For me, community exists as way to solve problems collectively that we can’t solve as individuals. Nothing in #myMTP experience highlights that more than the year I’ve been on the United Way of Isabella County board. I have 2.5 more terms, hopefully they’ll let me stay!
This week, United Way handed out awards at Live United, and the turn out was amazing. Leadership from all corners of our community, from business to non-profits, governments, CMU…it was a room full of people who make efforts to make Mt. Pleasant, collectively, the best it can be for everyone.
Not only did United Way mark 60 years in Mt. Pleasant by raising more than $515,000 in the annual campaign and hand out awards to deserving businesses, organizations and individuals, but we also had a board meeting, elected officers, swore in new members and said goodbye to some leaders who reached their term limit.
I’m proud to say I serve on the United Way board, and I’m even more proud when I see a room full of people working together, pushing our community forward because they are passionate about where we live. My Mount Pleasant couldn’t be the successful and growing thing it is without those people.
Lisa Yanick-Jonaitis has been a journalist for the Morning Sun for 15 years and you can hear her chat about news and community every weekday morning with the Breakfast Flakes on 95.3 WCFX. She is also a mentor-in-residence at Central Michigan University Research Corporation and a member of the United Way of Isabella County board. Yanick-Jonaitis moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1995 to attend Central MIchigan University, graduated in 2000 with a Bachelors of Art in Journalism, and has since adopted Mt. Pleasant as her own and town of choice to raise her two children. You can find her on social media by following @liasyj_msun on Twitter or lisayanickjonaitis on Facebook and Instagram.
