Search results for: equity
Impact Week: Saving More Babies
[su_label type=”info”]IMPACT WEEK[/su_label] Infant mortality is more than a measure of babies’ health; it’s a sign of a community’s commitment to its most vulnerable people. Editor’s note: We’re celebrating Impact Week—highlighting how support for United Way is changing lives. Read our Impact Week overview here. Also, check out this week’s blogs on Education and Income/Financial…
Read MoreChris Sargent Named President & CEO
Chris Sargent, a Battle Creek resident with nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership, including multiple roles with United Way, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). “The board is excited to have Chris take the leadership reins permanently,” said Erick Stewart, chairman of…
Read MoreFor Rootead Doulas, Justice Begins At Birth
Kama Mitchell was exhausted, but happy in the days after supporting a client through a lengthy birth process that she called “a huge adventure.” It’s not all that different from the way she describes the work being done by Rootead, the nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2014. Mitchell serves as executive director of Rootead, which…
Read MoreOur Vision: ALICE Doesn't Live Here Anymore
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed in six impossible things before breakfast.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland [Editor’s note: The following blog is by Chris Sargent, Interim CEO for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region] Over a year ago, our United Way put forth a vision for the region: A vibrant community…
Read MoreSaying 'Yes' to the Future
Put a few folks from the nonprofit sector in a room, and they’ll soon start talking about their work, their progress and their fundraising. That’s important, but I prefer when the conversation turns to people. Take this local mom, for example. Her family’s finances are precarious — what we call ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income…
Read MoreGrants Tackle Childhood Trauma, Infant Health
Equipping schools to help students who suffer trauma and helping vulnerable families promote better health for newborns are among five programs receiving a total of $196,736 in funding from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. UWBCKR announced a third set of grants under its new impact strategy. The new grants are one-year…
Read MoreCreating a Community Vision
United Way plays an active role in a broad-based effort to tackle — and resolve — the biggest issues facing Battle Creek, particularly among vulnerable children and families. BCVision is a community-driven effort to create a thriving place to live in Battle Creek. Formed in 2014, it brings together people from every sector to define…
Read MoreYouth United Way Launches RFP
Coming together to make a difference in our community through the empowerment of youth. That mission statement gets to the heart of Youth United Way, which engages young people in community action. YUW has launched a Request For Proposal process, inviting grant requests for up to $6,000 supporting programs that address racism and/or college and…
Read MoreThe Dream for Racial Healing
Matt Lynn, Director of Community Impact, shares his perspective on race in light of the first National Day of Racial Healing, January 17, 2017. I was born in the aftermath of the 1960s. I can remember the conversations my parents would have with their friends as they recalled different events and activities they were a…
Read MoreHonoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
United Way honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our offices in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will be closed on Monday, January 16, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Honoring Dr. King goes far beyond a holiday. United Way will be involved in community events supporting equity, and our…
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