GivingTuesday is December 2 – Please Donate!
Be the Change You Want to See in Your Community
GivingTuesday is all about spreading kindness and making a difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, or use your voice to support your community, every act counts. Start today with a donation to Disability Network Mid-Michigan—your generosity can change a life right here in our community. Explore the stories below to see the impact of your support.
Thank You for Your Support
Donations can also be sent to:
1705 S. Saginaw Rd., Midland, MI 48640
Made payable to: Disability Network Mid-Michigan
If you’d like to give something other than money, here are some thoughtful options
Supplies to assist with personal and home maintenance:
Together we can create the future we want to see in our communities
1 in 3 families are impacted by disability and 70% of people with disabilities are not born with them.
Finding a Place to Call Home: Nathan’s Journey
For much of his life, Nathan’s living situation was anything but stable. After high school, he found work, but affordable housing remained out of reach. He moved from place to place, staying with family and friends or in various apartments. Though it wasn’t ideal, he managed. But everything changed when Nathan contracted a severe leg infection that led to an amputation.
He found himself in a skilled nursing facility, needing both rehabilitation and support. “I felt trapped and depressed at the nursing home,” he shared. “I knew I had nowhere else to go, no home or anything.”
As his rehabilitation ended, Nathan knew he needed help finding housing. That’s when he connected with Disability Network Mid-Michigan (DNMM). They helped him with everything—applying for housing, securing rent, and finding furniture and housewares—keeping him positive and encouraging him every step of the way.
Thanks to their support, Nathan was able to move into his very first apartment. “It was an incredible feeling,” he said. “When I finally moved in, they took me shopping so I could pick out my own groceries. I hadn’t been able to do that in a very long time. They even arranged for furniture and essentials for my apartment. Being able to set up my own place was amazing. Without DNMM, I don’t know where I would be.”
The Journey Home – Steven’s Story
Nursing Facility Transition
Steven longed to keep his independence, but after moving through nursing homes from Allen Park to Bay City, he wasn’t sure it was still possible. “Until I met Alisha from Disability Network,” he recalled, “I didn’t think I’d ever get to move out.”
In October, Alisha connected with Steven and his daughter to start the journey. She helped them search for affordable, accessible housing closer to his daughter in Evart. Together, they completed and submitted an application to the Evart Housing Commission and waited for an answer. During this time, Alisha made sure Steven had essentials, helping him get a cell phone and gather the necessary documentation for his application.
When Steven received the good news in mid-December that he was approved for an apartment, Alisha continued to support him in preparing for this new chapter. She helped him secure furniture and stock up on groceries. Just before Christmas, on December 20, Steven moved into his new home.
“Having Dad in his own place is the best Christmas present,” his daughter shared. “You can always tell when someone genuinely cares,” added Steven. “Alisha truly does. She cares about people, and I can’t thank her enough!”
Cooking Up Success: Bradley’s Journey with DNMM
Bradley set out with clear goals: finish high school and find a job. That’s when he began working with Nora at Disability Network of Mid-Michigan (DNMM). With her guidance, he focused on developing essential job skills—interviewing, communication, resume building, and confidence-boosting exercises. “He had the drive to accomplish his goals,” Nora explained. “He just needed a bit of support along the way.”
Bradley found his passion for cooking at the DNMM Skills Site, which opened new doors for him. He gained further experience through the Arenac Skills Center’s Culinary Arts program and even volunteered at a local restaurant to hone his skills. Soon after, Bradley landed a job interview with Meridian Public Schools, which resulted in a co-op position for the school year.
“I wouldn’t have gotten hired had I not worked with Nora,” Bradley shared. “She helped me gain confidence, improve my appearance, and even guided me in dressing for success. She always goes above and beyond!”
Bradley’s journey from aspiring job seeker to confident co-op cook shows what’s possible with the right support and determination to succeed.