Posts Tagged ‘basic needs’
100,000 Meals in Two Hours? That's United Against Hunger!
Nearly 400 volunteers will soon don hairnets and wield measuring scoops to package 100,000 ready-to-cook meals in less time than it takes to watch a movie. United Way’s second annual United Against Hunger, in partnership with presenting sponsor Kellogg’s, aims to package 100,000 meal kits to combat hunger in our regional community. The event, set…
Read MorePIT Count Gathers Key Data; Advia Volunteers Aid Effort
Dozens of volunteers and agencies in both Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties mobilized last week to gain a better understanding of the local homeless population and its needs through the 2018 Point-In-Time Count. Conducted annually as a federal mandate by Housing and Urban Development, the counts provide key information that is used locally, at the statewide…
Read More2017: A Year of Impact
The end of one year and dawn of another is a natural time of reflection and gratitude. At United Way BCKR, we have much to be grateful for. Our work is a collective effort that includes dynamic corporate and community partners, engaged volunteers and generous donors. That means our successes belong to you as well…
Read MoreMelrose's Story
Impact Week: Ensuring a Safety Net
[su_label type=”info”]IMPACT WEEK[/su_label] United Way’s regional vision is ambitious: a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential. Getting there can be an even greater challenge for those facing tough times—a job loss, a sudden illness, a broken car, an unexpected home repair. Editor’s note: We’re celebrating Impact Week—highlighting how support for United Way…
Read MoreIt's Impact Week! You're Making a Difference!
[su_label type=”info”]IMPACT WEEK[/su_label] “How do I know my donation is really changing lives?” It’s a great question. United Way BCKR is determined to answer it. “Last year, we set powerful, long-term goals for the toughest challenges we face as a region,” said Matt Lynn, Director of Community Impact. “It’s vital that we measure our progress.…
Read MoreFee Waivers for Vital Records a 'Step in the Right Direction'
As a social worker at Ministry with Community in Kalamazoo, Hannah Turner is all too familiar with the difficulty faced by homeless and economically vulnerable residents in obtaining state identification. She begins the process with up to eight Ministry members each week, and depending on the situation, it can take months to track down and…
Read MoreKeeping Kids Warm
During its annual three-day distribution event last month, Charitable Union gave away more than 1,300 children’s coats to Battle Creek families in need of winter gear. That’s a lot of warm kids. But not nearly enough. Teresa Allen, Executive Director at Charitable Union, said they were forced to turn roughly 80 kids away from the…
Read MoreUnited Against Hunger fights food insecurity with 50,000 meals
Thousands of food-insecure families can count on a nutritious meal because hundreds of volunteers, corporate partners and sponsors came together to fight hunger with us this week. Volunteers packaged a total of 50,000 meal kits in under four hours during two United Against Hunger events in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. United Way BCKR organized the…
Read MoreVolunteers Needed: United Against Hunger to Pack 50,000 Meal Kits
Hunger is a reality for thousands of people in our region. On Oct. 16 – World Food Day – dozens of volunteers will gather for the first of two events aiming to address that reality and shine a light on a persistent, pervasive problem in our region: food insecurity. About 1 in 7 adults…
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