“I wanted to communicate to the kids that people may communicate differently and that it’s OK,” Language Arts Instructor Jamesia Nordman says. “I wanted them to understand and try to develop empathy for others.”
Churches across the country have dealt with the pandemic in different ways. At First Congregational Church in Battle Creek going online has created new ways to reach an audience they might never have otherwise encountered.
Racial Healing Facilitators in Battle Creek are creating circles where people can be in a safe place to discuss the difficult conversations that come with experiencing racial trauma.
SURJ works to connect people across the country while supporting and collaborating with local and national racial justice organizing efforts. SURJ provides a space to build relationships, skills, and political analysis to act for change. “It is important to not the lead work but to follow the people who are already doing the work,” says Sarah, who also leads White Caucus gatherings for SURJ.
There’s an increased need for human services and a diminished revenue base and putting the two together has the potential to be detrimental to Calhoun County residents. County Administrator Kelli Scott tells us what could lie ahead in 2021. She says in times like these, leadership matters.
With 2020 done the City of Battle Creek is assessing residents' greatest needs and how to address them. Plans are in place to offer assistance even as City staff is down by 26 employees.
A scholarship is available to cover tuition, fees, housing and dining, plus a book stipend -- essentially a full ride -- for eight semesters as part of a partnership between GVSU, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to partner and Battle Creek Public Schools.
As the pandemic set in, it became obvious additional shelter space was needed in Battle Creek. A new location has been identified.
Food distribution, financial literacy, job training, and more, funded through a collection of small business operations is how Kingdom Builders in Battle Creek works to bring about change.
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