Archive for December 2020
UWBCKR Statement of Position on Harassment Allegations
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is profoundly concerned by allegations reported by news media regarding sexual harassment, retaliation and other inappropriate behavior at United Way Worldwide. We have reached out directly and formally to UWW earlier this month to express our concerns and call for swift action and accountability. Our local…
Read MoreMeet ALICE: ALICE in Michigan
This is part of a series of blogs spotlighting the ALICE population and how our community can make a difference. People who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed (ALICE) make up 40% of Michigan’s population. Here’s what the 2019 ALICE Report revealed about these individuals and families: “Despite overall improvement in employment and gains…
Read MoreMeet ALICE: Getting to Know ALICE
Looking at poverty rates doesn’t give the full picture of how many individuals and families in a community struggle to make ends meet. That realization drives United Way’s work with ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE encompasses what we once called the “working poor,” but it stands for much more. ALICE encompasses the people and…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement on Kalamazoo County Encampments
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC) supports the development and implementation of community wide plans to deliver housing services and supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Kalamazoo County, like many communities across the country has experienced homeless encampments for many years, though there has been variability in the locations, sizes, and durations. Individuals…
Read MoreNew Grant Program Supports Protective Measures for Kalamazoo Small Businesses
A new fund created through a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way will help city-based small businesses afford protective measures that keep workers and customers safe from COVID-19.
Read MoreMeet ALICE: We Have a Lot to Learn
by Ken Toll Maya Angelou once penned an essay titled, “I’ve Learned.” She offered some great nuggets of wisdom, including this one: “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” Having lived nearly all of my life in Jackson, and after many years leading this United Way, I echo Angelou’s insight. I keep…
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…
Read MoreEquity Challenge makes ‘extremely powerful’ impact
“I’ve joined our anti-racism team at work.” “I’ll be more vocal when I encounter racism in everyday life.” “I commit to being more aware of my biases and actively working to change them.” “Listening, listening, listening. Being more aware of my privilege and using it to speak up and speak out.” “I am committed to…
Read MoreGive for Tomorrow – Starting Today
Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday At the beginning of this year, none of us at United Way were fully prepared for what was to come. And none of us know what the next year will bring. We do know that faced with a once-in-a-generation challenge, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo stepped up. United Way staff, donors,…
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