BC/Kzoo
COVID-19 and the Power of Taking It Personally
Taking it personally has never felt so personal. Over the past two weeks, I’ve spent far more time in my home than anywhere else. My meeting schedule hasn’t changed—still more blocks on my calendar than in a kid’s toy box—but I’m talking across an internet connection instead of a conference table. The content of those…
Read MoreDisaster Relief Dollars Feeding Families, Keeping People Housed
Our community – individuals, companies, foundations, governments – has been exceedingly generous during this time of uncertainty as United Way and our partners work to respond to emerging needs. Since mid-March, the United Way Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $1,100,000 to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on people in our community – particularly…
Read MoreBe Sure You’re Giving Locally
A social media post about a United Way Economic Relief Fund that can help individuals pay bills has gone viral in the last 24 hours, offering a 1-800 contact number. Please know that this post references a fund available to residents in Indianapolis only. In Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, individuals looking for help related to…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Update: Status on Offices, Events & Community Actions
UPDATE: Our office closure has been extended through April 13. United Way is taking steps to reduce the risk of infection among staff and the public as we continue to partner with local agencies on the community’s response to COVID-19. Following the State of Michigan’s guidance, we will close our offices to the public starting…
Read MoreKnowing ALICE: Jakaria’s Story
Building a better life isn’t easy. ALICE* households are reminded of this fact every day. But as Jakaria’s story reveals, having the right people and help available can forge a pathway to success. “I was in an apartment that I liked, and it was a good price and location, but it was infested with roaches,…
Read More10 Years & Counting!
United Way Earns Top Honor The last voyage of the Space Shuttle. Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot. The iPhone 4S debuts. That’s what was happening during the first year your United Way received Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-Star rating. This week, we made it an even decade. Charity Navigator rates nonprofits in two…
Read MorePeople Get Ready: Helping Prepare for Disaster
A community-wide disaster seems doubtful—until it isn’t. That’s why preparation before a disaster strikes, and a robust response after, makes all the difference. Adam Castle, the new Community Resilience Program Manager at Gryphon Place, leads a regional effort that’s making sure every community is ready to deal with any crisis. This role is made possible…
Read MoreCareer Life Expo Connects Jobseekers to Bright Future
Perched at the Kalamazoo Literacy Council table inside the Kalamazoo Expo Center, Cakneeshia Stegall smiled brightly at the dozens of jobseekers wandering past. She was eager to connect with them. After all, she knew what they were feeling. Stegall was once on the other side of the table, looking for work, at a past Career…
Read MoreALICE 2020 Needs You
We’ve all faced an inconvenient expense. Your car battery dies. One of your kids is sick and can’t go to school. You’ve got a cavity that needs fixing. Now imagine you’re living paycheck to paycheck, just barely keeping up with your bills. Suddenly, that inconvenience becomes a crisis. That’s the reality for 61,000 households in…
Read MoreFind Jobs, Support and Coaching at Career Life Expo
When it comes to the Career Life Expo, “more than a job fair” is more than just a catchy tagline.
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