Kalamazoo Defender

05/28/2026

Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a receptionist to join our team who is adaptable and resilient,
comfortable in a fast-paced, client-facing environment. This person is highly organized and vigilant, who possess strong situational awareness, time management skills, and a dependable, collaborative approach to supporting communication, documentation, and day-to-day office operations. They are also deeply committed to holistic defense and client advocacy, and approach their work with professionalism, compassion, and sound judgment.

Please check out the link below for more details.

Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach, employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address addition...

05/27/2026

Hope to see y’all bright and early tomorrow, May 28th for this important conversation!

Sign Up Today!

Join us for a community discussion about the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system here in Kalamazoo County.

A panel discussion and a presentation from ISK will be followed by a Q&A session from the audience.

Click the link 🔗

https://forms.gle/Fn5NiZMEu8yngKhu9

05/27/2026

Michigan's Clean Slate laws are changing lives through expungements. The laws, which took effect in 2021 (petition process) and 2023 (automatic expungement),...

05/23/2026

Dear Kalamazoo Defender Community,

We are excited to share that Kalamazoo Defender has officially begun working on a new website experience for our clients and community.

Over the next several months, you will notice updates, layout changes, and occasional inconsistencies as we work behind the scenes to build an up-to-date, functional, and user-friendly platform that our clients and community can easily access. We appreciate your patience during this transition period as some areas of the site may temporarily be “under construction.”

Our goal is to create an improved online experience with enhanced functionality, easier navigation, improved access to resources, and additional features that will better serve the needs of our clients and community.

We are looking forward to unveiling the new site and sharing more updates along the way.

If you experience any issues or need assistance during this process, please contact Melody at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support of Kalamazoo Defender.

In Solidarity,

Kalamazoo Defender

05/19/2026

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!

Please join us today at 11 a.m. at the Douglass Community Association for a listening session with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

For more info see below post.

📣Reminder to come through tomorrow at 11 a.m. for event posted below....National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives - NOBLE Listening Session.

***(Note: Diaper distribution changed from 11a to 3p-4p)***

Thank you to sponsors Consumers Energy and Kalamazoo Defender.

Caterer: Davis Delectables
Archivist: Public Media Network

05/14/2026

We are looking forward to reading at this event next week 📕📖📚❤️

Tiny readers, big day ahead! 📚☀️

We’re looking forward to a morning full of stories, music, book characters, and joyful early literacy fun at Party in the Park!.

Perfect for preschool and kindergarten classes, day care providers, and families.

• Wednesday, May 20
• 10:00–11:00 am
• Bronson Park

Register here: kpl.gov/event/party-in-the-park/

05/12/2026

At Kalamazoo Defender, we know that real change often begins with one person willing to listen, show up, and believe in someone’s humanity. That’s why we are proud to highlight the work of our board member, Toni Kennedy, whose compassion and commitment to community continue to make an impact far beyond the courtroom.

This powerful story from NowKalamazoo reminds us that sometimes healing, hope, and transformation begin with “just one person.” Toni embodies the kind of leadership and community care that aligns deeply with our mission to fight for justice in the courts, care in the community, and dignity in the world.

We hope you’ll take a few moments to read and reflect on this important story. Thank you, Toni, for the work you do to uplift others and strengthen our community every day.

Toni Kennedy’s Veteran 1st program is focused on connecting fellow veterans with benefits and services – especially those in the Northside neighborhood who have a high rate of underenrollment.

05/11/2026

Save the date and join us May 28th!!!

🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨

ALPACT Kalamazoo Presents:
Mental Health and the Justice System

Join us for a powerful community conversation bringing together voices across the justice system to explore how mental health intersects with real-life experiences in our community.

🗓 May 28, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This event will feature:
🔹 A panel discussion with system partners
🔹 A presentation by Lindsey O’Neil (ISK)
🔹 Open dialogue and audience Q&A

This is about understanding, collaboration, and moving toward better outcomes for everyone.

🎟 Spots are limited secure yours today!

https://forms.gle/5HyxikfMfsrbJm3T6

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register

Let’s come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen how our systems respond to mental health.

05/11/2026

PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, POST, REPEAT!!!

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to help shine a light on an important event focused on support, healing, connection, and empowerment for women veterans and those who serve them. Us. 💚

The Women Veterans Conference, hosted by Veteran 1st, will take place June 8–10, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This three-day conference will bring together veterans, advocates, providers, and community members for meaningful conversations and resources centered around:

▪️ Su***de Prevention
▪️ MST/PTSD Awareness & Support
▪️ Financial Literacy
▪️ Connection & Community Healing

We are especially excited to see keynote speaker Zaneta Adams leading this powerful event with the message, “Empowering Her Voice.”

Mental health matters. Creating spaces where veterans feel seen, heard, supported, and connected matters. Whether you are a veteran yourself or someone who serves and supports veterans in your work or personal life, this conference offers an opportunity to learn, heal, and build community together.

To learn more or register, visit veterans1st.org

05/10/2026