Local Jackson Church to receive $2,500 grant for Back-to-School Blast

Jackson, Mich. – The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) will award the Jackson First United Methodist Church (JFUMC) a $2,500 grant to support its annual Back-to-School Blast.  

The Back-to-School Blast provides free backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and other items and services to assist low-income students with the resources they need to improve learning outcomes. The JFUMC has hosted this annual event for over ten years and partners with over 50 community partners. This year, they expect to serve nearly 1,400 students.  

Our ten health plan members are pleased to support the continued selfless work this community-based Church is taking to improve health and learning outcomes,” said Dominick Pallone, MAHP’s executive director. 

The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) is making $2,500 available through its Tackling Health Care Disparities grant program. This program encourages community-based organizations to collaborate and deploy local initiatives to underserved areas.   

“We’re so pleased MAHP is supporting our efforts to assist the needs of our community. Their contribution will allow us to do even more – we’re so grateful,” stated Gary Micheel, Co-Chairperson of the JFUMC Missions and Outreach Committee. 

“I am pleased to see an association from Lansing recognize and help advance the valuable services local faith-based organizations like this are taking to address the needs in our communities,” said State Representative Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson).  

Representatives from MAHP will present their contributions at the Jackson First United Methodist Church (275 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201) at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 18th. Representative Kathy Schmaltz will also attend and speak briefly about the valuable services provided at the Church.   

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