Categories Our regional community is unique in its resolve to rise above the negative. We don’t allow heartbreak to shape us. We don’t give in to circumstances. In the face of evil deeds, we refuse to succumb. Instead, we as a region choose to define ourselves by love. We will turn to one another and […]
Categories Filtered by: Change the Story As we kick off our 2016 campaign, there’s no better way to do so than by spotlighting the partners and programs that help drive impact—fueled by our community’s generosity. So the campaign launches with our announcement of $6.03 million in new investments in 88 programs addressing Education, Income, Health […]
Categories Susan Schoder got quite a holiday surprise when she was called to the front entrance of Denso Manufacturing Michigan: She was the winner of a new car. Schoder, a Battle Creek resident and a 25-year employee at Denso, was chosen at random from thousands of qualified donors in this year’s United Way campaign to […]
Categories A dozen middle schoolers dropped to their knees, interlaced their fingers and pressed down on the chests of vinyl mannequins. A nurse’s counting set the hundred-beats-per-minute pace. As the kids caught the rhythm, somone hit the “Play” button on a CD player, and the room filled with the foottapping tones of the Bee Gee’s […]
Categories Your United Way has embarked on one of its most exciting journeys ever. Earlier this evening, during our annual recognition and impact event, we announced a new vision, mission and community-level goals that aim to transform our region in specific, measurable and powerful ways. The text of our news release, which appears at the […]
Categories Although sharing a heartfelt thank you doesn’t usually require much time or effort, it’s true that many of us fail to say these two simple – yet powerful – words often enough. Since United Way was founded more than 125 years ago, individuals, companies, foundations and organizations have been coming together on an ongoing […]
Categories Youth United Way is an entirely youth led philanthropy experience for local high school students. These students meet every Monday night to discuss issues in our community, learn about the grant process, volunteer, and of course, have fun. In order to experience philanthropy first hand, the students are given a budget and award grants […]
Categories Filtered by: Health Your United Way has embarked on one of its most exciting journeys ever. Earlier this evening, during our annual recognition and impact event, we announced a new vision, mission and community-level goals that aim to transform our region in specific, measurable and powerful ways. The text of our news release, which […]
Categories In response to Saturday’s tragedies in Kalamazoo County, and in an effort to address both immediate and long-term community needs related to community violence, a collaborative group of local nonprofits has established a fund. Battle Creek Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region will be partnering […]
Categories Within minutes of arriving at the S.T.R.E.E.T. Center, 19 business executives had 22 new best friends. The connections happened through a joint Day of Caring service project involving senior leaders from Stryker Corporation and Pfizer Inc. The executives bonded with teen boys participating in the S.T.R.E.E.T. Program, part of Community Healing Centers. Shared aspirations […]
Categories Early morning meetings seem to be happening much more frequently around our office. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Top 25 Breakfast, this year held at the Gilmore Car Museum. What an amazing location with so much history! Though it was early, excitement was in the air from the region’s […]
What side of the bed kids get up on doesn’t really set the tone of their day; it’s whether they get fed. For students at Battle Creek Public Schools, breakfast is a guarantee—and that’s paying off in healthier students, better grades and fewer disciplinary issues. Starting last fall, the four-year-old Breakfast in the Classroom program […]
Categories Filtered by: Income Your United Way has embarked on one of its most exciting journeys ever. Earlier this evening, during our annual recognition and impact event, we announced a new vision, mission and community-level goals that aim to transform our region in specific, measurable and powerful ways. The text of our news release, which […]
Categories Brian Sharp, a senior project manager at Stryker Corporation, is enjoying his daily commute in his new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup. The impressive, gleaming black ride was his vehicle of choice after winning the recent United Way Sweepstakes. Brian took delivery of the truck this month from Seelye Ford in Kalamazoo. Brian said he’s been a […]