Officials with the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region say they want to be seen as more than a fund raising organization. They want to be a leader in creating programs that have an impact.
The organization has set out a series of long-range goals in areas such as education, health and addressing poverty. The United Way released a report recently on the initial progress in reaching those goals. Matt Lynn, the Vice President for Community Impact for the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans.
Lynn says the report measures the first year of investment. He says it shows progress in various programs, including workforce development, reducing infant mortality and improving early childhood education.
Lynn says the United Way has set ambitious goals for 10 to 15 years down the line. He says while it’s early, the report shows that “we’re on the right track.”
Asked about the next steps, Lynn says more than money is needed to address long-term problems. He says it requires engagement with organizations and individuals. Lynn says the United Way and other organizations working on the same issues have to examine what hasn’t worked in the past, and what has worked in other communities.
