News and Updates
Seeding Leaders grants support nonprofit leadership
United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is announcing the availability of 10 $2,500 mini-grants as a part of a new Seeding Leaders mini-grant opportunity. Intended to support the wellness, leadership, and/or professional development of nonprofit leaders, these grants…
Fit Bella Vei Promotes Power in Movement
Movement is a way of life for Carmen James. The owner of Fit Bella Vei and a 2021 recipient of a $5,000 Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant, James started her personal training business in 2012 to help others find their own happiness…
‘Amazing!’: Board Member Climbs Kilimanjaro
“Phenomenal. Amazing. Humbling.” That’s how Dr. Ashutosh “Ash” Goel described his incredible trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Goel and his daughter, Amiti, along with his nephew Tilak Gupta and niece Shagun Gupta, set off in mid August to climb the famous…
Whirlpool Appliance Sale Comes to Battle Creek
Hundreds of deeply discounted appliances supplied by Whirlpool Corporation will be on sale to the public in a special two-day event benefitting two area United Ways. On Dec. 11-12, major appliances such as ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers from…
Instructional Designer Needed to Elevate ALICE
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is collaborating with United Way of Northern New Jersey to build a professional curriculum and recognition program to Elevate ALICE. Elevate ALICE is focused on uplifting low wage workers – workers…
Analysis: Pandemic Hits ALICE Families Hard
Lower-income people struggled in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to financially stable households, according to a new analysis. “The Pandemic Divide: An ALICE Analysis of COVID Surveys” found a much higher percentage of lower-income people struggling to get…
Day 21: Resources
Thank you for participating in the 21-Day Disability Justice Challenge. We hope that the information presented over the past month has helped you to see disability through a lens of equity and pride. We know that this has been a…
Day 20: Allyship
In every social justice movement, there are three groups of people: Those who are impacted by the injustice, those who perpetuate the injustice, and allies. An ally is a member of a dominant group, not impacted by the injustice, who…
Day 19: Disability Pride
Disability Pride is a philosophy that raises awareness that people with disabilities are/can be proud of their disability identity. Disability Pride focuses on the social model of disability; celebrating disability as a natural part of life rather than something negative…