News and Updates
New CEO Looks Ahead
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
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: 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
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
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
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
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
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
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…