Search results for: ALICE
Summer Stock Up
SUMMER STOCK UP June 1-30 Fundraising for summer hunger initiatives Every year, food pantries across the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region are stocked in the winter months thanks to generous donations. But when summer comes, donations drop dramatically and pantry…
Read MoreRossie’s Story: ‘Absolutely There’s Hope’
If you’re active in the Battle Creek community at all, you might know Rose “Rossie” Miller. She’s worked with the South Michigan Food Bank, operated a food pantry, served on the Yes we can! initiative through the Battle Creek Community Foundation, chaired the board for what is now Grace Health, and served multiple terms on…
Read MoreDay 7: Income Inequality
According to respondents of a September 2020 national poll, 72 percent of Latino households, 60 percent of Black households, and 55 percent of Native American households are facing serious financial problems since the pandemic began, compared to 36 percent of white households. “Everything that we’ve seen laid bare by the pandemic has had a long…
Read MoreEquity Challenge
UNITED THROUGH AWARENESS ALICE and Black Households Data clearly illustrate the inequities that are deeply rooted in our national, state, and local systems and institutions. During the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, you will take a self-guided learning journey that examines the history and impacts of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experiences in Battle…
Read MoreFelecia’s Story
Felecia Parker is looking forward to purchasing a new home this year, and planning to put in a garden with her children. She’s currently in the 21st year of her career as a medical assistant, overseeing remote learning for her 5- and 7-year-old, and actively searching for that new property with space for a garden.…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes
Get to know United Way again We have nearly 100 years of experience in working to improve opportunities for Battle Creek and Kalamazoo area residents. To do that work well, we must be constantly changing and evolving to keep pace with our communities’ needs. Behind The Scenes will feature stories, videos, infographics and more that…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: The Community Impact of Win-Win
A win for someone struggling to succeed—to get an education, access health care and achieve financial stability—does a lot more than benefit that person. It’s a win for the community, too. “Poverty imposes costs on the nation in terms of both programmatic outlays and productivity losses that can affect the economy as a whole,” states…
Read MorePartnership Expands Small-Business Support in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo small businesses can benefit from loans and grants through a three-year partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way BCKR that builds on a successful pandemic-related effort. The new agreement, approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on March 1, does two things. One, it expands the Kalamazoo Small Business Loan Fund (KSBLF), which…
Read MoreStatement on Southwest Michigan First’s CEO Search
United Way firmly believes that an equitable community, diverse and inclusive of all people, is vital to a vibrant, enduring society. We strive each day to lead with our values, of which equity is the heart and soul, driving our commitment to accountability, transparency, partnership and impact. Robust economic development is a key to individuals…
Read MoreThe Crucial Value of Change
Surviving and thriving aren’t rooted in strength or intelligence. They depend on the ability to change. That’s as true for communities as it is for individuals and organizations. While being smart and strong are great assets, they can’t guarantee success by themselves. We must be able to adapt. As a community member devoted to making…
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