United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Lauren Patterson is an experienced professional currently serving as a Network Engagement Specialist at United Way for Southeastern Michigan since December 2021. Previously, Lauren held the role of Program Manager at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, where responsibilities included managing multiple vendors and participants, as well as financial oversight. Prior roles include Program Manager and Grant Writer at WOB, where Lauren coordinated numerous classes and enhanced funding through effective grant strategies, and Field and Outreach Canvasser for Bill Wild For Congress, where substantial volunteer recruitment and community engagement efforts were executed. Additionally, Lauren's background includes roles in community gardening, writing, and research, contributing to food security initiatives and grant funding efforts. Lauren earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
We mobilize the caring power of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan to improve communities and individual lives across Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Macomb counties in measurable and lasting ways. IN OUR REGION, NEARLY 40% OF HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLE TO MEET THEIR BASIC NEEDS. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Southeastern Michigan, families in our community were struggling. Now, the situation is dire. People are struggling to find jobs, or they’re working, but not making enough to provide for their families. Parents are forced to choose between feeding their children and paying the rent. Senior citizens have to go without prescriptions. Children struggle to keep up in school. College students have to go without health care. This is a problem in every city in our region — and the problem is growing. This affects your neighbors, coworkers, and friends. This is everyone’s problem. Without stable households, children will never be able to thrive. And if children aren’t thriving now, they won’t be prepared to build stable households in the future — or a stable community. Together, we can break the cycle. At United Way, we work to build communities where all households are stable and every child can thrive.