Awards Highlight Power of Volunteerism

The power of volunteerism gained the spotlight at the 2017 Community Volunteer Awards ceremony held Thursday in downtown Battle Creek. Seven awards – five individual awards and two group honors – were handed out during the event, which was held at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation headquarters. The awards are held each year by HandsOn Battle…

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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. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for UWBCKR, a role…

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Mentoring Our Kids, Changing Their Future.

UNITED WE WIN by helping the at-risk children of our community realize their full potential and helping them develop a positive sense of their own future. United Way of Jackson County is honored to support mentoring programs like Bigs in Schools through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County. Caring adults are paired with children…

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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 program of Read and Write Kalamazoo, aims to help students improve their reading and writing…

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Domestic Violence Survivors Are Finding Their Pathway To Stability

UNITED WE WIN when we work together for safe housing, counseling and financial stability for survivors of domestic violence. United Way of Jackson County supports residential and non-residential services at the AWARE Shelter in Jackson. This program provides counseling for women and children dealing with this type of trauma, legal assistance and safe housing so…

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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 the table to compose himself. “I was so overcome with joy,” he said. Growing up,…

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