BC/Kzoo
Saying 'Yes' to the Future
Put a few folks from the nonprofit sector in a room, and they’ll soon start talking about their work, their progress and their fundraising. That’s important, but I prefer when the conversation turns to people. Take this local mom, for example. Her family’s finances are precarious — what we call ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income…
Read MoreDriving Impact Through Public Policy
United Way Worldwide recently released its Public Policy Agenda for the 115th Congress. It’s part of the organization’s comprehensive effort to stand up for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. UWW is committed to assisting national policy-makers in crafting the best possible governmental policies in these areas, while also…
Read MoreCollaborative Lifts Up Literacy During Reading Month And Beyond
Nearly 2,000 new children’s books towered wonderfully and precariously high on the tables of the boardroom at United Way’s Battle Creek location recently. The books, the result of a holiday drive organized by Barnes & Noble, were sorted and boxed by members of the Battle Creek Community Literacy Collaborative, but they won’t stay that way…
Read MoreBolstering Learning With Breakfast
We hope you had a good breakfast this morning. Many children in America didn’t. But for every middle and elementary school student at Battle Creek Public Schools, breakfast is a guarantee—one that’s paying off in healthier students, better grades and fewer disciplinary issues. Breakfast in the Classroom is a unique community partnership created when Kellogg…
Read MoreNew Video Brings Equity Into Focus
“Equity isn’t just about being equal or giving everyone the same opportunity. It’s about really understanding difference.” — Matt Lynn, Director of Community Impact Building equity while reducing racial and economic disparities is fundamental to United Way’s vision. Telling that story is the role of a new video released today. United Way of the Battle…
Read MoreGrants Tackle Childhood Trauma, Infant Health
Equipping schools to help students who suffer trauma and helping vulnerable families promote better health for newborns are among five programs receiving a total of $196,736 in funding from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. UWBCKR announced a third set of grants under its new impact strategy. The new grants are one-year…
Read MoreTax assistance program frees up funds for families
Tax season is upon us and can be a source of stress for many, but for taxpayers who earned less than $54,000 in 2016, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can help. VITA offers free tax preparation through a team of trained volunteers, helping to maximize refunds for to those who qualify by income, have…
Read MoreHelp Now! Fund: Work continues one year after mass shooting
A year ago today, our region was sent reeling by an unthinkable tragedy. The shock waves of a mass shooting tore through Kalamazoo on the night of Feb. 20, 2016, when a gunman killed six people and wounded two in multiple locations across the county, with victims from both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The communities…
Read More888-KIDS Rings Up Better Infant Health
Better health for vulnerable infants is now just a phone call away. A new infant health hotline, 269-888-KIDS, was launched today by Cradle Kalamazoo, a multi-agency community initiative that includes United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. “We are excited to launch this phase of the project,” states Grace Lubwama, CEO of YWCA…
Read More2-1-1: Connecting people to resources
Most people know to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. But what if you’re having a conflict with a landlord, falling behind on a utility payment, need legal advice or struggling to feed your family? Who do you turn to if you’re facing a drug addiction, can’t find transportation to get to work or want to…
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