Archive for 2017
Retreats Offer Self-Care Tools to Alleviate Secondary Trauma
Lindsey Neal is no stranger to the practice and benefits of mindfulness. A former massage therapist who now teaches Spanish and health at Battle Creek Central High School, she leads yoga classes weekly for high school students and works out regularly at a gym as part of her self-care routine. Still, she says, her own…
Read MoreTurning Readers Into Leaders: Book Drive Goal Set at 15,000
Children who read well tend to succeed in school. That fact has led United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region to spearhead an effort to collect 15,000 donated new or gently used children’s books — representing every child between kindergarten and third grade in the region. “Through third grade, kids are learning to…
Read MoreGiving Back is a Union Tradition
As Labor Day approaches, many workers are looking forward to a three-day weekend. It’s a great time to recognize that our country’s labor movement paved the way for workers to enjoy things like 40-hour work weeks, paid vacation and many other benefits. And that legacy goes further, including the work of building stronger communities for…
Read MoreEmotional Shrapnel: Facing Secondary Trauma
When a bomb goes off, the damage spreads beyond the point of the explosion. Fragments tear apart the surrounding landscape—and anyone standing nearby. The same is true when young people experience trauma. As they seek help, this emotional shrapnel may scar those around them. Called secondary trauma, it’s particularly tough on educators. And it’s a…
Read MoreSeeing Impact in Action
Editor’s note: Scott Lawrence, Marketing Manager, Neurosurgical, at Stryker recently took part in a United Way Impact Bus Tour. Struck by the community need and the impact of United Way’s partnerships, he shares his thoughts in the following blog. Many of us have and will commit dollars to the United Way annually. If you’re like…
Read MoreCEO Forum Offers Snapshot of Progress
Powerful testimony combined with new data created a compelling snapshot of progress on Tuesday night at Stryker. United Way’s Regional CEO Forum, hosted by Stryker Chairman & CEO Kevin Lobo, drew more than 100 community leaders and delivered a glimpse of both recent impact and the great need that remains to be addressed. “We want…
Read MoreYouth Can Make a Difference Now
Editor’s note: Guest blog written by members of Youth United Way to mark International Youth Day, Aug. 12. Being a teenager can make you feel powerless. Your eyes have been opened to the ways of the world – good and bad – and yet you feel like you have to wait until you’ve become an…
Read MoreCecily's Story
Board Spotlight: United Way a Constant for Cecily Cagle Cecily Cagle is no stranger to community involvement. More than 30 years ago, her role as a mother to a child with severe impairments led her to become connected with the disability community. Her 25-year career as a police officer who specialized in domestic violence and…
Read MoreAwards Highlight Power of Volunteerism
The power of volunteerism gained the spotlight at the 2017 Community Volunteer Awards ceremony held Thursday in downtown Battle Creek. Seven awards – five individual awards and two group honors – were handed out during the event, which was held at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation headquarters. The awards are held each year by HandsOn Battle…
Read MoreNew CEO Looks Ahead
Editor’s note: In the following interview, newly named President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Sargent shares his thoughts on United Way’s progress, its future and his personal passion to #ChangeTheStory. Chris had been interim President and CEO since last fall. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for UWBCKR, a role…
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