Stryker Johnston Foundation

09/01/2026

📍Upcoming food distributions for the week. These distributions are free and open to everyone. No appointment needed! Visiting these distributions does not count towards monthly pantry servings. All are welcome!

🔗 Visit the link in our bio for more resources!

08/24/2026

We 💚 Girl Scouts!!

Girls Scouts Heart of Michigan generously donated 60 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to KLF this week. Their kindness and generosity will help bring an extra sweet bit of joy to our community! 🍪✨

Thank you Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan !!!

08/06/2026

Word lovers and literacy supporters, Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest returns Saturday, August 8.

Hosted by the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, the 15th annual event brings the community together for an afternoon of friendly competition, connection, and support for adult literacy.

100% of proceeds directly benefit adults in our community working toward literacy, learning, and life skills goals.

Saturday, August 8
12:00–3:30 p.m.
Radisson, Kalamazoo

Individual tickets are $25 for the Just for Fun or Competitive division and include a T-shirt, snacks, and parking. Teams of four can register for $200.

Get tickets: https://bit.ly/4cYa0Wg

Kalamazoo Literacy Council

07/30/2026

Mental health is a vital part of a healthy, thriving community.

We're glad to share this upcoming community event hosted by Urban Alliance, bringing people together for a conversation about mental health, healing, and hope.

Join the community on Friday, July 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a free event featuring Jamor James, LLMSW, presenting "From Rags to Riches." Lunch will be provided.

Location:
Urban Alliance
1009 E. Stockbridge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Thank you to Urban Alliance and Integrated Services of Kalamazoo for creating opportunities that support community well-being.

Join us tomorrow, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Urban Alliance for a free community event focused on mental health awareness, healing, and hope.

Hear from featured speaker Jamor James, LLMSW, as he shares his presentation, "From Rags to Riches," and explore the importance of caring for our minds, just as we care for our bodies.

The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided.

📍 Urban Alliance
1009 E. Stockbridge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Thank you to our partners at Integrated Services of Kalamazoo for helping make this event possible.

07/16/2026

Community grows when people have spaces to connect, build relationships, and feel that they belong.

Friends with Disabilities recently brought adults with physical disabilities from across Kalamazoo County together for its Community Dinner. The gathering created space for conversation, laughter, and new connections among community members.

Thank you to Friends With Disabilities for continuing to build inclusive spaces where people can gather, be themselves, and strengthen their community.

Learn more about their work at friendswithdisabilities.org.

07/14/2026

Through summer learning opportunities, adolescents can socialize, innovate, showcase their talent, and learn beyond traditional education settings.

Be part of the KYD Network’s 11th annual National Day of Summer Learning on Thursday, July 16, at Bronson Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free event includes performances, music, dances, partners in the community, and family activities aimed at celebrating summer learning.

Learn more at www.kydnet.org.

Instagram:

07/13/2026

Learning grows when families get opportunities to explore together.

This Wednesday, the Kalamazoo Literacy Council is welcoming families to the Read & Seed community garden for Family Literacy Day.

Families can take part in garden activities, earn Market Buck$, explore the new Farmers Market, walk through a StoryWalk featuring “Lola Plants a Garden,” and choose free books from the Kalamazoo Public Library Mobile Library.

Wednesday, July 15
5:00–7:00 p.m.
420 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo

The event is free, and no registration is required.

SJF is glad to share this community learning opportunity from our grantee partner Kalamazoo Literacy Council.

Questions can be directed to Kamaria at (269) 382-0490 ext. 263.

06/30/2026

Strong community spaces are built by people who show up, organize, and welcome others. SJF extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to show up for Kalamazoo, ensuring that our local community remains a welcoming haven of connection for years to come.

06/25/2026

Walk through the Kalamazoo Farmers Market and you'll see more than fresh produce.

You'll see neighbors catching up over coffee. Small business owners sharing the stories behind what they make. Families spending the morning together. First-time visitors discovering a new favorite vendor.

These moments may seem small, but they're what create stronger communities. We're grateful for places like the Kalamazoo Farmers Market that make connection, opportunity, and local entrepreneurship part of everyday life.

We hope you'll stop by this season and support the people who make Kalamazoo special.

06/23/2026

Community is built through connection.

This past weekend, we were proud to support and celebrate Rootead's Juneteenth Community Event, bringing together families, youth, local organizations, artists, and community members for a day of culture, learning, and fellowship.

Events like these create opportunities for people to meet, share experiences, build relationships, and strengthen the networks that help communities thrive.

Thank you to Rootead, the volunteers, performers, vendors, and everyone who joined in making the day meaningful. We are grateful to be part of efforts that bring people together and invest in community.