BC/Kzoo
Sara's Story
Sara Spenelli dreams of working with children one day, inspired by the child life specialists who have helped her along her journey to becoming an independent adult. Sara, who was born with Turner syndrome, recently graduated from high school. Before she could pursue her education goals, however, she found herself in urgent need of housing…
Read MoreWe're #1! United Way Ranks High Nationally, Locally
Trust and impact prompt partnerships that change a society—and a community. United Way reflects that partnership on two important fronts. First, on a national scale: The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently named United Way Worldwide to the top spot of America’s Favorite Charities. These are 100 cause-driven nonprofit organizations that Americans are most willing to support…
Read MoreOpen Roads Offers Much More Than Bikes
A bicycle can give a child freedom, independence and a sense of empowerment. At Open Roads Bike Program, participants get all of that and more as they acquire the tools to navigate both their neighborhoods and their lives. “When we can help them earn a bike and lock, they’re like, ‘Whoa, game changer,’” said Erin…
Read MoreYou Did It! Volunteers Pack 100,000 Meals
Teamwork. Leadership. Joy. All three were on display in abundance during United Against Hunger on Oct. 16, when more than 400 volunteers worked together to package 100,000 meals in just two hours. The effort, coordinated by United Way BCKR in partnership with presenting sponsor Kellogg’s, produced twice as many meals and involved twice as many…
Read MoreStory Squad Celebrates Literacy, Caps United Way Book Drive
With books, props and many giggles, a handful of volunteers and dozens of young readers recently helped us close out our Education Quarter and celebrate the success of the second United Way Children’s Book Drive. The Story Squad – volunteers from Landscape Forms, Kellogg Community Credit Union, CSM Group, Rose Street Advisors and Aspiring Leaders…
Read More100,000 Meals in Two Hours? That's United Against Hunger!
Nearly 400 volunteers will soon don hairnets and wield measuring scoops to package 100,000 ready-to-cook meals in less time than it takes to watch a movie. United Way’s second annual United Against Hunger, in partnership with presenting sponsor Kellogg’s, aims to package 100,000 meal kits to combat hunger in our regional community. The event, set…
Read MoreCadillacs Draw 1,000 to Benefit United Way
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Cadillac Fall Festival are going to support the impact work of United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. The Cadillac Fall Festival & Concours d’Elegance featured 110 examples of a classic American car during a three-day celebration in September at the Gilmore Car Museum. More…
Read MoreLeading the Dialogue on Homelessness
United Way has been working to help our community tackle an issue that’s been highly visible recently: homelessness. The visibility comes from a protest in Kalamazoo. Homeless individuals and advocates camped in a city park to promote awareness and action. That protest, which began Aug. 19, ended on Sept. 19 when police cleared the park.…
Read MoreService From The Inside
Getting close to the work of United Way and our partners is eye-opening. Guest blog by Jeremy Hermann Basic needs. It’s something that I’ve heard a lot of nonprofits talk about when discussing homelessness. We’ve seen it on posters, flyers and United Way brochures. For individuals experiencing homelessness in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek region,…
Read More#LetsLiveUnited Unifies Campaign Kickoffs
Don’t be surprised if you see United Way everywhere you look this week. Dozens of United Ways across Michigan, including United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, have joined forces to share local successes and invite the entire state to get involved in making a difference. This week’s unified kickoff will show up…
Read More