Gaylord Nonprofits and Charities

I've been a volunteer at Live Laugh Love for four years now! It's an amazing expirence for both the teen buddies and the campers! My life a changed immeasurably by camp! That's why I keep coming back every year!

This state chapter of a national/international organization was started in 2015 by two moms who saw the need for Michigan families of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind to have access to unbiased support when making decisions about language and education for their children. Families often may not have opportunities to learn from multiple perspectives when making decisions for their children's language and communication access. MIHV provides access to 1) parents who have had similar experiences and 2) adults who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Both are trained to provide unbiased support to new families. Learning from multiple perspectives helps families choose a language approach (ASL, listening and oral language, cued speech, etc.) for their child, and sometimes get comfortable with the new reality of raising a child with different realities than what may have been expected. <br> <br>Additionally, as families begin to access assistance through the school systems, they may encounter difficulties navigating the educational laws. MIHV provides trained lay-advocates to assist families in these instances as well as training to build self-resiliency. <br> <br>Finally, MIHV hosts more than 40 events per year around the state and online to allow families opportunities to meet each other and build their communities so families and children can get to know others like them. <br> <br>Serving hundreds of families a year, MIHV is an important resource for every family of a child who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Donations are always appreciated to cover staff and training costs and provide scholarships for families to attend events and workshops.

If you care about forests, lakes and streams; if you enjoy clean water, fresh air, and bird songs; if the conservation of our natural environment is important to you, then you'll agree with me that Huron Pines in northern Michigan is a Michigan treasure. Huron Pines is a small organization that does big things, from supporting our Kirtland's Warbler as it comes off the endangered species list to supporting landowners and Americorps volunteers. They work to restore our rivers and to remove invasive plant species. Michigan, especially northern Michigan, and the Kirtland's Warbler, attract visitors and tourist dollars from all over the world. Huron Pines helps to ensure that our state will continue to be one of America's crown jewels for many years to come. I personally enjoy spending weekends up north, hiking the many trails and enjoying the rivers and lakes. I've been known to pull off the road to watch coyotes, birds and other wildlife as I drive from one beautiful park to another. These are things I would miss if conservation organizations like Huron Pines weren't there, doing what they do best. One of my favorite things about Huron Pines, though, is their willingness to partner with other organizations for the greater good of the environment. This is the hallmark of an organization that is focused on making a difference.

Otsego County United Way changes lives by focusing on the building blocks of a strong community. <br>Creating impact in the areas of Education, Income and Health.

Very proud and pleased that this organization has provided an opportunity for young , young teens and adults to show their talents to this wonderful community. A person being in a stage production prepares an individual to easily speak with others of all ages; and assists in their skills for employment!