Archive for May 2017
Cracking the Book on Leadership
United Way board members are inspiring kids to read — and gaining new insights in the process. During March and April, Interim CEO Chris Sargent offered children’s books to UWBCKR’s Board of Directors and encouraged them to read one with a child. “Our Board expressed eagerness to dive deep into the work of United Way…
Read MorePop-Up Giving: A New Way to Give Together
June 6 marks a new way to do good. Pop-Up Giving empowers individuals to join and become instant grant makers in a fun and social environment. “It introduces the concept of collaborative giving and provides another entry point to the world of philanthropy and volunteerism,” said Hayley Wasser, associate director of major gifts for United…
Read MoreAmanda's Story
Amanda’s story: ‘I feel like I have a chance’ Amanda Bennett has big plans ahead. She wants to take classes next year at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She’s looking forward to forming and strengthening bonds with her family and children. And she’s determined to continue down her road to recovery. Six months ago, she couldn’t…
Read MoreStudents Power Volunteerism
Nearly 500 Calhoun County high school students deployed Friday morning from Full Blast in Battle Creek, buzzing with energy and ready to get to work for the ninth annual Youth Day of Caring 2017. They returned several hours later – smiling, dirty and in some cases splattered with paint – having set a powerful example…
Read MorePartnership Response to Shootings Earns Award
A positive, collective response to the 2016 mass shootings in Kalamazoo has earned kudos for communications that rallied the region. On May 4, the West Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognized the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the Battle Creek Community Foundation and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region with…
Read MoreUnited 4 Change Looks Ahead
Five years ago, a diverse group of people from regional businesses, school systems and nonprofits gathered at Eaton Corporation’s Galesburg facility to talk about education, volunteerism and the future workforce. The result was United 4 Change, a collective effort supporting and inspiring students, especially in early grade reading and career mentoring. This month, many of…
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…
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