Income
AmeriFirst: 'By Tackling Problems Together, We Can Achieve Results'
What happens when you pair a locally-based company committed to strengthening communities with the strategies and resources that can make that happen? You get a dynamic, long-lasting partnership that has real impact potential. AmeriFirst Home Mortgage, headquartered in Kalamazoo with locations all across Michigan and the Midwest, has long been a champion for its communities.…
Read MoreHiring? Join Us at the Career Life Expo
Spots are filling up quickly, but Career Life Expo booths are still available for area employers. The expo, set for February 20, is designed to meet the hiring needs of employers while providing job-seekers with the support services they need to succeed as employees. We are accepting a wide variety of employers from the Battle…
Read MoreFurnishing Hope
[su_label type=”info”]Agency Spotlight[/su_label] Lucinda M. Stinson can’t stand the thought of kids sleeping on the floor. Yet that is often the reality for families who have secured housing after experiencing homelessness. They may have a roof over their heads, but no way to purchase items needed to get a good night’s sleep, prepare food or…
Read MoreSpotlight on Income
Helping more families in our regional community achieve financial stability is a priority for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. During the first quarter of 2018, you’ll learn why as we shine a spotlight on our Income focus area and our community goal of transitioning 8,500 households to financial stability by 2025.…
Read MoreJackie's Story
Impact Week: Jackie’s story IMPACT WEEK Jackie Hobson drove past Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Service at just the right time. Her blended, growing family of six lived in a three-bedroom townhouse after making a quick relocation from their rented home on the north side of Kalamazoo. Their landlord was moving back from out of state, giving…
Read MoreAnthony's Story
Anthony’s Story: Homeownership Achieved When Anthony Spencer signed the paperwork to purchase his new home, it marked the end of a journey toward homeownership that took years to achieve. Amid the handshakes and congratulations that followed, Anthony stepped away from the table to compose himself. “I was so overcome with joy,” he said. Growing up,…
Read MoreAnna's Story: 'Then, There Was Hope'
Anna and her family were already dealing with the uncertainty of a major illness and subsequent job loss when the next blow came — potential eviction. As a result of her severe circumstances, Anna had fallen behind in rent and soon found herself in court. That’s where she first connected with Legal Services of South…
Read MoreImpact Tours Offer Look At How United Way Partnerships Change Lives
(Editor’s note: This first-person account is provided by Emily Adams, social media intern with UWBCKR.) There’s no better way to learn how United Way partnerships impact lives than to see it for yourself. On March 23, United Way team members and community guests boarded a bus in Battle Creek for an Impact Tour. The tour…
Read MoreTax assistance program frees up funds for families
Tax season is upon us and can be a source of stress for many, but for taxpayers who earned less than $54,000 in 2016, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can help. VITA offers free tax preparation through a team of trained volunteers, helping to maximize refunds for to those who qualify by income, have…
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