News
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Urban Alliance to begin search for new executive director
KALAMAZOO, MI — Urban Alliance announced it will begin searching for its next executive director later this year with Chris Pompey stepping down from the position in early 2023. The organization is looking for a leader with a deep passion for service as well as a thorough understanding of Urban Alliance’s service and impact on…
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‘Returned Citizen’ Turned Entrepreneur to Share Experiences Sept. 14
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Urban Alliance and Southwest Michigan First invite the public to a powerful evening with trailblazing entrepreneur and author Keidrain Brewster on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 6 p.m. Brewster will share his compelling story of transformation from incarceration to successful business ownership at The Catalyst Center in The Warner Building, 180 E. Water…
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St. Luke’s Distributes Free Diapers to Kalamazoo Families
We’ve already seen and continue to see parents in Michigan and all over, struggling right now as some are dealing with the effects of Covid, inflation, staff shortages, baby formula shortages, and other struggles that parents face every day. As everyone continues to try and navigate these struggles the best way possible and many organizations…
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Urban Alliance Prepares for Second Youth Camp Addressing Gun Usage Narrative
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — An organization in Kalamazoo will host a day camp tomorrow to address gun violence. Urban Alliance typically focuses its outreach on adults. Now, the focus has shifted to youth ages 11-16 to break the cycle of gun violence in the Kalamazoo community. “We are grateful for the opportunity to gather local youth…
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A ‘Peace Smoke’ in Edison Brings a Community to Resources for Healing From Gun Violence
It was a Saturday afternoon peace smoke in the Edison neighborhood. Kids were having a blast in the Elmo bounce house, the DJ was leading dancers in the “Cha-Cha Slide,” One Man and a Grill was filling the air with the smoke of about a ton of rib tips, hamburgers, chicken, and more. The music…
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Urban Alliance Youth Camps to Address Gun Usage Narrative
KALAMAZOO, MI – Three camps designed for teens and preteens will work to help break the cycle of gun violence. The three Life Camps in Kalamazoo run by Urban Alliance, Inc, are designed for people ages 11 to 16 to help guide kids away from gun violence. The theme of the camp is “Hands are…
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Kalamazoo nonprofit leader gets creative to overcome generational poverty
As the new leader of Kalamazoo-based Urban Alliance, Chris Pompey wants to take more creative approaches to overcoming generational poverty. Pompey, who’s been with the organization in various roles since 2018 and was named permanent executive director last month, sees opportunities to lead more social enterprises that help people find meaningful work. In addition to…
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Urban Alliance Promotes Pompey to Executive Director
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — After serving as Interim Executive Director of Urban Alliance, Inc. for the past five months, Gadson “Chris” Pompey has been named as the organization’s Executive Director effective immediately. Pompey formerly served as the nonprofit’s Director of Prevention prior to replacing Luke Kujacznski in an interim capacity in May. “Urban Alliance is thrilled…
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Nonprofit brings in shower trailer for Kalamazoo’s homeless population
KALAMAZOO, MI — In an effort to provide those without access to what many take for granted, Urban Alliance is hosting the first of two free August shower events later this week. The Kalamazoo-based nonprofit is partnering with Mel Trotter Ministries out of Grand Rapids and will be utilizing the Grand Rapids’ organization’s shower trailer from…
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Urban Alliance appoints interim executive director
An economic development nonprofit in Kalamazoo chose an interim leader as it searches for its next permanent executive director. Kalamazoo-based Urban Alliance said Tuesday that it appointed Chris Pompey to the role of interim executive director. Pompey formerly served as the nonprofit’s director of prevention. He replaces Luke Kujacznski, who served as executive director for…