News and Updates

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New CEO Looks Ahead

July 24, 2017

Editor’s note: In the following interview, newly named President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Sargent shares his thoughts on United Way’s progress, its future and his personal passion to #ChangeTheStory. Chris had been interim President and CEO since last fall.…

RAWK: Unleashing the power of writing

July 14, 2017

Writing can be scary. Sharing that writing with others can be even more nerve-wracking. But in one special classroom at Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts, sixth-graders learn how to overcome that fear. The RAWK Writers’ Room (RWR), a…

Anthony's Story

Anthony's Story

July 3, 2017

Anthony’s Story: Homeownership Achieved When Anthony Spencer signed the paperwork to purchase his new home, it marked the end of a journey toward homeownership that took years to achieve. Amid the handshakes and congratulations that followed, Anthony stepped away from…

Fatherhood in Focus

June 28, 2017

There’s no question that when it comes to healthy babies and healthy families, a mother’s role is crucial. But what about fathers? Many dads feel relegated to the sidelines during pregnancy and birth, and others disengage or are absent altogether.…

Generous Spirit Brings In 55,000 Diapers

June 21, 2017

The Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region showed its generosity once again by donating 55,134 new diapers to the area’s first United Way Diaper Drive, exceeding the drive’s goal of 50,000 in just five days. United Way of the Battle Creek…

Infant Mortality Affects Us All

June 15, 2017

I was two months pregnant with my first child when I became aware of our community’s infant mortality crisis. Still a little shell-shocked from the discovery that I was pregnant, I was tentative and keeping things quiet, careful to avoid…

Chris Sargent Named President & CEO

June 12, 2017

Chris Sargent, a Battle Creek resident with nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership, including multiple roles with United Way, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). “The board…

Pop-Up Giving Shows Value of Giving Together

June 12, 2017

The power of collaborative giving was on full display at the June 6 launch of Pop-Up Giving. More than 80 people joined United Way to show how even a small amount can make a big impact when individuals give together.…

Stryker Team Drives Impact

June 5, 2017

For Stryker volunteers, their recent Day of Caring experience was all about impact. The team made an impact with the hands-on volunteer work they completed for YWCA Kalamazoo on May 30 and saw the effect their support through United Way…