Submitted by Rev. Deb Hill Davis, Team Leader

The YFM (Youth and Family Ministry) Dream Seed team was convened at the request of Unity Great Lakes Region (UGLR) Board President, Kathy Harwood-Long in spring 2025 to explore ways to provide financial support for YFM programs in the region. Specifically tasked to find ways to raise funds to help support Youth, Sponsors and Churches/Centers in the region in attending rallies and YFM events.

The team consists of:

• Rev. Deb Hill Davis, Team Leader, Unity of Ames, IA

• Rev. Aubree-Lynn, Unity Spiritual Center, Sheboygan, WI

• Cassidy Meeks, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator for UGLR

• Daryn Wells, LUT, Columbus OH

• Rev. Chase, former Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator, Dayton, OH

• Kimberly Bencker, Youth and Family Ministry, Unity of Louisville, KY

Note: Kimberly has left the team as she has been accepted for the ministerial path with Unity! Congratulations, Kimberly, and thanks for your service on the team.

Team Objective:

To support the dreams of our youth and to lay the groundwork for the year and planning for next year to create an ongoing structure for fundraising region-wide for YFM, specifically Y.O.U. (high school age). This team will develop fund raising ideas, implementation and provide ongoing support of the YFM Dream Seed program.

Why we signed on:

• Rev. Deb has done Y.O.U. In the past and served as a Sponsor and Head Sponsor at Y.O.U. rallies in the Unity South Central Region.

• Rev. Aubree-Lynn has worked with all ages of youth in CSL (Centers for Spiritual Living) and was the youth minister in her ministerial intern years. She has gone to CSL youth camp for 3 years and has many fundraising ideas.

• Cassidy has been in Unity since she was 7 years old, did YFM at Unity of Minneapolis and currently is the YFM Coordinator for UGLR.

• Daryn has been in Unity since he was 9 years old and currently serves as spiritual leader at Unity of Columbus in Ohio.

• Rev. Chase raised her children in Unity, lead the YFM at Unity of Dayton and is a past UGLR YFM Coordinator. She is here to support us, especially with her knowledge and 25 years of experience with YFM in the region.

• Kimberly Benck is from Unity of Louisville and currently works with YFM.

What do we call ourselves?

There was discussion on what to call us. Deb brought forth the idea of seeding the dreams to get kids to rallies at a lower cost to them, plus scholarships and seed money for Y.O.U. programs in churches/centers throughout the region. Deb described a program she had developed in Ames and called it the Dream Seed. We all agreed we liked it and so it is…Amen and it is done! We are the YFM Dream Seed team!

Activities thus far:

Our meetings are all on Zoom and we have met once a month from October 2025 to June 2026. Our first meetings were to establish logistics, a dedicated donate button/process on the UGLR website. We created forms for applications for the Dream Seed and also a policy for determining recipients of the funds.

Once all that was in place, our first major project was to develop a region-wide fundraiser which we called “Rally Sunday”, that happened on March 22, 2026.

Our latest report of activities from Cassidy Meeks was as follows:

I am thrilled to update y’all with the latest numbers: As of today, (August 2026) we’ve raised $3,918.10 from a total of 16 individuals and churches. Yay!!

At the moment we’ve awarded two grants - one for registration and one for transportation, both for June Rally 2026. I have a feeling we’ll be awarding more for the upcoming fall retreats, as word gets out.

Thanks to a great team for great service and positive outcomes for the Youth, families, sponsors and churches/centers in our region!

Submitted by Nancy Anne Berdasco, Licensed Unity Teacher Representative
2025 - 2026

Greetings to all the Great Lakes Unity Region Licensed Teachers! The region is blessed by your presence and contributions, and we so appreciate all you do!

In brief, this year has been one of updating and adjustment. As Unity headquarters seeks to redefine its organization and appearance without changing the core of who and what it is, so too is the region seeking new ways to reinterpret its interactions with the organization. All credentialed leaders, including the LUTs, are exploring their places within the revitalized organization and defining a path forward.

The UGLR LUTs are also engaged in this process and began our year by organizing a small team to approach unification of the region’s LUTs through creation of a directory of the LUTs and the services they are willing to offer to communities. After the idea was presented at our first quarterly meeting, Christine Randal and Paulette Mason began to define the methods for data collection and summarization.

At that point, the Board of Trustees for the region also began exploring better ways to communicate throughout the region and engaged an administrator to update regional website and processes for communicating the role of the region both within and without its physical boundaries. This involved some new ideas about distribution lists and how we communicate, and the LUT directory team elected to wait until their efforts could mesh with the regional processes.

In the meantime, Unity itself had been working to redefine its procedures for credentialing, and in the natural confusion surrounding any reorganization, had seen a reduction in the number of applicants for the LUT program, causing a pause in the planned classes. When UGLR queried about the pause, Revs. Diane Venzera and Glenda Walden advised that information about what position would be that the LUTs see themselves occupying in the new organization, and how the organization needs to change to support the role, would be useful in their labors.

Thus, at the year’s second quarterly meeting, attending LUTs were queried about their vision of the future for LUTs in the new organization, how they can contribute as the organization grows and evolves, and what is needed to increase the number of qualified applicants to the program. These data were summarized and submitted to Revs. Diane and Glenda, who expressed appreciation for the effort and usefulness of the information.

Rev. Diane will be addressing the LUTs at their annual luncheon at the GLUR conference in September. If possible, please attend the conference where we can continue the conversation about LUTs and their critical role in the organization moving forward,

As always, the region greatly appreciates your support and seeks new ways to support you in your ongoing roles.

Submitted by Rev. Peggy Konkel, Region Prayer Chaplain, and Keeper of the Flame
2025 - 2026

I have been honored to hold the volunteer position of Keeper of the Flame and Region Prayer Chaplain this year.  It has allowed me to experience the dedication and strong consciousness of the Board that serves us.  As part of their initiative to increase the presence of prayer practice in our region, I have opened Board Meetings with prayer, held the prayer intentions of each Board member, and listened with prayerful ears as the work of this Board progressed.  I have encouraged prayer partnering and contributed to bringing partners together.  I have exchanged ideas within the Region for growing prayer activities within ministries and ministers.  And I have lifted up our consciousness through monthly prayer, affirmation and suggested daily prayer practice through our newsletter.  

The work is just beginning.  As I leave this position, I am holding a prayer for the right and perfect individual to step forward with enthusiasm to expand the prayer Consciousness in our region.

Submitted by Kathy Harwood Long, Board President

Dear colleagues in our work of Unity within the Great Lakes Region.

Since September of 2025, the Board of Trustees, and our dedicated staff, has worked as a cohesive whole to formulate and act upon initiatives that utilize the many love offerings for increased direct support to our leaders, ministries, youth and families. With an intention on improving and increasing what is working well, with ideas that work well, we–all of us in this region–were able to accomplish many effective actions on the Initiatives list. 

Board members have given time and energy above and beyond what is normally anticipated to review, clarify, and re-organize, many facets of the work. The infrastructure as I think of it. The “Menu” of services was updated since pre-pandemic. Policies are in a thorough review. Back taxes were paid from 2022! This year was a lot of work, quite frankly! But, in all my years serving so far, I believe we are in excellent shape to address the larger changes due to the acquisition of UWM by UWH.  Perplexing questions about what services are provided by UC&L, and what services do we want to region to provide?--what is perhaps duplication? –what is our evolutionary edge to explore? –are we ready to seed ministries? –are we effectively creating leaders, and assisting with funding? –what do we really have to offer ministries in crisis?

As we go forward together into mystery (the best name for God), I know that as we “seek first the kingdom of God”, the God consciousness, and as we realize we are absolutely the fertile field for divine ideas that serve in this world, we will truly reap and thrive and flourish. One and all. Including the earth, water, air, and all living creatures.

Thank you dear friends and colleagues for this year in which I got to serve on behalf of Unity, and the Great Lakes Region.  With love, Kathy

2026 UGLR Initiatives–

Increased Prayer activity: due to support of Rev. Peggy Konkel Volunteer Prayer Chaplain for the region, staff and board.

Improved Communications: Funded a new-hire Transitional Business & Communication Manager Mary Lindsay who established a new website and monthly communication plan. Effective newsletters, fb and Circle Portal event posts, which have led to increased participation from within and beyond the region.

Increased Connections: more leaders being seen, heard and supported, through monthly calls to ministries by our Regional Rep, YFM Coordinator, LUT Rep, Board members, and temporary hire of Joanna Burns. Subregion connections were started and fostered. In person board trainings involving multiple ministries occurred. The FIRST regional NGU vision meeting occurred. Plus, an increase of support for ministries in crisis.

Increased Education; Growing Leadership & Leaders: Regional Rep trainings more than doubled; YFM mentoring on track; YFM Events increased to pre-pandemic levels with increased leadership volunteers and teens participating. Monthly Zoom Calls increased, including: Marketing/Promotion ideas; Administration & Website Ideas; Volunteer Ministry ideas; Board trainings; and more. Approval for the 2026 Partner Conference Registration Waivers fosters participation potential, and a more diverse participation. Locating the 2026 conference at Unity Indianapolis expands and influences our leadership offerings within a spiritual community. 

Increased Youth & Family Ministry services: Funding for expanded duties with YFM Coordinator Cassidy Meeks, led to increased events, and trainings, to the pre-pandemic levels. Increased funding for YFM scholarships occurred also due to support of the new YFM Dream Seed team led by Rev. Deb Hills-Davis, and our first Dream Seed Rally Day.

Refining Board Role Understanding: Board and staff participated in a visioning session which led to the 2026 Initiatives. Board members adapted to several board changes: the resignation of Rev. Debra Williams (to better support her church), and a change in Treasurer position (Rev. Sandra Higgins-Smith changed from Treasurer role to Vice President) with the appointment of LUT Paula Land to the board, and Treasurer position.  A roles and responsibilities chart was begun to better define roles, and liaison support to teams.  Some work on procedures also occurred to assist with communications. Tech training and an annual Planning Calendar was begun along with the staff and Mary Lindsay.

UWM acquisition. UPDATED MENU OF SERVICES

Submitted by Rev. Diane Robinson, Regional Representative

It’s been a great year of getting out into the churches more. I have conducted board trainings online and in person, worked with many churches with various issues and learned a lot as the acquisition is in full swing. Serving on the Standards Committee has been a great learning experience as we rewrite policies.

Ministers Worked With: 101

Congregants: 61

Board Members: 94

Staff: 36

TRAININGS I HAVE CONDUCTED

10/24-25/25 – Mission , Vision and Core Values at Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing

01/17/26 – Team Building – Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing

02/20-23/26 – Unity of the Valley, Burnsville, MN – Board training

02/26/26 – Board Training via Zoom Unity East

03/22/26 - Observed Board Training with Cynthia Vermillion Foster for Unity of Windsor

05/29-30/26 – Listening Circle at Unity of Louisville – Spoke at their Sunday service

06/13/26 – Unity of Toledo Board Training via Zoom

07/23-27/26 – Unity of the Valley board planning sessions – Sunday talk

08/08/26 – Board training – Unity of Bloomington

REGIONAL EVENTS

05/15-16/26 – Regional Training at Unity of Farmington Hills

07/24/26 –Sub- Regional meeting with ministers in Minneapolis area

CONSULTANT TRAINING

I have completed all the Consultant Training with these exceptions:

HOPCOF Training – observe – no opportunities have arisen

YFM training with Diane Venzera – No opportunities have arisen

MONTHLY MEETINGS:

Consultants Meeting – 2nd Thursday each month – 2 hours

Admin Training – 2nd Thursday each month – 1 hour

MOR Zoom – 2nd Thursday each month – 1 hour

Standards Meeting - 3rd Tuesday each month – 2 hours

Leaders Zoom Call – 3rd Thursday – 1 hour

GLR Board – 4th Wednesday each month – 2 hours

Town Hall meetings – varies – 2 hours

ZOOM CALLS:

Have conducted over 200 Confidential Zoom calls with ministers, board members and congregants

Submitted by Mary Lindsay
February 2026 - September 2026

I joined the Unity Great Lakes Region in February 2026 as Transitional Business & Communications Manager (10 hours per week). Since that time, my primary focus has been strengthening regional communications, modernizing business systems, supporting conference planning, and creating sustainable processes that will continue to benefit the region beyond this transitional period.

Communications

Strengthening Regional Communication

A key priority has been improving the consistency and effectiveness of communication across the region.

• Regional communications were streamlined from multiple emails per week to a consistent weekly focused newsletter, providing ministries with timely updates in a predictable format.

• Website forms were created in Breeze to streamline how information is gathered across the region, from ministry updates and Board inquiries to community announcements and speaker submissions.

• Announcements, registration materials, and promotional messaging were created for the 2026 Great Lakes Region Conference.

• Ministry questions regarding conference registration, regional resources, and general support were answered, helping connect ministries with the appropriate information and contacts.

• Outreach began to administrators in other Unity regions to build a network of mutual support and shared resources.

• A regional affinity group was established on Unity's new Circle portal, creating a space for communication within the region and connection with the greater Unity movement. Regional events and announcements have been shared through the portal.

• Suggested policies for regional communications were developed to help create greater consistency and clarity across the region.

• Social media content was expanded beyond event promotion by incorporating inspirational posts that encourage ongoing engagement throughout the year.

Building a Consistent Regional Brand

Work has also focused on creating a unified identity across the region's communication platforms.

• A consistent visual style and messaging were established across the website, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials.

• Regional logos and branding were updated to reflect the Great Lakes Region name, creating consistency across all platforms.

• Custom graphics were created for ongoing regional events using the updated branding.

• Branded materials, such as the slide deck, were created for the annual meeting.

Equipping Ministries Through Training

Supporting local ministries with practical resources has become an important new initiative.

• A free four-part training series was introduced focusing on practical digital ministry skills, including website basics, administrative tools, effective newsletters, and maximizing the use of Breeze.

• A consistent monthly marketing and promotion meeting was established with Sherry Wells to support coordinated regional communications and outreach.

Operations

Modernizing Technology

Several technology improvements have strengthened the region's infrastructure while reducing ongoing expenses.

• The regional website was transitioned from OneEach to Squarespace under the new domain, unitygreatlakesregion.org, providing direct control over website management, saving the region hundreds of dollars annually, with a cleaner, more modern look and easier navigation.

• New website URLs and email addresses were established to reflect the region's updated name and identity.

• Google Workspace was implemented for professional emails, collaboration, and file sharing through nonprofit pricing (free), significantly reducing technology costs.

Improving Efficiency and Streamlining Systems

Efforts have focused on simplifying processes and reducing duplication, reducing costs while improving operational efficiency.

• Recurring website hosting expenses were eliminated by transitioning to a new platform.

• Nonprofit pricing was leveraged to significantly reduce or eliminate costs associated with email, file storage, and project management software.

• Expanded look at utilizing breeze through the platforms tools such as tags, event calendar and designed emails. 

• Policy manual recommendations were brought to the Board for review.

• Reformatted Menu of Services to provide a well structured, easy to read, document.

Planning the 2026 Great Lakes Region Conference

Conference planning has been a significant focus throughout the reporting period.

• Planning for the 2026 Great Lakes Region Conference, to be held September 21 to 23 in Indianapolis, has continued throughout the reporting period.

• Contracts were rewritten and strengthened, and conference registration, exhibitor registration, presenter agreements, meal ticket sales, and scholarship and waiver processes were developed or strengthened.

• Communication with presenters to ensure all details were collected and agreements were signed. 

Looking Ahead

As conference planning concludes, the next phase of this work will focus on strengthening organizational systems and supporting long-term sustainability

Key recommendations include:

• Consolidate ministry information into one central system. Data currently lives in the database as well as multiple spreadsheets, and bringing it into one consistent place will improve accuracy and reduce duplicate maintenance.

• Clean up and reorganize the region's file system for easier access and long-term usability.

• Create an ongoing support opportunity for ministry administrators. A group for all of Unity has been created in the Circle portal, with the possibility of a dedicated space just for UGLR administrators.

• Continue refining how Asana is used for project management to best support ongoing regional work.

• Evaluate the ongoing scope of the Transitional Business & Communications Manager position following the conference to determine whether the current 10-hour-per-week allocation continues to meet the region's operational and communications needs.

The progress made during this reporting period has established stronger communication practices, modernized business operations, reduced operating costs, and created systems that will continue to serve the Great Lakes Region well into the future.

Submitted by Cassidy Meeks, Regional Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator

2026 Vision (per 2025 report)

• Offer more formal trainings for YFM leaders and volunteers across the Region to build their skills in working with youth as well as program management:

  • In-person trainings planned for August (Westlake, OH) and September (Minneapolis, MN) 2026.

• Support ministries to launch and/or expand their YFM program

  • Consulted with at least 5 ministries about this YTD, plus touched on this topic in monthly ministering with families calls

• Continue building teen leadership skills by offering more teens the chance to lead at youth events and through another training in partnership with the Eastern region

  • March 15 Training: The 2025/26 Regie team and I partnered with teens and the YFM consultants in both the Eastern and South Central regions to put on a dynamic, live online teen leadership training . It was attended by 20 people, and was also recorded and watched by many more.

  • I relaunched the YOU Staff application process for the Spring 2026 Unitreat, whereupon YOUers appliepd to lead the small groups as well as write and lead 40 minute ‘funshops” for the Uniteens. A pre-event meeting helped them learn their role and the leadership required.

• Continue to find ways to increase participation at youth events, such as by fundraising to offer registration at lower rates and expanding marketing efforts:

  • Partnered with a team to create the Dream Seed Fund, which raised nearly $4000 YTD via a “Rally Day” promotion to local churches in March 2026.

• Upcoming Youth Retreats: Fall 2025 Youth Retreat (Oct 24-26), Spring Unitreat 2026, June Rally 2026, Winter Subregional Event

  • 2025-2026 events YTD

    • Fall 2025 Retreat attendees: 82 (36 YOU, 18 Uniteens) from 14 chapters Theme: It’s All Perspective

    • Spring 2026 Unitreat attendees: 37 (16 Uniteens, 6 YOU), from 9 chapters

    • June Rally 2026 attendees: 58 (31 YOU) from 13 chapters

  • Two sub-regional events happened

    • The eastern sub-regional mini-rally occurred in Feb, hosted by Unity of Columbus included 22 attendees (5 YOU, 7 Uniteens) from 4 chapters

    • The western sub-regional lock-in, hosted by Unity Des Plaines, included 14 attendees (4 YOU, 5 Uniteens) from two chapters

  • Decision to split Uniteens and YOU for the Fall 2026, so instead of one joint retreat for Uniteens and Y.O.U., there will be one for each age group. These are scheduled for Oct 23-25 (Uniteens) and Nov 6-8 (YOU)

YFM State of the State

• 2026 has been another strong year for Youth & Family Ministry around the Region! We moved the vision forward of offering more training opportunities, increasing connections with YFM contacts around the region, increasing teen leadership and developing the regional officer pipeline, inviting and supporting more ministries to attend teen events and growing youth event attendance, as well as holding space for the spiritual upliftment of youth and families around our region. There is more to be done to support ministries both in launching and growing their YFM programs and it’s exciting that a Youth Empowerment Coordinator has been hired by Unity Leaders and Communities to help in this expansion.

YFM support

• Monthly Ministering with Families calls continued this year on zoom. This is a space for those working in YFM to connect with each other, share what’s happening in their ministries and gain support/troubleshoot challenges.

• The YFM coordinator regularly provides resources and consults to YFM leaders throughout the region, from new hires, to volunteers, to seasoned YFMers, by zoom, calls, texts and email. Common questions are: when is it time to launch YFM if no program currently exists, where to begin, how to recruit and retain volunteers, where to source curriculum, etc.

• Appreciation to Daryn Wells, LUT from Unity of Columbus who covered the Ministering with Families calls, answered YFM questions from ministries, and wrote the monthly YFM newsletter Jan-Mar during Cassidy’s reduced work hours in that period of time.

Youth Retreats/Teen Leadership

Regional Youth Retreats

• Attendance continues to grow and are strengthened by the developing leadership skills of teens in the Region. See above for detailed numbers. What is hard to quantify is the quality of connections between participants and the beauty of bringing young people together for dedicated time for spiritual upliftment, growth and fun. For example, witnessing a teen with special needs get up in front of the group and sing her heart out to great applause from her peers during Spirit Sharing time at June Rally. Moments like this are precious and occur regularly!

Great Lakes Regional Officers (aka Regies)

• Kyra Hanneman (Des Plaines) completed her term as 2025-26 Regie. Kellan Conner (Louisville) and Sam Shaheen (Louisville) turned over the reins to Lilly Polson (Minneapolis) and Sophie Jovanovic (Westlake) for the Spring and Summer 2026 events. Despite this mid-year leadership change, the team came together and put on two wonderful retreats.

• Lilly, Sophie and Theo Marten (Des Plaines) were installed as the 2026-27 Regional officer team at the end of the 2026 June Rally.

• Also, Joseph Short represented the Great Lakes Region as an International YOU Office (Indie) for the 2026 International YOU retreat at Unity Village and did a wonderful job!

IYOU July 19-23, 2026

• Approx 70 youth from around the country gathered at Unity Village for the International YOU retreat, including 20 participants from the Great Lakes Region.

• The theme was Sonder With Love. Participants stayed onsite at the hotel, and over 5 days experienced small group connection, plenty of joy songs, time for reflection, service projects, a dance and more.

• Julie Core, the IYOU coordinator based at Unity of Des Plaines, has overseen this event for many years and announced her retirement from this role following the event conclusion. We are grateful to Julie for her many years of dedication to the YOU across the movement. She continues to be an active YOU Sponsor as well as YOU Consultant for the South Central Region.

Coordinator Routine Activities and Communications

• Admin activities (e.g. maintaining Constant Contact email lists and points of contact for ministries)

• Regular communication through phone calls, meetings and emails with Great Lakes board YFM Liaison, and admin as well as Regional YFM leaders and Great Lakes Regies

• Market YFM support calls, training and retreats via monthly newsletters, social media and with ministry outreach

• Monthly activity reports to board as well as YFM financials and budget inputs

• Input to regional newsletter and website

Vision/Upcoming

• 2027 promises more gatherings for YFM leaders and volunteers across the Region to build their skills in working with youth as well as program management

• A focus on launching Regional support for Next Generation Unity

• Strengthening the retreat planning teams to streamline and plan further out

• Continued efforts to make contacts with ministries in the process of launching &/or that could use support with their YFM program

• Continue building teen leadership skills through coaching and offering trainings

• Promote the Dream Seed fund to both potential donors and ministries so more youth can participate without financial barriers.

• Upcoming Youth Retreats: Fall 2026 Unitreat (Oct 23-25), Fall YOU Rally (Nov 6-8), Spring Unitreat 2026 (TBA, April 2027), June Rally 2027 (TBA, June), Winter Subregional Events

• More based on GLUR Conference 2026 inputs