United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is profoundly concerned by allegations reported by news media regarding sexual harassment, retaliation and other inappropriate behavior at United Way Worldwide. We have reached out directly and formally to UWW earlier this month to express our concerns and call for swift action and accountability. Our local […]

Americans have access to a new tax incentive this year when making a donation to qualifying charities, including United Way of the Battle Creek Region and many of our local nonprofit partners. The federal relief stimulus under the CARES Act allows taxpayers to claim an additional $300 deduction on their taxes without itemizing. The universal […]

The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC) supports the development and implementation of community wide plans to deliver housing services and supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Kalamazoo County, like many communities across the country has experienced homeless encampments for many years, though there has been variability in the locations, sizes, and durations. Individuals […]

Many disasters have a common trait that leads to the greatest tragedies: lack of preparation. United Way and its community partners have a solid track record of coming together to respond quickly when a crisis strikes — historic flooding in 2018, mass shootings in 2016, violent storms in 2011 and the economic downturn in 2009, […]

Surviving and thriving aren’t rooted in strength or intelligence. They depend on the ability to change. Chris Sargent, President & CEO That’s as true for communities as it is for individuals and organizations. While being smart and strong are great assets, they can’t guarantee success by themselves. We must be able to adapt. As a […]

“I’ve joined our anti-racism team at work.” “I’ll be more vocal when I encounter racism in everyday life.” “I commit to being more aware of my biases and actively working to change them.” “Listening, listening, listening. Being more aware of my privilege and using it to speak up and speak out.” “I am committed to […]

Heroes band together to support victims of a global pandemic…. A team of experts faces a daunting mission: tackle homelessness…. Determined advocates fight racist systems to create an equitable future…. The latest books on the bestseller list? New movies coming to a cinema near you? Nope. These describe the stories and testimonials you’ll see during […]

A $500,000 grant program launched today will bring crucial relief to Kalamazoo’s smallest businesses hit hard by the economic fallout of the pandemic. The Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) provides grants of $5,000 to eligible microbusinesses within the city limits. The grants are a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way of the Battle […]

Our community – individuals, companies, foundations, governments – has been exceedingly generous during this time of uncertainty as United Way and our partners work to respond to emerging needs. Since mid-March, the United Way Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $1,100,000 to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on people in our community – particularly […]

United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund is being applied to local, broad-based actions to address COVID-19. Local donors can help drive that impact by supporting the fund and leveraging a matching gift challenge. According to Alyssa Stewart, Vice President of Strategy & Impact, United Way is working with area nonprofit agencies and municipalities to determine what […]

UPDATE: Our office closure has been extended through April 13. United Way is taking steps to reduce the risk of infection among staff and the public as we continue to partner with local agencies on the community’s response to COVID-19. Following the State of Michigan’s guidance, we will close our offices to the public starting […]

Taking it personally has never felt so personal. Over the past two weeks, I’ve spent far more time in my home than anywhere else. My meeting schedule hasn’t changed—still more blocks on my calendar than in a kid’s toy box—but I’m talking across an internet connection instead of a conference table. The content of those […]

As an organization committed to anti-racism, we cannot stand by in silence as acts of violence, racism and hate continue to plague our country and our community. Just as we were compelled to condemn the killing of George Floyd, we are called to acknowledge several heinous acts that have happened since – the killing of… […]

A social media post about a United Way Economic Relief Fund that can help individuals pay bills has gone viral in the last 24 hours, offering a 1-800 contact number. Please know that this post references a fund available to residents in Indianapolis only. In Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, individuals looking for help related to […]