Calhoun County

Preserving Indigenous language focus of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Indigenous languages "are in the extinct stage. There are not many fluent speakers who survive. Our elder fluent speakers are slowly leaving us and there aren’t many left today. We are trying to bond together with each band" to keep the languages alive.

Back office resources designed to support Calhoun County childcare businesses

“The intent of starting this back-office type of process or support is an acknowledgment that Early Childhood professionals are doing multiple jobs all at once. If some of the back office responsibilities can be done collaboratively by the CCBO, that’s one way to make the childcare profession more appealing and prevent burnout.”

Kindergarten readiness programs demonstrating success in Battle Creek

“If everything goes along business as usual, the Kindergarten readiness rate would most likely be only about 30 percent. To reach 54.9 percent shows that the work being done is producing great results.”

Opera premiere in Battle Creek gives voice to the Tangled Roots of slavery

“Our African history runs deeper than slavery, but it is a part of it. The spirituals are intertwined throughout our history,  our faith, and became anthems of the civil rights movement. There are classical, jazz, and hip-hop themes  intertwined within the score.”

Providing emergency overnight shelter comes at a price for Battle Creek’s SHARE Center

“The SHARE Center is the last hope for many people, and the organization faces a very real threat of de-funding by the Federal government, which will result in more needless suffering, more death."

Battle Creek Truth Racial Healing and Transformation still a change agent in a changing world

Local equity leaders remain steadfast while tackling questions of what's next for DEI and racial healing.  “Fearmongering and overwhelm are deliberate tactics meant to discourage progress — but we refuse to be derailed. We are committed to moving forward."

Nonprofits can’t do it all — Encourage BC supports those who address needs in Battle Creek

“Some are standalone organizations and some are individuals who want to do great work in the community but don’t have the capacity to build out an organization around their work. These folks are able to do these different projects, have relationships with their donors, and get educated about philanthropy through this work. We want to give them as much autonomy as possible."

Kellogg Community College Chorus
Music program hits the high notes at Kellogg Community College

Kellogg Community College is growing its music program as it launches an Associate of Fine Arts in Music degree in Fall 2025.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation President authors two new books on healing and celebrating difference

"After reading these books, I hope people will feel more empowered to engage with our stories — their own story, the stories we all share, and the story we can write together."  

Tribal Voices Amplified: A new era of representation in Michigan legislative history

 Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation with the establishment of Bill 5600. Tribes will consult on laws regarding issues such as land, water, wildlife, and economic development.

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