Rich is passionate about where he works, what he does for a profession and how he helps the community. Like a true superhero, by day Rich serves as the Manager of Respiratory Care, but after his day is complete his transformation into a volunteer video visionary is unmasked.

In addition to serving as a Loaned Executive and a campaign volunteer, Rich uses his creative talents each year to help tell the story of the partnership between MidMichigan Health and United Way.

This year’s “Don’t Just Wear the Shirt—Live It” theme was aptly used with the legendary Michael Jackson song “Man in the Mirror.” Rich incorporated unique lyrics, local faces and a finale in true Broadway style.

In the words of Jeff Wagner, vice president at MidMichigan Health: “Although Rich is well-known for his video creations for our United Way campaigns, he continues to set an example for us all of Living United.

Paul and Kim White, along with their four young men, serve this community faithfully. Paul has been a strong advocate for those with disabilities, serving as a volunteer on the board of The Arc of Midland, and now serves on the State Board as well. He invested a lot of his time and himself in helping local residents with disabilities lead more meaningful lives and realize their dreams of home ownership and launching a business.

On any given day, you will probably find Kim helping and nurturing kids. In addition to leading her son’s Scout Troupe, she has worked for many years with the Everyone in Education team to create harmony in the classroom for every child. She also works tirelessly with the Arc and local schools to coordinate the Count Me In Program.

Just recently, the White’s love and compassion for others moved the entire family to action. The Arc was serving a young boy that needed a safe home. The White family answered the call, opening their hearts and home to a new family member. Luke, Adam and John welcomed their new brother Eric into their lives, their hearts and even into Adam and John’s shared bedroom, gladly rearranging furniture to make room.

We learn in school that the strongest muscle in the body is the heart, and the White Family holds the gold medal for flexing that muscle.

In her role as Circuit Court Judge, Dorene Allen often experiences first-hand the struggles our youth face. Not every child in our community is blessed with a great start and their lives can quickly resemble a tangled knot. Dorene has looked for creative and effective ways to untangle the mess. She led the formation of Midland Kids First, a non-profit organization that promotes and supports local delinquent youth and those from abuse/neglect situations.

Dorene also spearheaded the Baby Court program, which serves abused and neglected children from birth through age three. The core of this initiative is to help bring healing to the many hurts and knitting families back together.

The Midland Mentors program matches adult role models with area troubled youth. A champion for at-risk youth, Dorene realized that if nothing ever changed, then nothing will ever change.

According to the Legacy Center Director, Mr. Dick Dolinski, “Judge Allen has committed her energy to reducing the incidence of Juvenile delinquency. As a result of her efforts, delinquency rates have declined more than 70%.”

What an incredible example of putting passion in action. Dorene’s commitment to our youth serves as a beacon for us all.

This year’s Strosacker winner is Wendy Plewa, Lead Preschool Teacher at West Midland Family Center. At the Annual Meeting in February, United Way recognized Wendy for all of her contributions to the children she serves. In years to come, this award will join the Spirit of the Community event as another facet of how people are Living United.

Wendy takes children from high-risk homes and places them on the right educational path, acting as their teacher and sometimes as social worker. She has helped to shape the future of 240 children and families over the last nine years.  Always a fierce advocate for at-risk children, Wendy goes into the homes of these students to nurture a relationship with their parents and develop a family approach to education.

Wendy believes strongly in education for all, and teaches her students to become independent thinkers and doers. A life-long learner herself, she studied in Reggio Emeilia Italy and has incorporated their philosophy of involving the family in learning into the preschool programs at West Midland.

West Midland’s Executive Director, Greg Dorrien shared, “Wendy ensures that the parents are part of their child’s learning because she believes that this is the key to each child’s success.”

“Companies That Care” are not only characterized by the financial commitment they and their employees make, but their impact through community advocacy and volunteerism. They serve as the foundation for real change and continue the strong legacy of compassion for those in need.

Some that were recognized have long supported the mission of United Way, while others are fairly new to the family. Some are large corporations, while others are small family-run businesses or area non-profits. The common thread that runs throughout each of this year’s honorees is the promise to be an integral part of our future.

Beyond their commitment to successful employee and corporate campaigns, these organizations and their employees serve as campaign volunteers, loaned executives, Leadership Circle members, Young Leaders, and community volunteers. They sponsor local events, and find innovative ways to help reach out and engage our community.

2010 COMPANIES THAT CARE:
Andrews Hooper & Pavlik (formerly Burnside & Lang)
Apothecary Shoppe
Caltech Industries
Case Systems
Chemical Bank 
City of Midland Employees
Consumers Energy
Deloitte
The Dow Chemical Company
Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union
Dow Corning Corporation
Gavin & Associates
Meijer Inc. Midland Store
Members First Credit Union
Midland Cogeneration Venture
MidlandCommunity Center
Midland CountyEmployees
Midland Daily News
Midland Public Schools
MidMichigan Health
NorthwoodUniversity
The Rehmann Group
RE/MAX of Midland
Site Services
Ten Sixteen Recovery Network
Three Rivers Corporation
TIC (formerly Gulf States Inc.)
WestMidlandFamilyCenter
Wolverine Bank
Yeo & Yeo, CPA

We are proud to announce that the 2010 Caring Company of the Year was awarded to The Dow Chemical Company.

The Dow Chemical Company believes in the power of the Human Element. They also know that when you combine the spirit of the Human Element with the mindset of “Live United,” incredible things happen right here in Midland County and throughout the country and world.

Dow Chemical and its employees have a long history of supporting United Way and are committed to enhancing the quality of life where they live and work. Their corporate culture of caring encourages all employees to engage whether it’s through their financial contributions, volunteering, or sharing their talents and skills.

Last year was a really hard year for our local businesses and our community, but Dow Chemical and its employees rose to the challenge. Their generous corporate support combined with employee contributions represents over 50% of the $4.8 million raised in Midland County last year. But their financial contributions are only part of the picture.

One of the guiding principles of this incredible organization is to invest in the community while encouraging employees to invest in themselves. Dow Chemical employees are our neighbors. You will see them in the classroom as well as in non-profit board rooms, planting flowers; collecting food for the hungry and pulling together to rebuild homes.

Dow Chemical sets the pace for community initiatives, including the launch of the new regional United Way 2-1-1, connecting people in need with the people that can help. Their continued commitment to volunteerism led the way for an exciting new Corporate Volunteer Program that will serve as a model for connecting local employees with meaningful ways to serve.

At the Dow Chemical Company, community engagement is not just a corporate tagline, it is a core belief. You see the results of their compassion each and every day, in the eyes of those they serve, and in the many ways they have helped to reshape our community. They have served as a foundation for who we are today, and will continue to nurture who we will become.