8-17-2026 9:32pm

Prepare for Back -To School

April Davis Editor

August 17, 2026 Ypsilanti

UNITED WAY TO HIGHLIGHT RESOURCES TO HELP FAMILIES PREPARE FOR

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

WHAT: United Way for Southeastern Michigan will host a virtual Community Roundtable, “Back-to-School: Preparing Families for Success,” focused on helping families navigate the financial, logistical and emotional challenges of preparing for a new school year.

During this 30-minute discussion, school leadership, parent perspectives and family-focused advocates will share practical resources and advice around school supplies, healthy school meals, after-school programs and more.

WHO:

· Porsha Eubanks, Principal, Thompson K-8 International Academy

· Lauren Marks, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

· Kari Foote-Johnson, Parent

WHY: Back-to-school season can bring added financial and logistical pressures for families as they prepare for school supplies, clothing, meals, transportation, after-school care and work schedules.

This conversation will help families feel informed, prepared and supported by connecting them with resources and practical guidance to make the transition into the new school year less stressful and more successful.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00-10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Join us via Facebook or Zoom for this 30-minute informative session. Download the Zoom app to access the event on mobile or use your computer to participate through your browser.

Join via Facebook

Join via Zoom

Media Contact: Ashley Orr, Social Media and Public Relations Manager, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, (248) 707-0112 orashley.orr@unitedwaysem.org

For past townhalls and community roundtables, visit https://www.youtube.com/@unitedwaysem to view recordings and recaps.

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than one hundred years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.

MORE RESOURCES

2-1-1

United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is a free, confidential service connecting people in crisis with the help they need — 24/7/365. Learn more at https://unitedwaysem.org/resources/contact-2-1-1/.

Stay connected through text messaging

If you what like to learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan programs and initiatives. Text SIGNUP to 50503 to subscribe to text alerts.

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Ashley Orr
Manager, Social Media and Public Relations

3011 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 500, Detroit, MI 48202
Visit us at UnitedWaySEM.org