Leveling the baseball field for underserved youth in Battle Creek
Evan Gray founded Gray’s on Deck to give underserved Battle Creek youth access to baseball and life lessons through affordable, community-supported programs.
Jane Parikh's Latest Articles
Baseball great Darryl Strawberry to share his faith journey at Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast
Former MLB star Darryl Strawberry will share his powerful journey from fame and addiction to faith and redemption at the 2026 Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast, offering a message of hope and healing to the community.
Dimes lead to big change for underserved youth in the Battle Creek area
A Battle Creek mother and son turn bottle deposits into life-changing sports opportunities for low-income youth.
From blue light to green light: Former Kmart site set for affordable housing and childcare
Eight years after plans began, redevelopment of the former Kmart site in Battle Creek is moving forward with an 80-unit affordable and workforce housing development with an on-site childcare center, backed by tax credits, philanthropic support, and local partners.
Distance isn’t a barrier to supporting LGBTQ youth in Battle Creek, Vermontville, and beyond
Christine Terpening founded “I’ll Be Your Rock” in Vermontville to create supportive spaces for LGBTQ youth, and her organization is now expanding to rural communities across Michigan and beyond.
Battle Creek turns housing into a benefit for early childhood educators
A new initiative in Battle Creek will provide rent-free housing and a pathway to homeownership for early childhood educators, aiming to boost compensation, stabilize the workforce, and address the financial challenges facing one of the lowest-paid professions.
A sweet solution to a serious employment gap: DelectAble Treats and Sweets emphasizes Able
In Battle Creek, Felicia Jaramillo opened DelectAble Treats and Sweets to create jobs for people with disabilities, inspired by her sons and her own recovery journey.
Day-to-day interactions with happy customers keeps Pastrami Joe’s owner going
In 2022, Andrew Scibbe’ purchased Pastrami Joe’s Deli in Marshall. Two years later, he reopened a second location in downtown Battle Creek.
Battle Creek unites to build 1,000 homes and power economic growth
Battle Creek leaders launched a new Housing Fund to address a 3,000-unit shortage, aiming to build and rehabilitate 1,000 homes by 2035 to boost workforce growth and community stability.
Where experience meets enthusiasm: KCC Concert Band blends generations in “Awakened Voices”
Spanning generations from recent high school graduates to musicians with 70 years of experience, Kellogg Community College’s Concert Band brings together players in a community-driven performance shaped by flexibility, resilience, and a shared love of music.
