Posts by Tammy Mills
United Way BCKR office closure information
The United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo offices will be closed from Friday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 31, 2022. Year-end donations: If you would like to make an end-of-the-year donation, credit card gifts can be made via our website, www.changethestory.org. Or checks may be mailed to our Kalamazoo office at 709 South…
Read MoreSeeding Leaders grants support nonprofit leadership
United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is announcing the availability of 10 $2,500 mini-grants as a part of a new Seeding Leaders mini-grant opportunity. Intended to support the wellness, leadership, and/or professional development of nonprofit leaders, these grants will focus on leaders who identify as being Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC),…
Read MoreFit Bella Vei Promotes Power in Movement
Movement is a way of life for Carmen James. The owner of Fit Bella Vei and a 2021 recipient of a $5,000 Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant, James started her personal training business in 2012 to help others find their own happiness in health. “My motivation for starting my business was based on adversities that I’ve faced…
Read MoreWhirlpool Appliance Sale Comes to Battle Creek
Hundreds of deeply discounted appliances supplied by Whirlpool Corporation will be on sale to the public in a special two-day event benefitting two area United Ways. On Dec. 11-12, major appliances such as ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers from Whirlpool Corporation’s brand portfolio including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid will be available at significant savings. Shoppers…
Read MoreInstructional Designer Needed to Elevate ALICE
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is collaborating with United Way of Northern New Jersey to build a professional curriculum and recognition program to Elevate ALICE. Elevate ALICE is focused on uplifting low wage workers – workers who identify as ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This course will be geared…
Read MoreUnited Way Grants Address Disparities in Vaccine Access
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…
Read MoreSupport Services for Individuals at Ampersee Encampment
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care is coordinating a partnership of community service agencies offering support to help individuals at the Ampersee encampment transition to safer, more stable shelter. The encampment has grown significantly in recent months, with many inhabitants coming from outside of Kalamazoo. Law enforcement and support workers report increased incidences of violence,…
Read MoreStatement: Closing of Ampersee Encampment
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, a partnership of local government and community service agencies coordinating housing and services for houseless families and individuals, supports the decision to close the Ampersee encampment and provide safer shelter for those affected. The encampment, which has grown to 180 people, has become known in other unhoused communities as…
Read MoreWanted: Your Opinion!
Seems like everyone has an opinion these days—and we want yours! United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is asking the community to participate in a short, simple, online survey about social issues and the work of United Way to change the story of people’s lives. How are we doing? What do you…
Read MoreRedistricting: Your Chance to Make History
Gerrymandering is a term you might be familiar with thanks to your high school civics class. For those of us that may need a refresher, gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating geographic boundaries of electoral districts in a way that gives one party a disproportionate advantage over its political opponents. It was an approach traditionally…
Read More