Archive for May 2021
Summer Stock Up Launches June 1
United Ways across Michigan are teaming up with Kellogg Company and food pantries to make sure families stay fed through the summer and beyond. Summer Stock Up aims to fill the gap for families seeking food assistance during the summer months. Generous donations typically help food pantries stay well-stocked in the winter months, but can…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: Here’s Your Curtain Call
By Chris Sargent, President & CEO I love it when our local communities earn national recognition. Battle Creek has earned All-America City status, and Kalamazoo recently topped a list of coolest, most affordable cities. Among the strengths that gain such attention is our rich cultural life, notably live theater. If you’re like me, one thing…
Read MoreIMPACT! Returning To Active Citizenship
After an offender has paid their debt to society, it’s important to help that person re-engage with life. That includes helping them embrace their role as a citizen of the community. The Jackson Chapter of Nation Outside helps re-entering citizens make that connection, from navigating the job search to discovering the power of voting: Nation…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: Ready When Disaster Strikes
Tragic events don’t always happen somewhere else. Sometimes they happen right here in our community—be it natural disasters, violence, or a piece of a global pandemic. What we’ve learned is the value of approaching the next crisis in a more powerful, collective way. United Way BCKR and its community partners have a solid track record…
Read MoreIMPACT! Counting on Financial Literacy
A key piece of becoming financially stable is learning how to manage a household budget. It’s not always simple, especially for those who were never taught how to do it. For those who are trying to learn but also facing challenges as basic as feeding their family, it’s tougher than ever. Lily Missions Center, which…
Read MoreKalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants Return
A grant program launched last year to bring crucial relief to Kalamazoo’s smallest businesses during the pandemic will offer a second round of grants. The Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) program provides grants of $5,000 to eligible microbusinesses within the city limits. The grants are a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way of…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: There’s No Place Like Home
People experience homelessness for many reasons. The issue is complicated, the solutions more so. But one thing is clear: It takes a community-wide effort to solve the challenge. “There’s no single solution,” said Sara Jacobs, Director of the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care. “It’s incredibly complex. That’s why it takes all of us working together…
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 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 MoreIMPACT! Partial To Girls Helps Families Escape Homelessness
Women and families are the fastest-growing groups among those experiencing homelessness in the United States. Domestic violence, poverty and social inequities are factors driving this growth. Driving solutions, on the other hand, is what United Way of Jackson County strives for every day. One of our community partners making a big difference is Partial To…
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