BC/Kzoo
Are You Up for the Challenge?
Equity is a journey, not a destination. It’s a sentiment often voiced at United Way BCKR, where the journey toward becoming an anti-racist organization has lasted the better part of a decade and continues to be integral to our vision of a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential. The journey has involved…
Read MoreUW Launches Second Leadership Lab
At the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWCKR), we tackle the toughest issues facing our community by mobilizing every resource, partner and voice to solve those challenges. That work includes supporting and investing in the skills and people who directly lead the on-the-ground efforts in our community. A new 12-month, cohort-based…
Read MoreLocal Racial Equity Work Highlighted by UW Worldwide
United Way Worldwide’s newest Innovation Case Study spotlights United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region’s efforts to center equity in every aspect of its work. “The case study offers a comprehensive overview of our internal equity, diversity and inclusion work, equitable grantmaking practices, COVID-19 response, and Catalyzing Community Giving (CCG) work,” said Claire…
Read MoreBlack Households Face Greater Financial Risk
Newly released data related to ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) shows just how closely poverty and racism are connected at a local, statewide and national level – and how much work remains in addressing racial and economic disparities. In Michigan, 63 percent of Black households fall below the ALICE Threshold (the minimum income needed to afford…
Read MoreKellogg Grant Provides Hot Meals, Infant Nutrition
The Battle Creek Family YMCA may not be serving up its traditional fitness options this summer, but the organization has found other ways to contribute to community needs. In partnership with United Way BCKR and with funding support from Kellogg Company and its charitable funds, the YMCA channeled its staff and volunteer capacity into serving…
Read MoreUnited Way Worldwide Embraces New Bylaws Promoting Racial Equity
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region applauds this week’s vote by United Way Worldwide’s membership to strengthen the network’s commitment to ending racism and ethnic discrimination. The UWW bylaw changes bring stronger commitments by local United Ways to learning, acting and measuring their impact to creating more equitable communities. When our United…
Read MoreUnited We Will: Our Region is Rising
Nothing focuses your mind on the impact of a deadly disease than thinking a loved one—and possibly you—could have it. One of my adult daughters began showing symptoms of COVID-19. Like any concerned parent, I took her to the doctor to be tested. Results took 48 hours, putting our family on pins and needles. And…
Read MoreUW Wraps Up Pandemic Grantmaking
Our regional community responded generously to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, all funds given to meet urgent local needs have been disbursed. United Way created the Disaster Relief Fund last year to strengthen the community’s ability to respond quickly to critical needs. Generous corporate donors provided seed money for the fund. When COVID-19 struck, United Way…
Read MoreNew United Way Investments Locally Top $5.57 Million
Financial coaching, stable housing, access to food, and social emotional development are among 95 area programs receiving a total investment of $5,571,769 from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). The programs, managed by 65 partner agencies, continue to advance the community toward goals in education, financial stability, and infant and family…
Read MoreUnited Way Takes Reins of Homelessness Program
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is taking the leadership reins of Kalamazoo County’s Continuum of Care program, which aims to help homeless families and individuals. According to Alyssa Stewart, Vice President of Strategy & Engagement, the Continuum of Care, or CoC, brings together partners and programs serving the homeless to better…
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