Posts by Rick Chambers
COVID-19 and the Power of Taking It Personally
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…
Read MoreGenerous Donors Lift Disaster Relief Fund, Spur Matching Challenge
Editor’s note: Article was updated on March 30, 2020, to include additional dollars raised. United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund has received strong corporate, foundation, and individual donor support that will be applied to local, broad-based needs related to COVID-19. Donations over the past several weeks have reached more than $1,100,000. Local donors can help further…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Update: Status on Offices, Events & Community Actions
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…
Read MoreDisaster Relief Fund Tackles COVID-19 Effects on Community
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…
Read MoreKnowing ALICE: Coronavirus Outbreak Puts Income at Risk
We’ve all heard the advice: If you’re sick, stay home. For ALICE, that might not be an option. “Equal access to precautionary measures cuts along the same lines that divide the United States in other ways: income, education and race,” according to a new article in The New York Times. “Service industry workers, like those…
Read MoreKnowing ALICE: Jakaria’s Story
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,…
Read MorePeople Get Ready: Helping Prepare for Disaster
A community-wide disaster seems doubtful—until it isn’t. That’s why preparation before a disaster strikes, and a robust response after, makes all the difference. Adam Castle, the new Community Resilience Program Manager at Gryphon Place, leads a regional effort that’s making sure every community is ready to deal with any crisis. This role is made possible…
Read MoreCareer Life Expo Connects Jobseekers to Bright Future
Perched at the Kalamazoo Literacy Council table inside the Kalamazoo Expo Center, Cakneeshia Stegall smiled brightly at the dozens of jobseekers wandering past. She was eager to connect with them. After all, she knew what they were feeling. Stegall was once on the other side of the table, looking for work, at a past Career…
Read MoreUW, FamilyWize Partnership Helps Region Save Big on Rx Costs
A powerful partnership involving United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region has saved local residents more than $1.8 million on prescription medications since 2007. FamilyWize, a community service organization, works with United Ways across the country to lower the cost of prescription medications for local individuals and families. The program provides discount cards…
Read More‘Completely Shocked!’ Stryker Employee Wins UW Sweepstakes
Before today, Jessica Parnaby would have told you she’d never won anything in her life. She can’t say that anymore; on Wednesday, Parnaby learned that she is this year’s United Way Sweepstakes automobile winner.
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