More than 100 nonprofit leaders in the areas of health and education came together this month for two forums aimed at making connections, exploring resources, and learning from one another.

The newly developed forums, called Learning Circles, will take place several times each year for funded partners of United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. They’re just one way that United Way carries out its mission to drive impact by leading share efforts that engage diverse people, ideas, and resources.

“United Way is more than just a funder. We’re a partner in this work, providing every support we can to help our funded organizations be successful,” said Jennifer Nottingham, Associate Director of Community Impact. “We’re able to connect organizations to resources that help them make a greater impact.

“Our Learning Circles were developed to bring our funded partners together to explore ways to collaborate and exchange best practices,” she added.

During the first Education Learning Circle, held March 20 at Calhoun Area Career Center, participants received hands-on training to use the MI School Data website. The site allows them access to statewide and localized data such as student counts, graduation rates and early childhood program participation. Mitch Fowler, Director of Student Data Services for Calhoun Intermediate School District, led the training.

A day later, at the Health Learning Circle, partners met at Sherman Lake YMCA to discuss the collective work to improve infant mortality rates in families of color and low-income families. In small groups, attendees shared their successes, struggles, and ideas for moving forward.

Jennifer Moubray, of Family Health Center in Kalamazoo, said she appreciated the opportunity to connect with others from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

“I got value out of just looking around the room and seeing who’s doing what in both communities,” Moubray said. “It was valuable to me to get a general understanding of where we are and where we have the potential to go. There were a lot of good ideas.”

An Income Learning Circle takes place this afternoon, and a Basic Needs Learning Circle is scheduled for April.

To learn more about United Way’s funded partners and our collective work in the region, download our complete portfolio.