ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Your Vote Matters!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th. Polling stations are open from 7am to 8pm.

Click here to find out where your polling station is. (It may have changed since the last time you voted).

IN-PERSON VOTING

Voting is right of all citizens. Make sure your voice is heard.

Photo identification is recommended, BUT NOT REQUIRED, to vote. If you have a photo ID, bring it with you. If you forget your ID, you still have the right to vote! You can simply fill out a quick voter affidavit stating you are a citizen.

Make sure you know your rights as a voter. If you have questions about your in-person voting experience, feel free to contact Disability Network of Mid-Michigan at 989-835-4041 or visit www.michiganvoting.org.

ABSENTEE VOTING

If you have an absentee ballot, you can turn it in to your local clerk's office or you can drop it in an official ballot drop box location by 8pm on Election Day. It is recommended that if you still have your absentee ballot, that you DO NOT MAIL IT. Your ballot may not arrive in time to be counted.

During this season of Thanksgiving, we encourage our staff and supporters to think of others who may be facing obstacles. Donating your time supporting local non-profits like soup-kitchens or food banks can make a huge difference in someone's life.

In the spirit of giving, DNMM will be an official collection point for two important causes: Toys For Tots and The Homelessness Awareness Drive.

TOYS FOR TOTS

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation. The objectives of the Foundation are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.

DNMM is an official drop-off location for Toys For Tots. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys at our Midland location until Wednesday, December 7th. Our Midland office is located at 1705 S. Saginaw Road. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 4:30pm and Fridays 8am to 3pm.

THE HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS DRIVE

Give the gift of warmth this season. DNMM is collecting new blankets, new winter hats, new gloves, and new adult coats through November 30, 2022. Blankets and winter gear will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness in communities throughout northern lower Michigan.

President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in 1983. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting nearly 5.4 million Americans.

While the entire month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, it also focuses on increasing support for caregivers and sharing available resources.



Caregivers provide 24-hour care in most circumstances. As the disease progresses, the stress becomes overwhelming. Often, they receive respite from visitors but many become isolated as time passes. A broad spectrum of resources from support groups to memory care and educational tools provides caregivers assistance.

Continuing research requires support and early screening programs. As we increase our knowledge of the disease and improve treatments, early intervention will improve outcomes.

You can click here to read about the many ways you can join us in getting involved this month to help raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease.

From advocating, to donating, and to posting articles on social media, we encourage you to help us honor the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's, through advocacy for a cure, awareness, and education.

Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. On this day we pause to thank those who have protected this nation by serving in the armed forces.

As we honor our veterans and their families, we must continue to advocate for the crucial services needed to help veterans live independently and to reacclimate to civilian life.

We know that after serving many veterans face a new battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you or someone you know may be in crisis, please have them contacts the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1.

As a small token of appreciation for the selfless sacrifices paid by our veterans, restaurants and stores across the country are offering discounts or free services to veterans on Veterans Day. Please click here for a list of some of those offerings.

As we attend community events, people often approach our staff and ask how they can help. The best way to help is be an advocate. Talk to your friends and family about person-first language. Talk with government officials about ways to make our communities accessible. Talk with employers about hiring people with disabilities and the values of an inclusive workforce.

But you can also help DNMM directly and there are a number of ways to do so. You can always donate money directly by visiting our website or you can text "dnmm" to 56651. But did you know you can support Disability Network while shopping for groceries or when buying Christmas presents?

KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS

This program makes it easy to support DNMM based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Kroger Card to our organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card and a portion of your purchase at the checkout counter will be donated to DNMM - at no additional cost to you!

Here’s how it works:

1. Create a digital account at Kroger.com

A digital account is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose.

2. Link your Card to Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.

Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.

1. Sign in to your digital account.

2. Enter "Disability Network of Mid-Michigan or our NPO number - PR812

3. Click “Save”.

AMAZON SMILE

AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones.

All you have to do is logon to smile.amazon.com and then search for "Disability Network of Mid-Michigan" as the charity you want to support.

When you shop, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.

DNMM is proud to once again be a small part of the return of hockey to our region as a sponsor of accessible seating at the Dow Event Center. We look forward to working with the center and the Saginaw Spirit toward making hockey games and other events fully accessible.

Throughout the 2022-2023 season, we'll often have a resource table out in the main concourse. We'd love to see you. Come on out and enjoy a game with us! Catch the Spirit!

SAVE THE DATE!

DNMM's ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023

DISABILITY NETWORK OF MID-MICHIGAN

989-835-4041 | dnmm.org