Day 1: Intro to Disability Justice

Whether you are a person with a disability, know someone with a disability, or have simply seen people with disabilities in public spaces, you probably have thoughts about what it means to have a disability. During this month, we invite you to learn more about disability—not from a position of pity, but from a position…

Read More

Take the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge

Raised fist appears next to the words 21-Day Challenge: Disability Equity. Includes logos for United Way of South Central Michigan, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, Disability Network Capital Area, and Disability Connections.

During the month of August, United Ways across the state of Michigan – including United Way of South Central Michigan – are partnering with local Centers for Independent Living to present the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge. This statewide effort to explore disability from a position of equity and pride is designed to raise awareness, increase…

Read More

UWSCMI Names Chief Equity Officer, Chief Impact Officer

Headshots of Jen Hsu-Bishop and Alyssa Stewart

Jen Hsu-Bishop, Alyssa Stewart Take Key Roles United Way of South Central Michigan announced that Jen Hsu-Bishop has joined the organization as Chief Equity Officer, guiding UWSCMI’s diversity, equity and inclusion work. United Way also named Alyssa Stewart as Chief Impact Officer, focused on leading efforts to address key social issues across the six-county region.…

Read More

Day of Action 2022: Support Summer Stock Up

Logo for Summer Stock Up, with image of sun and food. Includes text: 2022 Day of Action, Tuesday, June 21

At United Way of South Central Michigan, we invite you to participate in Day of Action 2022 by making a donation to Summer Stock Up, a virtual food drive fundraiser aimed at alleviating a pervasive summertime struggle for many families throughout our six county region – keeping food on the table.

Read More

“Go! Go! Go!” After School Care At Work

“Start small, focus on the kids you have, retain those kids, and grow.” These words have been the mantra of Dan Walsh ever since the beginning of his career in Santa Monica, Calif. A pioneer and journeyman in the world of after-school programs, Walsh has built from scratch and helped grow top-tier programs in California,…

Read More

Patrese Griffin named CoC Director

Continuum of Care logo

Patrese Griffin, a champion of fair housing concerns in the Kalamazoo area, has been named Director of the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care. “The CoC and and United Way of South Central Michigan are thrilled to welcome Patrese to the team,” said Alyssa Stewart, UWSCMI Chief Impact Officer. Griffin brings a passion for housing advocacy…

Read More

Kzoo Boxing: Fighting with a Purpose

For Jermont Reece, the pandemic was not an opportunity to slow down, but to start up. Owner of Kzoo Boxing, Reece took the leap and built his own business after the startup he was working for closed. After getting the space he needed in July of 2020, he was ready to take the next steps…

Read More

CEO Summit: When Early Childhood Works, We All Work

More than 50 business leaders representing companies across Battle Creek and Kalamazoo gathered last month to learn about childcare challenges and steps the business community can take to help solve them. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, in partnership with KC Ready 4’s and Pulse at the W.E Upjohn Institute for Employment…

Read More

ALICE In Focus: 1 Million Michigan Kids in Financial Peril

Nearly one million Michigan children live in households that can’t afford basic necessities, with stark differences based on race and ethnicity, according to new research released by United Way. Click below to get the full story on our United Way of South Central Michigan website.

Read More