True Stories | Charitable Union - Home Page - Battle Creek, MI

Mission Statement

True Stories: Real People, Real Progress

"Our mission is to provide clothing, bedding and small household items, at no cost, to support families in need and to advocate with them for their independence and self-sufficiency."

Charitable Union
85 Calhoun St.
Battle Creek, MI 49017 (See map)

Phone: (269) 964-7234
Fax: (269) 966-2535
E-mail: Info@CharitableUnion.org

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When a client no longer needs our services, it's cause for celebration. After all, our main objective is to help people start the journey out of poverty so they can become an independent member of society. The true stories below provide an inside look at how our mission affects real people in our community.

Sam Paulk: "I Was Living Under a Bridge"

Sam Paulk, left, came to Battle Creek in 2003 seeking a new life. A veteran who had battled addictions, he knew he needed to “get clean.” After leaving the treatment program at the VA Hospital, Sam found himself homeless and living under one of the bridges in Battle Creek.

In 2004, Sam learned about Charitable Union: “I came to Charitable Union to get clothes so I wouldn’t look different from other people walking around the downtown areas.”

It was just the start Sam needed. Through sheer determination, and with the help of non-profit agencies like Charitable Union, he began to pull himself out of the rubble.

Three years later, Sam met his future wife, Julye. They decided to get married, but neither of them could afford appropriate clothing. Charitable Union was able to help with a beautiful donated wedding gown for Julye and a suit for Sam.

Today, they lead an independent life, own their own home and give back to the community in many ways. That includes serving on our board and as a leader on Charitable Union’s Shoppers Council, the client advisory committee for Charitable Union. For a video version of Sam's story, please click here now.

Cynthia McIntosh: "Nursing a New Future"

Cynthia McIntosh, left, found a path out of poverty in the nursing program at Kellogg Community College. Soon, she needed medical scrubs to start her new job, but she couldn’t afford them.

Charitable Union stepped in to provide exactly what Cynthia needed. Today, she’s a successful nurse who not only works at Battle Creek Health System, but also serves on our Board. We value her insights – and her experience.

To learn more about who we serve at Charitable Union, please click here now. To find out why it matters, click here now. You may be surprised by what you learn!

Jackie and Nichelle: "Rebuilding After a Fire"

Jackie Wells and her daughter, Nichelle, turned to Charitable Union to help rebuild their lives after a serious apartment fire destroyed all of their possessions.

Three local non-profits worked together to help: Charitable Union provided clothing, bedding, blankets, coats, pans, and other household items at no cost. The Red Cross provided emergency shelter options and a client assistance card for food and personal necessities. The Salvation Army provided emergency funds for rent. Today, Jackie and Nichelle are safe in a new apartment.

Collaboration is a central part of our strategy. For a list of other local agencies and non-profits that Charitable Union works with, please click here now.

To learn more about how you can get involved at Charitable Union, we invite you to stop by our building at 85 Calhoun St. in the heart of Battle Creek. (Map) Or call (269) 964-7234 for personal assistance. Welcome!

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Need assistance? If you need help, or would like to apply for one of our client programs, please click the button below.

Or you may call the Charitable Union office at (269) 964-7234. We also invite you to visit our building at 85 Calhoun Street in the heart of Battle Creek, MI. (Map)