Making Every Week 'Impact Week'

[su_label type=”info”]IMPACT WEEK[/su_label]

President & CEO Chris Sargent reflects on our coverage of Impact Week and how United Way is making a difference in our region.

I like numbers.

Not enough to be a mathematician or an accountant, perhaps. But I like what numbers can tell us. For instance, did you know there are 100 billion stars in our galaxy? That’s a lot—until you learn there are 10 trillion times more stars than that in the universe.

Those are fun numbers to throw out at parties. But when we talk about the work of United Way, numbers take on a far deeper meaning.

They represent people’s lives.

Last week we celebrated Impact Week—an opportunity to update you on our progress toward the long-term goals we set in Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs. I hope you took the time to read our blogs detailing data and sharing personal stories.

Why are these updates important? Because that progress isn’t ours alone. It’s collective. It reflects the hard work and expertise of our partners. It spotlights the shared planning and execution of programs and strategies that bring hope and deliver impact. It proves that the gifts of our donors and the commitment of our volunteers bring results.

Most importantly, it shows how real people are seeing real, meaningful, lasting change—change that transforms their lives and our community.

With Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday ushering in the holiday season, the weeks ahead are a time of gratitude and generosity. I’m grateful for the trust our donors place in United Way. I’m thankful for the shared progress by our partners and advocates. I’m hopeful that each of you reading this blog will join us—as donors, as volunteers, as advocates—in making every week, every day, all about impact, all about working together to build a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential.

All people. 100 percent.

That’s a number we can all embrace.

Chris Sargent, President & CEO, United Way BCKR

=====================================

To donate to United Way BCKR: Donate

To volunteer with United Way BCKR: Volunteer or email getinvolved@uwbckr.org.

To download our consolidated progress report: Collated files_data sheets and maps

To catch up on all our Impact Week blogs:

Education

Income/Financial Stability

Health

Basic Needs

Welcoming the 25-Year Employees’ Fund to United Way of South Central Michigan

May 7, 2026

Shining Light on Volunteers: Residents Who Serve Community

April 22, 2026

Analysis of Governor Whitmer Budget Priorities FY 2027

March 4, 2026

Cereal Sale Returns to Benefit Battle Creek

February 23, 2026

Jackson Organizations Receive Disaster Relief Funding

February 17, 2026

211: More Than A Number

February 11, 2026

Capital Area Child Care Coalition Receives Renewed Funding to Strengthen Regional Child Care System

January 21, 2026

Consortium Aims for Rapid Social Services Response When Disasters Strike Capital Area

January 13, 2026

Volunteers Sought as VITA Plans Free Tax Clinics

December 18, 2025

Local Nonprofits Combine Strengths To Expand Emergency Winter Shelter Services

December 4, 2025