BC/Kzoo
Creative Fundraising Scores Big
Ever wonder what happens to players’ jerseys after a game? They can transform into books for young readers, food for struggling families, diapers for newborns and much more. A recent auction of game-used jerseys by the Kalamazoo Wings Hockey Club raised $4,264 for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. It’s one of…
Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month with events in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo
February is Black History Month, and both the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo communities offer a number of learning opportunities, celebrations and other ways to participate. United Way invites you to not only take the opportunity to celebrate African-American art, history, and culture this month, but also to continue year-round to acknowledge past and present contributions…
Read MoreTax check-off supports local community
Did you know that when you file your 2016 state income tax return in Michigan that you have the opportunity to support local families in our region? A donation to the United Way Fund is quick and easy. Every contribution made by taxpayers in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region stays in the area, going…
Read MoreCreating a Community Vision
United Way plays an active role in a broad-based effort to tackle — and resolve — the biggest issues facing Battle Creek, particularly among vulnerable children and families. BCVision is a community-driven effort to create a thriving place to live in Battle Creek. Formed in 2014, it brings together people from every sector to define…
Read MoreYouth United Way Launches RFP
Coming together to make a difference in our community through the empowerment of youth. That mission statement gets to the heart of Youth United Way, which engages young people in community action. YUW has launched a Request For Proposal process, inviting grant requests for up to $6,000 supporting programs that address racism and/or college and…
Read MoreThe Dream for Racial Healing
Matt Lynn, Director of Community Impact, shares his perspective on race in light of the first National Day of Racial Healing, January 17, 2017. I was born in the aftermath of the 1960s. I can remember the conversations my parents would have with their friends as they recalled different events and activities they were a…
Read MoreHonoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
United Way honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our offices in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will be closed on Monday, January 16, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Honoring Dr. King goes far beyond a holiday. United Way will be involved in community events supporting equity, and our…
Read MoreKeeping The Heat On
With 41 percent of local households in or near poverty, it’s easy for many families to get behind on their utility bills – a reality that’s dangerous when frosty weather sets in. Fortunately, people can get help in several ways, including through United Way partners and funded programs. If you’re behind, the first step is…
Read MoreSweepstakes Winner Gets Surprise of a Lifetime
At Western Michigan University, the magic of winning isn’t limited to the Cotton Bowl bound Bronco football team. Kim LaViolette, an employee in the university’s Landscape department, made that discovery today as she celebrated winning a new vehicle through the 2016 United Way Sweepstakes. WMU President John Dunn took part in surprising LaViolette with the…
Read MoreA Great Way to be a Bronco!
While the most exciting action happened on the gridiron, there was something else taking place at every Western Michigan University football game this season. WMU produced a video featuring President John Dunn celebrating the university’s partnership with United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. “Together we are improving high school graduation rates, increasing…
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