In response to Saturday’s tragedies in Kalamazoo County, and in an effort to address both immediate and long-term community needs related to community violence, a collaborative group of local nonprofits has established a fund.

Battle Creek Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region will be partnering with regional organizations to direct funds to areas of need to help create safer communities now and into the future.

“We know that this has affected lives across our region and we’re determined to help lead a collaborative effort during this healing process,” says Mike Larson, President and CEO of the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. “Our regional community has proven to be extraordinarily generous supporting one another in times of need.”

According to Battle Creek Community Foundation CEO Brenda Hunt, “This fund was inspired by an initial gift to provide a constructive outlet for those who wish to provide financial assistance. We recognize that the fear and anxiety following these incidents does not recognize county boundaries and neither should our response.” 

Carrie Pickett-Erway, President/CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, says “We’ve already heard from many people, near and far, who are looking for ways to help. We believe this regional fund is the best way to respond, collaboratively, for those who have been impacted by these tragic events.”

The fund, regional in scope – serving all the communities affected by the tragedy – may include: 

▪   Special financial needs of the victims and their families.

▪   Community counseling, healing and safety services that address the aftermath of violence.

▪   Community vigils and anti-violence education events and activities.

▪   Citizen safety planning and violence preparedness efforts.

▪   Other activities directed toward reducing violence. 

A regional advisory board is being formed to review and decide on the use of undesignated contributions.

Resources for those in need of crisis counseling include: 

Gryphon Place  Call 269-381-HELP, dial 2-1-1 at Gryphon Place or visit www.gryphon.org. 

Summit Pointe  Call 1-800-649-3777 for outpatient counseling, 1-800-632-5449 for suicide prevention or visit www.summitpointe.com.