Posts by Tammy Mills
On The Eve
of the Election
A MESSAGE FROM UNITED WAY:With the challenges our community faces in 2020 and beyond, we recognize that this year’s election is more important – and more charged – than ever. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region remains committed to building a stronger, more equitable community for every person. That task means listening…
Read MoreAre You Up for the Challenge?
Equity is a journey, not a destination. It’s a sentiment often voiced at United Way BCKR, where the journey toward becoming an anti-racist organization has lasted the better part of a decade and continues to be integral to our vision of a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential. The journey has involved…
Read MoreUW Launches Second Leadership Lab
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…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement on Racism, Violence
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…
Read MoreBlack Households Face Greater Financial Risk
Newly released data related to ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) shows just how closely poverty and racism are connected at a local, statewide and national level – and how much work remains in addressing racial and economic disparities. In Michigan, 63 percent of Black households fall below the ALICE Threshold (the minimum income needed to afford…
Read MoreUnited We Will: Our Region is Rising
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…
Read MoreCritical Needs Remain for Shelter System
Kalamazoo’s housing and homelessness services providers, in partnership with the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, have collaborated for the past several months to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic. Together, we celebrate the successes we’ve had and the impact we’ve made, and also recognize that the crisis…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement on George Floyd
UWBCKR envisions a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential. Violence, fear, and racism are in direct conflict with that vision and our values. We are therefore compelled to acknowledge and condemn the unjust killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers along with the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbrey, Breonna Taylor and…
Read MoreRelief Bill Includes $300 Tax Break for Charitable Gifts
Americans have access to a new tax incentive this year when making a donation to qualifying charities, including United Way of the Battle Creek Region and many of our local nonprofit partners. The federal relief stimulus under the CARES Act allows taxpayers to claim an additional $300 deduction on their taxes without itemizing. The universal…
Read MoreDisaster Relief Dollars Feeding Families, Keeping People Housed
Our community – individuals, companies, foundations, governments – has been exceedingly generous during this time of uncertainty as United Way and our partners work to respond to emerging needs. Since mid-March, the United Way Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $1,100,000 to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on people in our community – particularly…
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