About | Michigan League for Human Services

About Us

Our Mission

The Michigan League for Human Services’ roots date back to 1912, when it was the Conference on Charities and Corrections. Over time, the organization’s purpose has remained essentially unchanged: The League works to identify and help solve basic health and social welfare problems through research and analysis, information dissemination and advocacy.

Who we are

The Michigan League for Human Services is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that Michigan’s low-income residents achieve economic security.

To accomplish this, the League uses data-driven advocacy to shape public policy, focusing on a range of public and private supports, including public assistance, work and family supports, job training and education. The League also works to make sure adequate resources are available to support these services. Through research, analysis, public education and advocacy efforts, the League brings credible and accessible information to the public policy discussion of the critical issues that affect the lives of low-income people.

The League has a network of more than 1,500 individuals and organizations from business, labor, human services professions, faith-based organizations as well as concerned citizens. Financial support comes from foundation grants, local United Ways, membership dues, fees and contributions.

We are grateful for the support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Economic Policy Institute, the Ford Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the McGregor Fund, the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Skillman Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

MLHS History

The Michigan League for Human Services’ roots date back to 1912, when it was the Conference on Charities and Corrections. In 1938, it incorporated with the stated purpose: “To promote social well-being by facilitating the discussion of methods which will make for social progress; by assisting charitable organizations and institutions enlisted in this cause to increase their efficiency on behalf of the public; by disseminating information concerning social conditions and social work; and by developing concerted action to produce practical results among individuals and charitable organizations engaged in public or private welfare work…” Over time, the organization’s purpose has remained essentially unchanged: the League works to identify and help solve basic health and social welfare problems through research and analysis, information dissemination and advocacy.

The Michigan League for Human Services is a statewide policy group that uses data to educate the public and inform policymakers about issues important to low-income people.

The League works with many groups that provide direct services to residents of Michigan, though we do not provide such services. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization and not affiliated with the state Department of Human Services.

Public Education

To help build consensus and provide accurate, relevant information, the MLHS compiles resources for federal, state and local policymakers, service providers and the general public. In-depth reports, fact sheets and issue briefs are issued regularly on key issues related to the safety net and health; work and wages; and budget and taxes. Those include the annual Tax Dollars at Work, the quarterly Economic Security Bulletin, and legislative bulletins with updates on budgets and bills. Members also receive e-mail updates and alerts on timely issues, as well as mailings with available state grants and contracts. In addition, MLHS researchers compile and write the state-level information in Kids Count reports as part of a national effort to improve the lives of children. Staff members are also active in presenting information through the media and to local community groups across the state about specific policy issues and programs.

Public Policy Advocacy

MLHS has a long history of involvement in public policy development at both the state and national levels. The purpose is to ensure effective and efficient services to vulnerable populations. To this end, MLHS develops data and issue analyses, presentations, training, and bulletins to help citizens understand and influence public policy developments. MLHS works closely with state departments, nonprofit agencies, associations and citizens to develop effective ways of meeting the needs of Michigan’s residents. MLHS leadership and staff regularly provide testimony and background information when legislative hearings are held, drawing on the wealth of policies and principles developed through citizen input at member forums and through board action over many years.

Services to Organizations

MLHS provides assistance in various ways to the state’s charitable organizations that help deliver needed services at the local level. The insurance project provides nonprofit member agencies access to health care insurance for their employees and access to affordable liability and property coverage. MLHS also has a small Emergency Cash Flow Loan Fund project for nonprofits with the ability to repay.