Posts Tagged ‘basic needs’
New United Way Investments Locally Top $5.57 Million
Financial coaching, stable housing, access to food, and social emotional development are among 95 area programs receiving a total investment of $5,571,769 from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR). The programs, managed by 65 partner agencies, continue to advance the community toward goals in education, financial stability, and infant and family…
Read MoreJesse’s Story
Jesse has places to go. And now, he has a way to get there.
Read MoreVolunteers Unite to Tackle Hunger – 100,000 Times!
With bells, cheers and upbeat music, more than 300 volunteers put together 100,000 meals in two hours to feed hungry families. The volunteers at United Way BCKR’s third annual United Against Hunger event brought more energy than ever, according to Stephanie Slingerland, Director of Philanthropy/Social Impact at Kellogg Company. Kellogg was the presenting sponsor. “Our…
Read MoreCall to Advocate: SNAP Rule Change Will Mean More Hungry Families
More than 3 million Americans, including hundreds locally, could lose food assistance under a proposed federal rule change. That means more hungry families in our region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to change a rule that lets some people who earn slightly over the income limit for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—SNAP, or…
Read MorePeriod Poverty Spurs New Program at Charitable Union
“Period poverty exists when a woman cannot access the necessary hygiene products needed during menstruation,” said Teresa Allen, Executive Director at Charitable Union. “The national data shows that 1 in 5 low-income women struggle to leave their homes during menstruation. We had no idea.”
Read MoreMaking Holidays Brighter
Holiday preparation is in full swing at the Portage Community Center. Over the next few weeks, staff and volunteers will distribute 63 food baskets, hand out donated gifts to 89 adopted families and celebrate with 114 children at the annual holiday party. They’ve already delivered 124 Thanksgiving baskets. “It’s a very busy time right now,”…
Read MoreTaking Impact Personally
Chris Sargent, President & CEO, reflects personally on Impact Week 2018. Every now and then, someone asks what draws me to the work of United Way. The answer is easy: For me, it’s personal. I’ve spent much of my life living in this area. I have children here. Grandchildren, too. This is my home, and…
Read MoreImpact Week: Ensuring a Safety Net
Just one unexpected event can send a family spiraling out of control. For people in crisis—a job loss, a sudden illness, a broken car, an unexpected home repair—having support systems in place can help them get back on their feet. United Way BCKR works to ensure that our regional community has a safety net in…
Read MoreImpact Week 2018: Delivering Results, Changing Lives
Making a charitable gift or volunteering your time isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s an investment, and you want to see that investment pay off. United Way wholeheartedly agrees. “Our impact begins by identifying where we can invest resources, people and expertise to solve our region’s biggest challenges,” said Matt Lynn, Vice President for Community…
Read MoreYou Did It! Volunteers Pack 100,000 Meals
Teamwork. Leadership. Joy. All three were on display in abundance during United Against Hunger on Oct. 16, when more than 400 volunteers worked together to package 100,000 meals in just two hours. The effort, coordinated by United Way BCKR in partnership with presenting sponsor Kellogg’s, produced twice as many meals and involved twice as many…
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