Archive for February 2017
New Video Brings Equity Into Focus
“Equity isn’t just about being equal or giving everyone the same opportunity. It’s about really understanding difference.” — Matt Lynn, Director of Community Impact Building equity while reducing racial and economic disparities is fundamental to United Way’s vision. Telling that story is the role of a new video released today. United Way of the Battle…
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 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…
Read MoreHelp Now! Fund: Work continues one year after mass shooting
A year ago today, our region was sent reeling by an unthinkable tragedy. The shock waves of a mass shooting tore through Kalamazoo on the night of Feb. 20, 2016, when a gunman killed six people and wounded two in multiple locations across the county, with victims from both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The communities…
Read More888-KIDS Rings Up Better Infant Health
Better health for vulnerable infants is now just a phone call away. A new infant health hotline, 269-888-KIDS, was launched today by Cradle Kalamazoo, a multi-agency community initiative that includes United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. “We are excited to launch this phase of the project,” states Grace Lubwama, CEO of YWCA…
Read More2-1-1: Connecting people to resources
Most people know to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. But what if you’re having a conflict with a landlord, falling behind on a utility payment, need legal advice or struggling to feed your family? Who do you turn to if you’re facing a drug addiction, can’t find transportation to get to work or want to…
Read MoreCreative Fundraising Scores Big
Ever wonder what happens to players’ jerseys after a game? They can transform into books for young readers, food for struggling families, diapers for newborns and much more. A recent auction of game-used jerseys by the Kalamazoo Wings Hockey Club raised $4,264 for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. It’s one of…
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Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month with events in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo
February is Black History Month, and both the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo communities offer a number of learning opportunities, celebrations and other ways to participate. United Way invites you to not only take the opportunity to celebrate African-American art, history, and culture this month, but also to continue year-round to acknowledge past and present contributions…
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