Better health for vulnerable infants is now just a phone call away. A new infant health hotline, 269-888-KIDS, was launched today by Cradle Kalamazoo, a multi-agency community initiative that includes United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. “We are excited to launch this phase of the project,” states Grace Lubwama, CEO of YWCA […]
Jeff’s story begins, literally, all in his head. Years ago, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his brain. A decade later, he sustained a second traumatic brain injury from a fall. Both events left Jeff finding it hard to hold a job in his field of finance. “I could interview for and get […]
Want to make a difference in your community? Here are three ways you can join us this month to explore some of the issues facing local residents and learn how you can help: Make an Instant Impact If you haven’t attended one of our Pop Up Giving events yet, this is a great month to […]
A new fund will support flood relief efforts across Kalamazoo County. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR) and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) started the Kalamazoo Flood Relief Fund together with lead contributions of $10,000 each, for a total of $20,000. The public can add tax-deductible donations to the fund through […]
Building a better life isn’t easy. ALICE* households are reminded of this fact every day. But as Jakaria’s story reveals, having the right people and help available can forge a pathway to success. “I was in an apartment that I liked, and it was a good price and location, but it was infested with roaches, […]
Larry’s job means a lot to him. During a break from his work at Concordance Healthcare Solutions, he talked about all the things he does during the 20 hours a week he spends as a materials handler. His day includes unloading trucks, running the baler, collecting trash, and more. He takes pride in what he […]
A new report from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region shows progress on long-term community goals, while new, three-year strategic grants totaling $6,567,096 will build momentum toward reaching those goals. Chris Sargent, President and CEO, said this is the organization’s first-ever report focused specifically on United Way investments, partnerships and engagement strategies. […]
Aspiring Leaders United connects young professionals. by Sara Coppo, Guest Blogger Hard-working professionals struggle to find time for networking, socializing and helping the community. Good news: Aspiring Leaders United offers a solution. ALU, an affinity group of United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, brings together leaders under the age of 45 to […]
Chris Sargent, President & CEO, reflects personally on Impact Week 2018. Every now and then, someone asks what draws me to the work of United Way. The answer is easy: For me, it’s personal. I’ve spent much of my life living in this area. I have children here. Grandchildren, too. This is my home, and… […]
“I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE WHEN I GET OLDER.” The Program It was my uncle who introduced me to the the S.T.R.E.E.T. After School Program. I knew kids who were in it before, but they left after the first couple of months. I stuck it out. It’s a good program. It’s a […]
“I DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.” After retirement, I looked online for opportunities to volunteer. Something kept leading me back to Gryphon Place. I like to think it was divine intervention. Apparently, it’s my destiny to help people. It feels so good to be able to do that. Establishing Trust The […]
A year ago today, our region was sent reeling by an unthinkable tragedy. The shock waves of a mass shooting tore through Kalamazoo on the night of Feb. 20, 2016, when a gunman killed six people and wounded two in multiple locations across the county, with victims from both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The communities […]
A new fund will support flood relief efforts across Kalamazoo County. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR) and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) started the Kalamazoo Flood Relief Fund together with lead contributions of $10,000 each, for a total of $20,000. The public can add tax-deductible donations to the fund through […]
The last voyage of the Space Shuttle. Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot. The iPhone 4S debuts. That’s what was happening during the first year your United Way received Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-Star rating. This week, we made it an even decade. Charity Navigator rates nonprofits in two areas of performance: financial health, […]