News and Updates
Retreats Offer Self-Care Tools to Alleviate Secondary Trauma
Lindsey Neal is no stranger to the practice and benefits of mindfulness. A former massage therapist who now teaches Spanish and health at Battle Creek Central High School, she leads yoga classes weekly for high school students and works out…
Turning Readers Into Leaders: Book Drive Goal Set at 15,000
Children who read well tend to succeed in school. That fact has led United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region to spearhead an effort to collect 15,000 donated new or gently used children’s books — representing every child…
Giving Back is a Union Tradition
As Labor Day approaches, many workers are looking forward to a three-day weekend. It’s a great time to recognize that our country’s labor movement paved the way for workers to enjoy things like 40-hour work weeks, paid vacation and many…
Emotional Shrapnel: Facing Secondary Trauma
When a bomb goes off, the damage spreads beyond the point of the explosion. Fragments tear apart the surrounding landscape—and anyone standing nearby. The same is true when young people experience trauma. As they seek help, this emotional shrapnel may…
Seeing Impact in Action
Editor’s note: Scott Lawrence, Marketing Manager, Neurosurgical, at Stryker recently took part in a United Way Impact Bus Tour. Struck by the community need and the impact of United Way’s partnerships, he shares his thoughts in the following blog. Many…
CEO Forum Offers Snapshot of Progress
Powerful testimony combined with new data created a compelling snapshot of progress on Tuesday night at Stryker. United Way’s Regional CEO Forum, hosted by Stryker Chairman & CEO Kevin Lobo, drew more than 100 community leaders and delivered a glimpse…
Youth Can Make a Difference Now
Editor’s note: Guest blog written by members of Youth United Way to mark International Youth Day, Aug. 12. Being a teenager can make you feel powerless. Your eyes have been opened to the ways of the world – good and…
Cecily's Story
Board Spotlight: United Way a Constant for Cecily Cagle Cecily Cagle is no stranger to community involvement. More than 30 years ago, her role as a mother to a child with severe impairments led her to become connected with the…
Awards Highlight Power of Volunteerism
The power of volunteerism gained the spotlight at the 2017 Community Volunteer Awards ceremony held Thursday in downtown Battle Creek. Seven awards – five individual awards and two group honors – were handed out during the event, which was held…