BC/Kzoo
Impact Week: Hope Through Education
Benjamin Franklin was right: An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. It also delivers the greatest hope. That’s why United Way BCKR invests heavily in Education, with the goal of improving high school graduation rates to 83 percent by 2030 while reducing racial and economic disparities. Erica’s Story The CLIMB (Concrete Lessons in Mindful…
Read MoreImpact Week: Fighting for Financial Stability
More than 1 in 3 households in our region are either in poverty or struggling to make ends meet. United Way works to help these vulnerable families and individuals become financially stable. That includes ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed—people who work but can’t get ahead financially, who are one unexpected bill away from poverty. United…
Read MoreImpact Week: Ensuring a Safety Net
Just one unexpected event can send a family spiraling out of control. For people in crisis—a job loss, a sudden illness, a broken car, an unexpected home repair—having support systems in place can help them get back on their feet. United Way BCKR works to ensure that our regional community has a safety net in…
Read MoreImpact Week 2018: Delivering Results, Changing Lives
Making a charitable gift or volunteering your time isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s an investment, and you want to see that investment pay off. United Way wholeheartedly agrees. “Our impact begins by identifying where we can invest resources, people and expertise to solve our region’s biggest challenges,” said Matt Lynn, Vice President for Community…
Read More#FaithfullyUnited Mobilizes Shared Compassion
A pilot effort is connecting United Way with the faith-based community to make a positive impact. “Many people who engage with United Way are part of the faith community, so it makes sense to look at ways to build on that partnership and transform lives,” said James Liggins, United Way BCKR board member and co-chair…
Read MoreSara's Story
Sara Spenelli dreams of working with children one day, inspired by the child life specialists who have helped her along her journey to becoming an independent adult. Sara, who was born with Turner syndrome, recently graduated from high school. Before she could pursue her education goals, however, she found herself in urgent need of housing…
Read MoreWe're #1! United Way Ranks High Nationally, Locally
Trust and impact prompt partnerships that change a society—and a community. United Way reflects that partnership on two important fronts. First, on a national scale: The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently named United Way Worldwide to the top spot of America’s Favorite Charities. These are 100 cause-driven nonprofit organizations that Americans are most willing to support…
Read MoreOpen Roads Offers Much More Than Bikes
A bicycle can give a child freedom, independence and a sense of empowerment. At Open Roads Bike Program, participants get all of that and more as they acquire the tools to navigate both their neighborhoods and their lives. “When we can help them earn a bike and lock, they’re like, ‘Whoa, game changer,’” said Erin…
Read MoreYou Did It! Volunteers Pack 100,000 Meals
Teamwork. Leadership. Joy. All three were on display in abundance during United Against Hunger on Oct. 16, when more than 400 volunteers worked together to package 100,000 meals in just two hours. The effort, coordinated by United Way BCKR in partnership with presenting sponsor Kellogg’s, produced twice as many meals and involved twice as many…
Read MoreStory Squad Celebrates Literacy, Caps United Way Book Drive
With books, props and many giggles, a handful of volunteers and dozens of young readers recently helped us close out our Education Quarter and celebrate the success of the second United Way Children’s Book Drive. The Story Squad – volunteers from Landscape Forms, Kellogg Community Credit Union, CSM Group, Rose Street Advisors and Aspiring Leaders…
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