Behind The Scenes: Here’s Your Curtain Call

By Chris Sargent, President & CEO I love it when our local communities earn national recognition. Battle Creek has earned All-America City status, and Kalamazoo recently topped a list of coolest, most affordable cities. Among the strengths that gain such attention is our rich cultural life, notably live theater. If you’re like me, one thing…

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Impact Week: From Belief to Impact

Editor’s note: Wrapping up our Impact Week focus is Stephanie Slingerland, Chair of the United Way BCKR Board of Directors and Director of Philanthropy and Social Impact at Kellogg Company. Not long ago, a customer asked about Kellogg’s charitable activities. We were delighted to answer him—Kellogg does a lot all over the world, especially in…

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Mission Report #3: ‘Engage Diverse People, Ideas and Resources’

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy gave a speech to Congress urging support for putting an American crew on the moon before decade’s end. At that date, the United States had put a human in space exactly once: a 15-minute, up-and-down flight three weeks before. It was an outrageous, even laughable goal. And…

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Mission Report #1: ‘Drive Impact’ Directs Our Work

Drive impact by leading shared efforts that engage diverse people, ideas and resources. Powerful words. But what do they mean? Today we’re kicking off a three-part series that takes a close look at our mission statement and how it influences our community work. ‘Drive Impact’ Pro Football Hall of Famer (and Michigan native) Tony Dungy…

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Alyssa Stewart Named VP of Impact & Engagement

As newly appointed Vice President of Impact & Engagement, Alyssa Stewart will strengthen the link between United Way’s impact work and partnerships and its regional engagement activities. “People who care about their community do it in two ways—by investing charitable dollars, and by getting personally involved in the work,” said Stewart. “By more closely connecting…

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Taking Impact Personally

Taking 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…

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UWBCKR's Elchert Earns Statewide Honor

Unwavering commitment to helping the homeless has earned a statewide award for a United Way BCKR staff member. The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) has named Robert Elchert, Community Impact Associate for United Way BCKR, as its 2018 Public Policy Champion. MCAH, a statewide, nonprofit membership organization addressing homelessness and affordable housing, awards the Public…

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Alejandro's Story

Alejandro's Story

Finding purpose Alejandro is well-spoken and talkative, but at times he simply doesn’t have the words to describe how much his life has changed. Five years ago, he was in a jail cell, serving time for a drug offense. Today, he’s flourishing with a new job, positive influences in his life, and the capacity to…

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2017: A Year of Impact

The end of one year and dawn of another is a natural time of reflection and gratitude. At United Way BCKR, we have much to be grateful for. Our work is a collective effort that includes dynamic corporate and community partners, engaged volunteers and generous donors. That means our successes belong to you as well…

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