BC/Kzoo
UWBCKR Statement: A Call to Live United
Never in American history have we faced an assault on our national values of the scale we saw on January 6, 2021. Neither in rebellion nor in wartime nor under unprovoked attack have the fundamental principles of our nation been so threatened, its institutions so terrorized. Such violence is inexcusable, and we at United Way condemn it unequivocally.
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement of Position on Harassment Allegations
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is profoundly concerned by allegations reported by news media regarding sexual harassment, retaliation and other inappropriate behavior at United Way Worldwide. We have reached out directly and formally to UWW earlier this month to express our concerns and call for swift action and accountability. Our local…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement on Kalamazoo County Encampments
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC) supports the development and implementation of community wide plans to deliver housing services and supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Kalamazoo County, like many communities across the country has experienced homeless encampments for many years, though there has been variability in the locations, sizes, and durations. Individuals…
Read MoreNew Grant Program Supports Protective Measures for Kalamazoo Small Businesses
A new fund created through a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way will help city-based small businesses afford protective measures that keep workers and customers safe from COVID-19.
Read MoreThe Crucial Value of Change
Surviving and thriving aren’t rooted in strength or intelligence. They depend on the ability to change. That’s as true for communities as it is for individuals and organizations. While being smart and strong are great assets, they can’t guarantee success by themselves. We must be able to adapt. As a community member devoted to making…
Read MoreEquity Challenge makes ‘extremely powerful’ impact
“I’ve joined our anti-racism team at work.” “I’ll be more vocal when I encounter racism in everyday life.” “I commit to being more aware of my biases and actively working to change them.” “Listening, listening, listening. Being more aware of my privilege and using it to speak up and speak out.” “I am committed to…
Read MoreGive for Tomorrow – Starting Today
Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday At the beginning of this year, none of us at United Way were fully prepared for what was to come. And none of us know what the next year will bring. We do know that faced with a once-in-a-generation challenge, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo stepped up. United Way staff, donors,…
Read MorePreparation Softens Pandemic Blow, Strengthens Community
Many disasters have a common trait that leads to the greatest tragedies: lack of preparation. United Way and its community partners have a solid track record of coming together to respond quickly when a crisis strikes — historic flooding in 2018, mass shootings in 2016, violent storms in 2011 and the economic downturn in 2009,…
Read MorePartnership Helps with Rx Costs During Pandemic
The average American spends $1,200 per person each year on medications. For those living below the ALICE threshold, that’s a significant financial burden. Throw in a global pandemic and its economic effects, and that burden becomes unbearable. Fortunately, a long-time partnership between United Way and FamilyWize has eased that burden locally by more than $277,000…
Read MoreVirtual Dialogue Tackles ALICE Needs
Families struggling to make ends meet have a tough time under any circumstances. COVID-19 has made it a whole lot tougher. That’s the realization that sparked a virtual community conversation, “ALICE In The Workplace,” sponsored by United Way BCKR and MichiganWorks! Southwest. Around 40 people from the region’s businesses, education and nonprofits gathered online to…
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