BC/Kzoo
Improving Homes, Improving Lives
[su_label type=”info”]Agency Spotlight[/su_label] A morning news report about free furnaces prompted Paul and Sharon to check out Community Homeworks. They’re glad they did. They found that, based on their fixed income, they qualified to receive a new furnace. Paul and Sharon also discovered what hundreds of the nonprofit’s clients experience each year – more money…
Read MoreWomen's History a Source of Inspiration, Resilience
Guest blog by Kama Mitchell, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Rootead, a United Way partner agency. March is Women’s History Month. Honestly, before this year, I never paid attention to it. I have spent most of my adult life in survival mode as a woman of color raising two sons on much less than a…
Read MoreVolunteer Income Tax Assistance Lifts Families, Local Economy
Joan Miller was hesitant when the Internal Revenue Service first approached her workplace looking for tax preparation volunteers. “Taxes were something I never had a desire to do, because I really did not have any confidence in my ability,” said Miller, Marketing and Communications Manager at BlueOx Credit Union. “But, there was a need.” The…
Read MoreJeff's Story
Navigating Benefits, Planning for the Future Jeff’s story begins, literally, all in his head. Years ago, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his brain. A decade later, he sustained a second traumatic brain injury from a fall. Both events left Jeff finding it hard to hold a job in his field of finance.…
Read MoreFund to Support Kalamazoo Flood Relief
A new fund will support flood relief efforts across Kalamazoo County. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR) and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) started the Kalamazoo Flood Relief Fund together with lead contributions of $10,000 each, for a total of $20,000. The public can add tax-deductible donations to the fund through…
Read More3 Ways to Live United in March
Want to make a difference in your community? Here are three ways you can join us this month to explore some of the issues facing local residents and learn how you can help: Make an Instant Impact If you haven’t attended one of our Pop Up Giving events yet, this is a great month to…
Read MoreCommunity Survey Deadline Extended
We’ve extended the deadline on our community survey! United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region invites you to weigh in on the social issues and needs facing local residents, and the collective work to address them. Please take a few moments to participate in a short, simple, online survey about your experiences and…
Read MoreCareer Life Expo Draws Hundreds of Jobseekers
More than 530 people who turned up at Wings Event Center for the Career Life Expo discovered much more than a job fair. They discovered hope. Eighty-three employers and more than 25 community resource organizations served a diverse and steady stream of people looking at hundreds of positions and receiving assistance with employment barriers such…
Read MoreSee Who You'll Find at the Career Life Expo
Tomorrow’s the day! Dozens of area employers and community service organizations are preparing to assist and connect with jobseekers at the Career Life Expo. The action takes place at Wings Event Center beginning at noon for those with disabilities or who have served in the armed forces. All jobseekers will be welcomed in from 1-4…
Read MoreWanted: Your Opinion!
We’re asking community members to participate in a short, simple, online survey about social issues and the work of United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region to change the story of people’s lives. Residents in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region are invited to provide important input about the needs and issues facing…
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