Our History

Forward-thinking Battle Creek leaders created the Social Service Bureau in 1921, raising $66,000 for the Battle Creek Relief Fund. This fundraising grew over the decades thanks to vital, generous corporate donors such as Kellogg Co. Later known as the Community Chest, the agency became the Battle Creek Area United Fund in 1957, and a decade later it merged with the Calhoun County Community Council to become United Community Services. By 1975 it embraced the name United Way.

Kalamazoo followed a similar path. Seven health and human services agencies came together to form Kalamazoo Associated Charities in 1914, investing resources in health and human services. In 1925, this group formed the Kalamazoo Community Chest. Raising $110,000 in that first year, it notched its first $1 million campaign in 1966 with generous support from The Upjohn Company, Stryker Corp. and many others. In 1971, the Community Chest became Greater Kalamazoo United Way.

As social needs changed, these two United Ways evolved from simple fundraisers to strategic partners. They worked alongside community leaders and nonprofits to target the most pressing needs and how to address them. Eventually they discovered ways to tackle challenges regionally while still focusing on the unique local needs. In 2012, this led both United Ways to a merger of equals, creating United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region.

Today, UWBCKR is part of an impact-driven regional organization: United Way of South Central Michigan, formed in 2022 through a merger with UWBCKR, Capital Area United Way, and United Way of Jackson County.

Battle Creek/Kalamazoo News

Jobs, Homes and Financial Stability: See What Our Income Quarter is All About

January 2, 2019

When more than 530 jobseekers walked into United Way’s Career Life Expo last February, they found 83 employers ready to…

Read More

Family Health Center Employee Wins Sweepstakes Car

December 19, 2018

When Mary Lewis received her hard-earned bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University last Saturday, she thought that would be the…

Read More

United Way Sets Holiday Hours

December 19, 2018

United Way will have limited office hours during the upcoming holiday week. Our Battle Creek office will be closed Dec.…

Read More

Making Holidays Brighter

December 12, 2018

Holiday preparation is in full swing at the Portage Community Center. Over the next few weeks, staff and volunteers will…

Read More

#Faithfully United: Faith Community Answers Call to Action

December 6, 2018

A new partnership with the faith-based community drew together a diverse and enthusiastic group of volunteers. More than 50 people…

Read More

Share Your Story: How Has United Way Touched Your Life?

November 30, 2018

This week, we’re sharing impact. We want you to know what a difference you have made in Battle Creek and…

Read More

Taking Impact Personally

November 30, 2018

Chris Sargent, President & CEO, reflects personally on Impact Week 2018. Every now and then, someone asks what draws me…

Read More

Impact Week: Reaching That First Birthday

November 29, 2018

When a community commits itself to safeguarding the health of its most vulnerable people, that means more babies—especially babies of…

Read More