BC/Kzoo
United 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 MoreStatement: Closing of Ampersee Encampment
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, a partnership of local government and community service agencies coordinating housing and services for houseless families and individuals, supports the decision to close the Ampersee encampment and provide safer shelter for those affected. The encampment, which has grown to 180 people, has become known in other unhoused communities as…
Read MorePartnership Brings Crucial Grants to 90 Microbusinesses
A unique local partnership is bringing $450,000 in crucial funds to strengthen 90 Kalamazoo microbusinesses. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR), the City of Kalamazoo and the Foundation for Excellence jointly announced the second round of Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the partnership granted $500,000…
Read MoreWanted: Your Opinion!
Seems like everyone has an opinion these days—and we want yours! United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is asking the community to participate in a short, simple, online survey about social issues and the work of United Way to change the story of people’s lives. How are we doing? What do you…
Read MoreRedistricting: Your Chance to Make History
Gerrymandering is a term you might be familiar with thanks to your high school civics class. For those of us that may need a refresher, gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating geographic boundaries of electoral districts in a way that gives one party a disproportionate advantage over its political opponents. It was an approach traditionally…
Read MoreKilimanjaro is More Than a Mountain for UW Board Member
Ash Goel and family to raise money for education as they embark on epic climb During a 1923 speaking tour, British mountaineer George Mallory was asked why, after two failed attempts, he was determined to summit Mount Everest. “Because it’s there,” Mallory replied. For his upcoming ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Dr. Ashutosh “Ash” Goel has…
Read MoreApplication assistance available for KMEG Grants
Eligible entrepreneurs can now tap free, in-person assistance to apply for grants aimed at supporting Kalamazoo’s smallest businesses. The Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) program provides Egrants of $5,000 to eligible microbusinesses within the city limits. The grants are a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region,…
Read MoreSummer Stock Up Launches June 1
United Ways across Michigan are teaming up with Kellogg Company and food pantries to make sure families stay fed through the summer and beyond. Summer Stock Up aims to fill the gap for families seeking food assistance during the summer months. Generous donations typically help food pantries stay well-stocked in the winter months, but can…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: Here’s Your Curtain Call
By Chris Sargent, President & CEO I love it when our local communities earn national recognition. Battle Creek has earned All-America City status, and Kalamazoo recently topped a list of coolest, most affordable cities. Among the strengths that gain such attention is our rich cultural life, notably live theater. If you’re like me, one thing…
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