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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Kalamazoo Strong Turns From One Tragedy To Another

WMUK

Kalamazoo Strong started after a shooting spree that left six people dead and two seriously injured. Now the non-profit group wants to help families of the bicyclists killed and injured north of Kalamazoo June 7th. 

Kalamazoo Strong Business and Finance Director Rachel Kaiser says she was extremely shocked that the group had to mobilize another crisis response “since we haven’t fully healed from the February shooting.”

A crisis fund has been established and $20,000 from all over the world. The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club’s Kal-tour on June 26th will help raise money for the families. Kaiser says she’s working with bicycle groups from all over the world to hold their own rides on the same day. They won’t necessarily be fundraisers, but will be a show of solidarity with the victims in Kalamazoo.

While the Kalamazoo area is reeling from two tragic events within less than four months, Kaiser calls it uplifting to see how people have responded to tragedies and the needs of families. She says helping and reaching out is one way of healing. Kaiser says

“We’re all leaning on each other.”

Kalamazoo Strong’s other efforts continue even while preparing for events to help victims involved in the June 7th crash. The 2/20 Fund was established to help families who were victims of February shooting. It’s still active because Kaiser says we don’t know the full impact when something like that happens. 

"We don't need a big crisis to help. We're here to help with the small things too."

A Crisis Closet has been set up for people who are displaced by a major event such an apartment or home fire. Kaiser says the group also worked with schools to get kids winter coats. And they have a partnership and with Open Doors to get professional clothes to their clients who are trying to get a job. Volunteers from Kalamazoo Strong are also helping Open Doors’ clients with mock interviews and resume building.

A program called Hero Talk is still in the works, according to Kaiser, but she says it’s designed for first responders. Kaiser says a retired police officer suggested giving emergency workers a place to talk confidentially about things they’ve seen.

Kaiser says the all-volunteer group plans to stay active She says

“We don’t need a big crisis to help. We’re here to help with the small things too.”

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Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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