Archive for 2014
United Way Invests Millions in Local, Regional Programs
From early grade reading to support services for seniors, 106 programs operated by nonprofit agencies across the region are welcoming support totaling more than $7.6 million from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). “Because of our incredibly generous supporters, United Way is able to fund programs that are changing lives in…
Read MoreAudrey
“SHERRY AT THE YWCA HELPED ME MOVE ON AND PROGRESS. SHE LISTENED WITHOUT BEING JUDGMENTAL, AND SHE REALLY CARED.”
Read MoreUnited We Read: Taking Action
A book is more than an object on a shelf. It’s a gateway to new worlds, new insights and new opportunities in life. This is especially true for children. Kids who read proficiently by third grade are far more likely to graduate high school, pursue post-secondary education and land a rewarding career. That’s why United…
Read More‘John’s’ Story: Why Mental Health Matters
“John” appeared to have it all—great job, nice house, loving family. But his personal and professional life brought enormous pressures, and a difficult childhood left emotional scars that hadn’t healed. “Constant fear and depression ruled my life,” John said. “I hid it pretty well, but it kept eating away at me. Finally, there came a…
Read MoreRadiance
“BEFORE THE YMCA, I COULDN’T GET MY MIND STRAIGHT TO FINISH SCHOOL. THEY’RE HELPING TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.”
Read MoreNot Waiting a Single Moment: Why Volunteers Matter
Annelies Marie Frank packed a lot of life into her 14 years and a lot of wisdom into her little diary. An aspiring journalist in 1940s Amsterdam, young Anne jotted down her thoughts and experiences while in hiding from the Nazis with her family. Among her insights is this nugget: “How wonderful it is that…
Read MoreBe a Volunteer—and Change Your World!
by Abby Lumbard, HandsOn Battle Creek April is National Volunteer Month, and this week is National Volunteer Week—two great reasons to get engaged in your community as a volunteer. Our community needs volunteers to thrive. The beautiful thing about volunteering is that anyone can do it. Everybody is capable of giving a little bit of…
Read MoreShonna
“THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS GAVE MY KIDS A FREE PLACE TO GO SO THAT I COULD COMPLETE MY NURSING DEGREE.”
Read MoreThank You
President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” That neatly sums up my thinking about our annual campaign. On March 18, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region announced that the generous…
Read MoreMarch is Reading Month
During National Reading Month, we’re joining partner organizations to spotlight local literacy programs and encourage involvement. “Reading is a doorway to lifelong learning and success,” said Michael Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UWBCKR. “Many terrific community efforts, from preschool through adulthood, are opening that door for people across our region.” The need for…
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