MMI Launches Beyond Barriers
Mt. Pleasant, Mich. — August 3, 2026 — MMI is excited to launch Beyond Barriers, a month-long community fundraising campaign dedicated to protecting and sustaining essential services for individuals with disabilities across central Michigan.
Throughout August, MMI will partner with local businesses, community leaders, civic organizations, and supporters to address a growing gap caused by rising costs and declining funding. Funds raised will help maintain employment services, community supports, skill development programs, transportation assistance, applied behavioral analysis, and other critical resources that empower individuals with disabilities to live, work, ad thrive.
"The need has never been greater," said Cherie Johnson, CEO at MMI. "Every day, we see how these services change lives, benefiting not only the individuals we support but also their families, employers, and communities. Beyond Barriers is about ensuring these opportunities remain available. We cannot do it alone, and we invite our community to stand with us to ensure people with disabilities are valued."
For more than 50 years, MMI has worked to build inclusive communities where every individual can reach their full potential. Today, we are facing significant financial challenges as increasing costs, workforce shortages, and stagnant reimbursement rates threaten the sustainability of essential services.
To amplify community support, United Way of Greater Central Michigan has partnered with MMI through a matching grant for the Beyond Barriers Campaign. Every donation United Way receives during the campaign that is designated for MMI will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling its impact and helping MMI reach its fundraising goal.
"Our goal is about more than raising money," Johnson added. "We're building a community of supporters who believe individuals with disabilities deserve every opportunity to succeed. We hope everyone in the community recognizes the value in our mission and will consider offering their support.”
To learn more about the Beyond Barriers Campaign, become a campaign partner, or make a donation, visit www.mmionline.com.