Posts by Rick Chambers
Still Struggling: ALICE Report Shows 40% at Risk Financially
Four of every 10 households in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region are either in poverty or barely getting by financially, a new report on Michigan’s working families reveals. The Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) has released a study on the condition of Michigan’s working families, which it has dubbed ALICE households—those that are…
Read MoreCareer Life Expo Nears; Volunteers Sought
The Career Life Expo brings many opportunities for people looking for work and for people looking to volunteer. The Career Life Expo takes place Tuesday, March 26, 12 noon to 5 p.m., at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake Street. Employers from the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region will be there to conduct interviews…
Read More4-Star Rating Puts UWBCKR in Top 2% Nationally
For the ninth consecutive year, Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charitable agencies, awarded United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region its coveted 4-Star rating. Only 2 percent of charities evaluated nationwide by Charity Navigator have achieved this mark nine times running. Charity Navigator rates nonprofits in two areas of performance: financial…
Read MoreVolunteers Sought For Dental Day of Caring
A one-day, all-out effort to address a major community health concern aims to put a smile on the faces of people in need. The Dental Day of Caring, spearheaded by Family Health Center in partnership with United Way, will deliver free basic dental care for up to 450 uninsured adults from across Kalamazoo County in…
Read MoreCareer Life Expo to Offer Jobs, Support Services
More than 100 employers and dozens of service agencies will bring hundreds of jobs and many support services to area jobseekers at the second annual Career Life Expo. The event happens Tuesday, March 26, noon to 5 p.m., at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., in Kalamazoo. Attendees can connect with service agencies…
Read MoreAlyssa Stewart Named VP of Impact & Engagement
As newly appointed Vice President of Impact & Engagement, Alyssa Stewart will strengthen the link between United Way’s impact work and partnerships and its regional engagement activities. “People who care about their community do it in two ways—by investing charitable dollars, and by getting personally involved in the work,” said Stewart. “By more closely connecting…
Read MorePublic Policy: The Third Leg of the Stool
You’ve probably seen United Way’s three-word tagline: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. These are, as the old saying goes, the “three legs of the stool” standing for our community work. “Give” points to the thousands of people who support United Way financially. “Volunteer” highlights the people who offer their time, energy and expertise. So what is the…
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