Posts by Tammy Mills
RFP for EDI contractor
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and our partners United Way of Jackson County (UWJC) and Capital Area United Way (CAUW) have been on individual equity journeys over the past several years. As we continue to increase our collaborative work as a partnership group, we are in search of a contractor that…
Read MoreUnited Way BCKR office closure information
The United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo offices will be closed from Friday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 31, 2022. Year-end donations: If you would like to make an end-of-the-year donation, credit card gifts can be made via our website, www.changethestory.org. Or checks may be mailed to our Kalamazoo office at 709 South…
Read MoreSeeding Leaders grants support nonprofit leadership
United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is announcing the availability of 10 $2,500 mini-grants as a part of a new Seeding Leaders mini-grant opportunity. Intended to support the wellness, leadership, and/or professional development of nonprofit leaders, these grants will focus on leaders who identify as being Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC),…
Read MoreFit Bella Vei Promotes Power in Movement
Movement is a way of life for Carmen James. The owner of Fit Bella Vei and a 2021 recipient of a $5,000 Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant, James started her personal training business in 2012 to help others find their own happiness in health. “My motivation for starting my business was based on adversities that I’ve faced…
Read More‘Amazing!’: Board Member Climbs Kilimanjaro
“Phenomenal. Amazing. Humbling.” That’s how Dr. Ashutosh “Ash” Goel described his incredible trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Goel and his daughter, Amiti, along with his nephew Tilak Gupta and niece Shagun Gupta, set off in mid August to climb the famous dormant volcano in Tanzania. In the process, they raised over $8,000 to support childhood education…
Read MoreWhirlpool Appliance Sale Comes to Battle Creek
Hundreds of deeply discounted appliances supplied by Whirlpool Corporation will be on sale to the public in a special two-day event benefitting two area United Ways. On Dec. 11-12, major appliances such as ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers from Whirlpool Corporation’s brand portfolio including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid will be available at significant savings. Shoppers…
Read MoreInstructional Designer Needed to Elevate ALICE
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is collaborating with United Way of Northern New Jersey to build a professional curriculum and recognition program to Elevate ALICE. Elevate ALICE is focused on uplifting low wage workers – workers who identify as ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This course will be geared…
Read MoreAnalysis: Pandemic Hits ALICE Families Hard
Lower-income people struggled in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to financially stable households, according to a new analysis. “The Pandemic Divide: An ALICE Analysis of COVID Surveys” found a much higher percentage of lower-income people struggling to get by, having lost jobs and income, and wrestling with depression and anxiety. The report comes…
Read MoreUnited Way Grants Address Disparities in Vaccine Access
Community grants totaling $50,000 will help local nonprofits and grassroots groups connect underserved people to information and opportunities to get vaccinated against COVID-19. United Way BCKR provided the local grants as part of the Get Vaccinated Michigan campaign led by the Michigan Association of United Ways and the Michigan Nonprofit Association. The statewide effort aims…
Read MoreSupport Services for Individuals at Ampersee Encampment
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care is coordinating a partnership of community service agencies offering support to help individuals at the Ampersee encampment transition to safer, more stable shelter. The encampment has grown significantly in recent months, with many inhabitants coming from outside of Kalamazoo. Law enforcement and support workers report increased incidences of violence,…
Read More