United Way of South Central Michigan

05/22/2026

Our offices will be closed Monday, May 25 in honor of Memorial Day. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you are in need of any immediate assistance, please dial 2-1-1.

05/21/2026

There is only a week left to apply your Kalamazoo small business for the spring session of the Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants! Please make sure to complete your application if it is already in progress before the deadline (May 29th at noon). Visit unitedforscmi.org/battle-creek-kalamazoo/kalamazoo-micro-enterprise-grants/ for more info!

05/20/2026

United for ALICE at Work is launching our first 2026 Cohort! 🗣️

UWSCMI is partnering with employers through a professional development program designed as an investment in the workforce, particularly employees navigating financial challenges.

By supporting ALICE employees in achieving financial mobility, United for ALICE at Work helps increase employee engagement and retention, reduce absenteeism and turnover-related costs, strengthen workplace culture and morale, and improve customer satisfaction through a more supported workforce.

Our first cohort will be held in-person at our Kalamazoo office starting 07/29, and will continue on 08/05 and 08/12, from 9am to 2pm. Registration is limited! Visit https://unitedforscmi.org/alice-at-work/ to learn more.

05/19/2026

There are only 10 days left to apply your City of Kalamazoo Small Business for the Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants!

Apply today by visiting https://unitedforscmi.org/battle-creek-kalamazoo/kalamazoo-micro-enterprise-grants/ 🏪

05/19/2026

Congratulations to our Battle Creek Young Adult Volunteer Award recipient, Miley Garcia, as part of our 2025 Impact Volunteer Awards!🎉 Nominated by El Concilio Kzoo, Miley has supported Latinx Elementary students by assisting with their after-school tutoring program, providing academic support during homework time, mentoring youth, and serving as a positive role model.

Miley has also helped create a welcoming and safe environment where youth feel supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Learn more about Miley and her time volunteering with El Concilio by visiting https://connect.unitedforscmi.org/home/blogs/2025-impact-volunteer-awards-young-adult-miley-garcia-2026-05-18

05/15/2026

When Kalamazoo County was affected by tornadoes in May of 2024, UWSCMI immediately jumped into action, partnering with local agencies and nonprofits to support. Through funds raised for our Disaster Relief Fund, we were able to provide valuable resources to those affected.

We continue to raise funding, so that in any crisis, in any of our communities, we will be at the call and ready to assist. Join us by visiting https://unitedforscmi.org/community-crisis/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=drf_2026 ❤️‍🩹

05/15/2026

Congratulations to our Battle Creek Adult Volunteer Award recipient, Lori Landon, as part of our 2025 Impact Volunteer Awards!🎉 Nominated by Charitable Union, Lori's plays a vital behind-the-scenes in supporting their mission.

She keeps inventories up to date for Winter Coats, Back-to-School giveaways, baby diapers, period products, and layettes—preventing backlogs and ensuring everything is organized and ready when families need it most. She also assists with events, making sure they are fully prepared and able to serve efficiently. Learn more by visiting https://connect.unitedforscmi.org/home/blogs/2025-impact-volunteer-awards-adult-volunteer-lori-landon-2026-05-14

05/14/2026

At last week's Women United, Lighting the Path Luncheon, we had the opportunity to celebrate the women of our region and beyond. A special thank you to our emcee, Sheri Jones, for bringing us the energy last week, as well as our Business Spotlight Speaker, Nikki Thompson Frazier, and our Featured Speaker, Jessica Benavides. Both of your stories are inspiring to us and future generations of girls to come🕯️

For more 📸s from the event, visit https://bit.ly/4uSq9CQ

05/14/2026

Looking for assistance on your Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant application? Check out our step-by-step instructional videos on how you can apply your Kalamazoo small business using the links below! The application portal closes May 29 at noon, so act fast! Early applicants are encouraged.

1️⃣ How to create an eC Impact account for Small Business: https://bit.ly/3CiKQzg
2️⃣ How to download documents from your previous KMEG application: https://youtu.be/2Moh-_loEUM
3️⃣ How to add Documents to KMEG application: https://bit.ly/3RlNfO1
4️⃣ How to submit a KMEG application: https://bit.ly/3CflKRW

Join Molly, our Associate Director of Community Impact for Small Businesses, as she guides on how to submit an application for the Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise...

05/13/2026

As director of the Capital Area College Access Network and a leader here at United Way South Central Michigan, Michele Strasz has spent her career at the intersection of community impact and public policy. She is, in every sense, the kind of partner that makes this work possible and the kind of advocate that makes it matter.

As Michigan College Access Network reflect's on 15 years of postsecondary progress through the lens of policy, Michele's story is exactly the one they want to tell. MORE: https://micollegeaccess.org/news-and-events/news/blogs/15yf-michele-strasz