Ten native nonprofits are becoming a member of forces to assist under-resourced and under-represented communities in Battle Creek, prioritizing racial fairness, range and inclusion with an general aim of making systemic change.
The Village Community of Battle Creek, comprised of a community of 10 native nonprofits led by folks of shade, goals to additional academic achievement, deal with meals insecurity and systemic transportation shortfalls and enhance financial improvement inside communities of shade.
“Being born and raised in Battle Creek has given me the chance to expertise this metropolis from so many various views,” TVN Board Chair Michael Glass mentioned throughout a public reception Tuesday on the Kool Household Group Middle. “Like many cities in America, we battle with inequities, however I imagine a brand new daybreak has emerged and with it a chance to unfold hope to those that have as soon as felt forgotten.”
In an effort to handle important wants highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, TVN officers introduced Tuesday that the coalition has acquired $847,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from town of Battle Creek and a $750,000 grant from the WK Kellogg Basis.
“Public {dollars} just like the American Rescue Plan Act funding are important as a result of public funds and philanthropic giving can and ought to be instruments for creating racial fairness,” TVN Govt Director Nakia Baylis mentioned. “Extra assist from foundations like WK Kellogg strengthens our capability to provide wonderful work, construct belief locally and leverage new {dollars} for brand new initiatives.”
Initially conceived in 2022 as an initiative by means of the United Means, TVN has relaunched as a collaborative community with new management — together with an impartial board of administrators — and a brand new working construction supposed to higher assist its development and general impression.
The community at the moment consists of ten Battle Creek space nonprofits, together with the A. Philip Randolph Institute; Large Homies; Catching the Dream; Group Fatherhood; Cool Folks; Kingdom Builders Worldwide; New Stage Sports activities Ministries; Southwestern Michigan City League; The Burma Middle; and Reality in Motion Ministries.
TVN has begun its transition to an impartial nonprofit group that can assist particular person and joint initiatives throughout Battle Creek prioritizing racial fairness, range and inclusion. Organized round three pillars—academic justice, financial justice and social justice—the coalition will frequently attempt to answer wants recognized locally and to create true systemic change.
“That is a unprecedented alternative for our metropolis to form a completely new Battle Creek that contributes to financial and academic fairness for all residents,” Glass mentioned. “We settle for that this work will take time and unbelievable effort. However with a robust basis of transformative packages and a dedication to vary, we are going to see a revitalized Battle Creek constructed upon equitable financial, political and social programs.”
Southwestern Michigan City League President/CEO Kyra Wallace mentioned the nonprofit has joined TVN as a result of “we acknowledge the huge inequities which plague BIPOC-led organizations.”
“I strongly imagine that we’re higher collectively than any considered one of us aside,” she mentioned.
Gilbert Ortiz, government director of Group Fatherhood, echoed Wallace, explaining, “I am unable to do that work on my own.”
“We firmly imagine that it’s going to take a village to understand our dream,” Baylis mentioned. “Collectively we are able to create dramatic and sustainable change in our neighborhood.”
For extra details about The Village Community of Battle Creek, go to villagenetworkofbc.com.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com