News
Kalamazoo nonprofit leader gets creative to overcome generational poverty
December 5, 2021
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 …
Urban Alliance Promotes Pompey to Executive Director
November 12, 2021
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 …
Nonprofit brings in shower trailer for Kalamazoo’s homeless population
August 4, 2021
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 …
Urban Alliance appoints interim executive director
June 23, 2021
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 …
Urban Alliance Appoints Interim Executive Director
June 22, 2021
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Urban Alliance, Inc. has appointed Chris Pompey to the role of Interim Executive Director. Pompey formerly served as the nonprofit’s Director of Prevention prior to replacing Luke Kujacznski, who served as Executive Director for six years before leaving the organization in May. “Urban Alliance is very disappointed to say good-bye to Luke,” Pompey said. …
Urban Alliance Begins an Exciting New Chapter
May 20, 2021
Dear friends, As with the rest of the world, Urban Alliance has undergone tremendous change over the last year. From how we operate day-to-day, to the types of supports we offer, our what, where, when and how have been in constant stages of refinement. We have also experienced many changes to our who at Urban …
Urban Alliance in Kalamazoo plans to hold monthly diaper drives
May 13, 2021
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Urban Alliance, a Kalamazoo non-profit, planned to distribute thousands of diapers every month to families with young children. Their first drive was held from 9 a.m. until around noon Thursday, May 13, 2021. Families drove by Urban Alliance’s location at 1009 E. Stockbridge Ave. and received 50 diapers and a box of …
Vaccinating homeless population, moving them into new temporary housing in Kalamazoo
March 8, 2021
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Residents of the Mills Street homeless encampment in Kalamazoo were packing up and heading to their new temporary home Monday, March 8, 2021. Volunteers were helping residents move out of the encampment to a location in Kalamazoo where they could find temporary housing until May 31. Residents who moved in did not want …
Urban Alliance joins Northside Association, Kalamazoo Promise to expand job training programs
February 25, 2021
KALAMAZOO, MI — The Northside neighborhood’s vocational training center is expanding programs with a new partnership, the Northside Association for Community Development announced. The Neighborhood-Based Technical and Vocational Skills Training Center, launched by the Kalamazoo Promise and the NACD, will now include advanced manufacturing technical training thanks to a new partnership with Urban Alliance. Urban Alliance …
Group Violence Interventions provides safe space for people affected by gun violence
February 3, 2021
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The COVID-19 pandemic halted the Group Violence Intervention team in Kalamazoo for a bit, but the group has a new approach. The intervention team has been instrumental to alerting police and catching suspects involved in gun violence crimes in Kalamazoo. In 2020 Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reported more than 70 shootings, including 10 that …