News and Updates

Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter and stay up to date on everything happening at United Way!

Day 2: Disability Language

September 28, 2021

The language we use around any topic sets up a perspective that carries judgment. We can easily project whether we hold something in high regard or see it as inferior by the words we choose. Unfortunately, much of the language…

Day 1: Intro to Disability Justice

September 28, 2021

We all know something about disability.  Whether you are a person with a disability, know someone with a disability, or have simply seen people with disabilities, we probably all have an idea of what we think it means to have…

Logo for Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care

Statement: Closing of Ampersee Encampment

September 17, 2021

The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, a partnership of local government and community service agencies coordinating housing and services for houseless families and individuals, supports the decision to close the Ampersee encampment and provide safer shelter for those affected. The…

Partnership Brings Crucial Grants to 90 Microbusinesses

August 25, 2021

A unique local partnership is bringing $450,000 in crucial funds to strengthen 90 Kalamazoo microbusinesses. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR), the City of Kalamazoo and the Foundation for Excellence jointly announced the second round of…

Graphic of clipboard and pen with text "Take Our Survey."

Wanted: Your Opinion!

August 18, 2021

Seems like everyone has an opinion these days—and we want yours! United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is asking the community to participate in a short, simple, online survey about social issues and the work of United…

Logo for Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission

Redistricting: Your Chance to Make History

August 17, 2021

Gerrymandering is a term you might be familiar with thanks to your high school civics class. For those of us that may need a refresher, gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating geographic boundaries of electoral districts in a way that…

Logo for Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care

Continuum of Care Mid-Year Update

August 2, 2021

Partners Continue to Serve Unhoused Individuals & Families The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care works to administer federal and state funding, as well as increase and better coordinate the services available for houseless families and individuals. These services include outreach,…

Sign at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is More Than a Mountain for UW Board Member

July 19, 2021

Ash Goel and family to raise money for education as they embark on epic climb During a 1923 speaking tour, British mountaineer George Mallory was asked why, after two failed attempts, he was determined to summit Mount Everest. “Because it’s…

Application assistance available for KMEG Grants

June 25, 2021

Eligible entrepreneurs can now tap free, in-person assistance to apply for grants aimed at supporting Kalamazoo’s smallest businesses. The Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) program provides Egrants of $5,000 to eligible microbusinesses within the city limits. The grants are a partnership…