A unique local partnership is bringing $450,000 in crucial funds to strengthen 90 Kalamazoo microbusinesses. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR), the City of Kalamazoo and the Foundation for Excellence jointly announced the second round of Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the partnership granted $500,000 […]
Community grants totaling $50,000 will help local nonprofits and grassroots groups connect underserved people to information and opportunities to get vaccinated against COVID-19. United Way BCKR provided the local grants as part of the Get Vaccinated Michigan campaign led by the Michigan Association of United Ways and the Michigan Nonprofit Association. The statewide effort aims […]
UNITED THROUGH AWARENESS This 21-Day Disability Justice Challenge is made possible through the valuable partnership between United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and Disability Network Southwest Michigan. Our two organizations share a vision for our community where every person is equitably supported, and all people benefit with full access and inclusion. We… […]
The Battle Creek Family YMCA may not be serving up its traditional fitness options this summer, but the organization has found other ways to contribute to community needs. In partnership with United Way BCKR and with funding support from Kellogg Company and its charitable funds, the YMCA channeled its staff and volunteer capacity into serving […]
More than 530 people who turned up at Wings Event Center for the Career Life Expo discovered much more than a job fair. They discovered hope. Eighty-three employers and more than 25 community resource organizations served a diverse and steady stream of people looking at hundreds of positions and receiving assistance with employment barriers such… […]
Nothing focuses your mind on the impact of a deadly disease than thinking a loved one—and possibly you—could have it. One of my adult daughters began showing symptoms of COVID-19. Like any concerned parent, I took her to the doctor to be tested. Results took 48 hours, putting our family on pins and needles. And […]
At the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWCKR), we tackle the toughest issues facing our community by mobilizing every resource, partner and voice to solve those challenges. That work includes supporting and investing in the skills and people who directly lead the on-the-ground efforts in our community. A new 12-month, cohort-based […]
United Way Worldwide’s newest Innovation Case Study spotlights United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region’s efforts to center equity in every aspect of its work. “The case study offers a comprehensive overview of our internal equity, diversity and inclusion work, equitable grantmaking practices, COVID-19 response, and Catalyzing Community Giving (CCG) work,” said Claire […]
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 […]
During a 1923 speaking tour, British mountaineer George Mallory was asked why, after two failed attempts, he was determined to summit Mount Everest. “Because it’s there,” Mallory replied. For his upcoming ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Dr. Ashutosh “Ash” Goel has simpler, aspirational reasons: to appreciate life’s opportunities, to inspire his children and others to focus […]
Rev. Richard Bailey supports New Level Sports Ministries (NLSM), a faith-based youth development organization, and has long been involved with the community and the ministerial world. He has been a pastor in Battle Creek since 1990 and retired 10 years ago, but has never stopped serving the community through sharing his passion for religion. Rev. […]
Tragic events don’t always happen somewhere else. Sometimes they happen right here in our community—be it natural disasters, violence, or a piece of a global pandemic. What we’ve learned is the value of approaching the next crisis in a more powerful, collective way. United Way BCKR and its community partners have a solid track record… […]
Our regional community responded generously to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, all funds given to meet urgent local needs have been disbursed. United Way created the Disaster Relief Fund last year to strengthen the community’s ability to respond quickly to critical needs. Generous corporate donors provided seed money for the fund. When COVID-19 struck, United Way […]
When communities want to understand how local households are doing financially, they often check the poverty rate. But that doesn’t give the full picture of how many individuals and families struggle to make ends meet. “ALICE encompasses what was once described as ‘the working poor,’ but it stands for much more than that,” said Laurel […]