Posts by unitedwaybck
Day 2: Understanding and Reflecting on Our Bias
“Worse than being less than you, is if you are perceived as a threat” – John A. Powell We all have bias. But often, we are not aware of the biases that we subconsciously hold. The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity defines implicit bias as “the attitudes or stereotypes that affect…
Read MoreDay 1: How do you think about your racial identity?
“Not seeing race does little to deconstruct racist structures or materially improve the conditions which people of color are subject to daily. In order to dismantle unjust, racist structures, we must see race. We must see who benefits from their race, who is disproportionately impacted by negative stereotypes about their race, and to who power…
Read MoreJobs, Homes and Financial Stability: See What Our Income Quarter is All About
When more than 530 jobseekers walked into United Way’s Career Life Expo last February, they found 83 employers ready to talk about job opportunities. But day to day, many people can’t pursue such opportunities because of barriers such as lack of identification, incomplete education, lack of housing and no transportation. That’s why the Expo also…
Read MorePop Up Volunteering Delivers Unique Way to Make a Difference
Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to create change in the community. Our corporate partners have long supported United Way agencies by sending employees out into the community for Days of Caring volunteer experiences, and that practice continues. But it doesn’t work for everyone. In 2018, United Way BCKR rolled out a new…
Read MoreFamily Health Center Employee Wins Sweepstakes Car
When Mary Lewis received her hard-earned bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University last Saturday, she thought that would be the highlight of her month. Turns out she has two great things to celebrate. Lewis, Practice Director at Family Health Center (FHC), is this year’s United Way Sweepstakes automobile winner. She was chosen at random from…
Read MoreUnited Way Sets Holiday Hours
United Way will have limited office hours during the upcoming holiday week. Our Battle Creek office will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1. The Kalamazoo office at 709 S. Westnedge Ave. will be open Dec. 26-28 and 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for supporters who wish to drop off year-end donations. (If you…
Read MoreMaking Holidays Brighter
Holiday preparation is in full swing at the Portage Community Center. Over the next few weeks, staff and volunteers will distribute 63 food baskets, hand out donated gifts to 89 adopted families and celebrate with 114 children at the annual holiday party. They’ve already delivered 124 Thanksgiving baskets. “It’s a very busy time right now,”…
Read More#Faithfully United: Faith Community Answers Call to Action
A new partnership with the faith-based community drew together a diverse and enthusiastic group of volunteers. More than 50 people gathered at Stones Church on Nov. 29 to assemble 1,000 weekend food packs for food-insecure families throughout our region. The volunteer effort was part of Faithfully United, a pilot initiative launched this fall that aims…
Read MoreShare Your Story: How Has United Way Touched Your Life?
This week, we’re sharing impact. We want you to know what a difference you have made in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo with your dollars, your support, your volunteerism, and your advocacy. We’ve shared some results in Income, Health, Education and Basic Needs, and we’ve shared just a few stories from people who have been personally…
Read MoreTaking Impact Personally
Chris Sargent, President & CEO, reflects personally on Impact Week 2018. Every now and then, someone asks what draws me to the work of United Way. The answer is easy: For me, it’s personal. I’ve spent much of my life living in this area. I have children here. Grandchildren, too. This is my home, and…
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