Giving in Uncertain Times: A Helpful Update

Many donors are feeling cautious as economic uncertainty continues. In fact, recent research shows some people plan to give less this year. But there’s encouraging news: a new charitable tax deduction may make giving easier for many households.

Most donors are unaware that individuals who take the standard deduction may now deduct up to $1,000 in charitable gifts ($2,000 for married couples). (Please note: Check with your accountant or financial professional for your individual circumstances.) When donors learned about this change, many said it increased their interest in giving—despite concerns about the economy.

Generosity doesn’t disappear in challenging times—it often just shifts. Your support today helps ensure our work continues now and positions us to be ready when brighter days return.

Thank you for being part of our community and for considering a gift that makes a lasting difference.

Year in Review

The past year presented a challenging funding environment across both public and private grant sectors. Despite these conditions, Oakland Family Services successfully identified and pursued significant funding opportunities to support mission-critical work. During the fiscal year, the organization submitted 25 grant proposals totaling $1,206,500 and secured 11 awards totaling $577,000.

These investments represent more than financial outcomes; they reflect the dedication and expertise of OFS staff and their direct impact on the families and children we serve. Grant funding ensured continuity of essential programs, including Parents as Teachers, and provided critical support for Children’s Therapeutic Family Care during recent government grant freezes—helping prevent service disruptions during a period of uncertainty.

Additional funding strengthened internal capacity through technology enhancements to improve efficiency and service delivery, as well as clinician training in Day One to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders.

This year also reinforced strong partnerships with key funders such as the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, United Way, and the Ballmer Foundation. Their continued support demonstrates confidence in our mission and the measurable outcomes achieved by our staff. We look forward to building on these relationships in the year ahead.

Thank you to all staff who contributed data, insights, budgets, and expertise to support these proposals. Your work makes this impact possible.

Gifts of Hope: Impact beyond measure

Since August, our team has been hard at work preparing for our Annual Gifts of Hope program to ensure that every family in our care could experience the joy of the holiday season. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to provide gifts to more than 750 children and 350 families this year.

Over the course of just three days, more than 190 donors shopped, wrapped, and delivered gifts to our agency—an outpouring of kindness that filled our halls with gratitude. During the six-day pickup and drop-off process, over 100 dedicated volunteers spent hours bagging gifts, organizing donations, and assisting families as they loaded their presents into their cars.

We are truly grateful for our community, donors, volunteers, and staff, whose compassion and dedication make this program possible each year. Your support continues to brighten the holidays for so many families, and we cannot thank you enough.

How Your Donation Transforms Lives

Your generosity is more than a gift; it is a turning point.

Because of you, children who once faced uncertainty are finding stability. In the Children’s Learning Center, they are learning, laughing, and building friendships. They are discovering letters and numbers, creating artwork, and just as importantly, learning trust, routine, and confidence. For many, this is the first place they have ever felt truly safe and encouraged.

One mother recently shared how alone and overwhelmed she once felt. Through our Parents as Teachers program, she found guidance, counseling, and a community that believed in her. Today, her home is calmer and filled with hope. She didn’t just receive assistance; she gained confidence.

Because of you, families in crisis have someone to call. Children receive counseling and steady support, and individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges are met with compassion and a clear path forward.

Thanks to you, safe classrooms are thriving, families are supported at home, and no one has to wait for the care they deserve. Together, we are building stronger families and brighter futures.

Thank you for making this life-changing work possible!