Kalamazoo Rx Kids will provide participants a one-time, lump-sum, prenatal allowance of $1,500 and an additional $500 per month for the first 12 months of a newborn's life. Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and partners, the program will begin in February.
"By investing in these organizations' long-term sustainability, we're creating a model for community investment that will benefit generations to come."
“We knew we needed to do something to carry on his legacy...Every time we have a request come in or we’re able to give to a child or make a difference in some way, we know this would be something Issac would want to be part of. It helps to keep him alive in our lives.”
Collective giving groups, especially among women, continue to rise in popularity. We introduce you to two such Southwest Michigan groups to find out how they were formed and why they are thriving.
Does the increasing number of unhoused people in Kalamazoo reflect the county's population? Or are people coming from elsewhere? And are there enough services available to provide for the growing needs?
Foundation-based youth advisory councils provide a valuable opportunity for youth to speak up about issues and solutions they think will matter.
“We don’t push religion at all. We have magazines, art books, whatever they need. Our job is to serve and to love."
After three years in operation, the Battle Creek Shelter is slated to close. Dr. Tino Smith of Kingdom Builders Worldwide, the current operator of the shelter, is seeking funding.
“We have demonstrated that we’ll do what we say we’re going to do. Some of the barriers we’ve had to overcome we’ve looked at as opportunities. These new homes will be an opportunity for residents to create generational wealth and go from renter-ship to homeownership.”
"We are praying to open an African restaurant, plant a garden, open a barber shop," says Pastor Johsua Kibezi, director of the African Community Kalamazoo. "Our future goal is to offer 55 jobs for refugees. I cannot give up on this work or my people will suffer. In my heart, I know I must help.”
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