BC/Kzoo
Behind The Scenes: Getting The Full Picture of ALICE
When communities want to understand how local households are doing financially, they often check the poverty rate. But that doesn’t give the full picture of how many individuals and families struggle to make ends meet. “ALICE encompasses what was once described as ‘the working poor,’ but it stands for much more than that,” said Laurel…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: Why I Work for United Way – Shreya Naseri
Editor’s note: We asked our United Way BCKR team to share why they’re excited to work for United Way. Here are some thoughts from Shreya Naseri, Customer Relationship Management Administrator. As Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Administrator, my role is to ensure efficient fundraising through our online portal. I handle multiple campaigns including individual giving. Every…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: Leading With Our Values
It’s said that if you don’t hold fast to your values, whether in good times or bad, then your “values” are really just hobbies. At United Way, our values are fundamental. They drive every aspect of our work—who we are, what we do, how we interact with each other, and how we engage with our…
Read MoreFelecia’s Story
Felecia Parker is looking forward to purchasing a new home this year, and planning to put in a garden with her children. She’s currently in the 21st year of her career as a medical assistant, overseeing remote learning for her 5- and 7-year-old, and actively searching for that new property with space for a garden.…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: Committed to Equity
Over the past five years, United Way BCKR has been growing its efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The task ahead is to accelerate this evolution. “We firmly believe EDI is critical to our impact work and to our regional community,” said Chris Sargent, President & CEO. “That’s why every investment, every partnership,…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: The Community Impact of Win-Win
A win for someone struggling to succeed—to get an education, access health care and achieve financial stability—does a lot more than benefit that person. It’s a win for the community, too. “Poverty imposes costs on the nation in terms of both programmatic outlays and productivity losses that can affect the economy as a whole,” states…
Read MoreALICE Report: Many Local Households Still Struggling Financially
Many individuals and families in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties are still struggling to keep up financially, according to the latest statistics from the Michigan Association of United Ways. The 2021 ALICE Report, released today, shows 39% of the region’s 157,023 households didn’t earn enough to exceed the ALICE threshold—the income needed to be financially stable.…
Read MoreSTAR Awards Nominations Continue, Ceremony on Hold
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and Gryphon Place have decided to postpone the annual STAR Awards celebration for 2021 in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The STAR (Sharing Time and Resources) Celebration and Community Volunteer Awards have long been a time to recognize volunteers for their contributions of time, talent, and…
Read MoreBehind The Scenes: ‘Festoon’ for a Better Community
“At United Way, we know that we can’t accomplish our impact work alone,” said Natalie Saucedo, United Way BCKR’s Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation.
Read MoreCollaborative Effort Provides Safe Shelter
A collaborative effort among local nonprofits and government will provide safe shelter for up to 125 unhoused individuals currently staying at outdoor encampments in the area. Sara Jacobs, Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care Director, said the Hoteling Intervention Program (HIP) will offer up to 90 hotel rooms, plus meals, personal care items, case management support…
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