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.
Battle Creek
With an economic development organization that is the envy of many communities, Battle Creek is a city building on its food industry roots and the land that makes it the state’s third largest city. For fun, each year the Cereal City, world headquarters to the Kellogg Co., celebrates the significance of the most important meal of the day with the World’s Longest Breakfast table. Bikers, cyclers and joggers take in the parks, forests and streams linked by a 24-mile linear park. Campers and outdoor lovers visit Fort Custer Recreation area for fishing, hiking, cross country skiing and boating. For animal lovers, African creatures, like giraffes, and Asian animals, like snow leopards, make the Binder Park Zoo a must. The Battle Creek Art Center and Battle Creek Symphony stoke the city’s cultural offerings and the new Firekeepers Casino adds to the city’s fun side. B.C’s Math and Science Center is acclaimed and secondary education needs are accommodated by Kellogg Community College, Robert B. Miller College and a branch of Western Michigan University. And Sojourner Truth, who lived here, watches over downtown from the memorial in her honor.
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.
March for Meals Month celebrates 63 Years of delivering more than food in Southwest Michigan
During March for Meals Month, Milestone Senior Services is hosting a baking-themed fundraiser while highlighting how its volunteer-driven Meals on Wheels program delivers nutritious meals and vital wellness checks to hundreds of senior residents each day.
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.
Financial literacy efforts target homeownership disparities in Calhoun County
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League has launched a new financial literacy initiative in Battle Creek and Calhoun County aimed at equipping underserved families — particularly People of Color — with the knowledge and tools needed to build wealth and achieve homeownership.
