By Jamie Kaye Walters, COO / Head of Marketing and Talent

In Battle Creek, a small city in Michigan, community-based organizations are coming together to promote equity and challenge systemic barriers that prevent growth and prosperity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The Village Network of Battle Creek is a collective of ten non-profit organizations that serve under-resourced communities, focusing on economic, education, and social justice. Recently, the network received significant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

“Public dollars like the American Rescue Plan Act funding are essential because public funds and philanthropic giving can and should be tools for creating racial equity,” said Dr. Nakia Baylis, Executive Director, Village Network of Battle Creek.

Last week, VVK PR + Creative supported the announcement the AAPA and W.K. Kellogg Foundation funding with community and press event. The fund will allow The Village Network of Battle Creek to continue their work of promoting equity and justice in their communities. The money will be used to support ongoing social services and non-profit efforts, strengthening coalition building in communities of color. These funds will create more opportunities for economic development, education, and social justice programs.

The coalition of organizations that make up The Village Network of Battle Creek focuses on three main areas: economic, education, and social justice. The economic justice pillar includes programs that support economic development, entrepreneurship, and financial education for BIPOC communities. The education justice pillar supports academic success and removes barriers to quality education for students of color. Finally, the social justice pillar focuses on community empowerment, advocacy, and policy reform to eliminate systemic barriers and promote equity.

To learn more about The Village Network of Battle Creek, go to https://villagenetworkofbc.com.