income supports, and build a path toward stable employment.

From eviction prevention to free tax preparation, this is how we help families move from crisis to stability—and start building toward opportunity.

Learn more: hwmuw.org/financial-security

Did you know that 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products? Or that 45% of teens have worn products longer than recommended because they didn’t have access to new ones? Women United is dedicated to changing that!

Today, members came together over the lunch hour to pack dignity kits filled with feminine hygiene items to serve 3 schools across our counties. We packed 180 kits; each filled with pads, tampons, and other essential products to feel comfortable, confident, and healthy. A huge thank you to the incredible volunteers and to the generous donors who made this event possible!

Want to join our next event and support the women of West Michigan? Join us as a member today! volunteerwestmi.givepulse.com/group/1270009-women-united

Yesterday, we had the privilege of celebrating our 2026-2029 Community Investment Partners, organizations doing the important work of strengthening lives and building a more resilient community every day.

The breakfast was a chance to connect, celebrate, and kick off a new three-year partnership focused on creating lasting impact across our region.

Thank you to our partners for your dedication, collaboration, and commitment to building a thriving community for all. We look forward to what we will accomplish together over the next three years.

Stay tuned for additional photos from this event.

The mission of Operation United is to help make homes safer, more accessible, or more enjoyable through landscaping and other exterior improvements. Thank you to Grand River Fence Company for helping us reach this goal by installing a brand-new fence for one of our veteran homeowners, providing a safe and secure area for him and his family to enjoy.

Through our family stability program, we work with families to prevent evictions before they happen, offering more than just financial help. We offer time. Breathing room. A way forward. Because when a family stays housed, everything else stays possible.

A special thank you to the National Honor Society at GR City High Middle School for collecting cleaning products and basic care items for the families we serve. These items help ease the burden of their stretched budgets, allowing them to focus on other necessities.

We're Hiring!

As the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coordinator, you will be a valuable member of our team and work hands-on alongside the Program Manager to coordinate a variety of administrative activities related to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Full job description & application: hwmuw.isolvedhire.com/jobs

Today, we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our office will be closed on Memorial Day.

While we take this time to reflect and pay our respects, know that help is still available 24/7. Call 2-1-1 for support and resources.

Take a moment to thank and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Thanks to our partner, Gazelle Sports, United Way delivered nearly 150 pairs of shoes to student-athletes at Martin Public Schools, helping ensure they started the spring season on the right foot!

The results of the Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey are in!

Since 2005, the survey has been used to monitor health-risk behaviors among Ottawa County teens. Data from this anonymous survey has been used by local agencies and schools to enact more effective programs and policies to improve the health and well-being of local teens.

Last Friday, our team joined fellow United Way County leaders to hear the survey results. We were encouraged by many of the findings, but know there is still work to be done to support our youth. View the results here: ottawacountyyouth.org

A special thank-you to the Youth Assessment Committee, including our Vice President of Impact, Liz DeLaLuz, for all their efforts. Also, thank you to the funders.