The Impact of Charitable Union in Our Community
Did you know that Charitable Union was a pioneer in the formation of Battle Creek? Here are just a few of our achievements:
- On January 21, 1887 Charitable Union sponsored a dance that raised a total of $232.75 which would be equivalent to more than $7600 today.
- It began providing assistance to those in need with food, shelter and other necessities.
- It was then suggested that a facility be established to care for those who could not afford medical treatment aftercare. And soon Charitable Union opened two small “hospitals” to care for such individuals. Both the Chadwich House and the Hodskins House quickly reached capacity.
- These two buildings laid the “groundwork” for a community hospital. Nichols Memorial Hospital was founded by Charitable Union in 1890.
- Soon after, the need for a place to educate nurses was addressed with the opening of a nursing school. Charitable Union played a key role in its establishment.
- In the late 1930’s, Charitable Union concluded its work with the hospital, but continued to operate the nursing school until its closure in 1948.
Despite all this growth and impact on Battle Creek and its unwavering commitment to helping all those in need, it is essential to remember that its original purpose was never forgotten. If children were absent from school and clothing was identified as the reason, Charitable Union would provide them with an outfit. Over the years, Charitable Union has undergone several relocations, engaged in discussions about potential partnerships with other organizations and has continued to assist thousands of people in our local community.
Our Purpose, Our Work and Our Values
Looking to the future, it would be ideal to say that there is no longer a need for the Charitable Union in our community. It would be wonderful to know that the needs of all are being met and that Battle Creek has surpassed the need for our services. However, the reality is quite the opposite. We continue to address the needs of individuals in our community who are facing challenges for various reasons. Our commitment to the community, to those in need and to you is that we will continue our purpose, our work and our vision that brings “help that brings hope.”
Our Purpose
To contribute to human dignity.
Our Work
Provide clothing, bedding and small household items at no charge
and connect people to resources in the community.
Our Values
Honor and respect the people we serve.
Collaborate and partner with stakeholders.
Respect diversity within our community.
Be an exemplary organization.
Use resources responsibly.
Join Our Team
We're Hiring click here to see what positions are open
Our staff has a strong commitment to serving the many constituents of our organization. But first and foremost, they focus their energies on those who need our programs and services.
All general requests or inquiries should be sent to: info@charitableunion.org
MANAGEMENT
Teresa Allen, Chief Executive Officer
269-964-7234 (ext 104)
Email: Teresa@CharitableUnion.org
Nicole Frohlich, Operations Manager/Volunteers
269-964-7234 (ext 108)
Email: Nicole@CharitableUnion.org
GIFT SHOP
Trish Terry, Lead Sewer
Sylvia Pratley, Support Sewer
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Ruth Heyn, Technology and Administrative Support
CLIENT SERVICES
Lorri Holder, Client Services Check-Out
Tonya Page, Client Services Check-Out
Kim Haist, Donor Hall
Bill Tassie, Donor Hall
Cyndi Sutton, Client Services Reception
Matthew Wheaton , Donor Hall
Our board represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for the work of Charitable Union and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds raised directly affect those in need.
Peter Phelps, Chairperson
Retired Bronson Battle Creek Health
Patrice Lewis, Vice-Chairperson
YMCA
Mike Mankerian, Treasurer
Sturgis Bank and Trust Company
Rachel Moreland, Secretary
Notre Dame Credit Union
Ann Bakker, Director
Retired Kellogg’s
Laura Hosler, Director
GreenStreet Marketing
Brandon Martinovich, Director
Robert Halk International
Brian McDonald, Director
Kelsee Credit Union
Diane Ramirez, Director
Retired Chemical Bank
Chuck Saulsberry, Director
Calhoun County
Mark Todd, Director
Retired Upjohn
Shoppers' Council
Shoppers' Council began in 2006 as an alliance between staff and clients.
Its goal is to provide a vehicle for clients to voice their concerns and
make suggestions.
One of the goals of Charitable Union leadership is to be a resource to
help other clients build better futures for themselves and their families.
As special needs arise, it is our goal to have a Shoppers' Council member
help clients "walk through" the often cumbersome bureaucracy that exists.
Always with an eye on improving our services to all clients, we share
ideas on how we can better operate in today's difficult economic reality.
We hope that if you have a special need we will be able to assist you in
finding a solution.
Since the Council was formed some of its achievements have been: to
administer a shoppers' questionnaire which helped us come to the
decision to no longer have color coded shopping days; the members of
the Council have volunteered their time and talents not only here but at
many events within the community.
If you would like to be a member of the Shoppers' Council, please contact us
at 964-7234.
