Commission honors local volunteers and nonprofits; police alumni donate $10,000

The Battle Creek City Commission used its April 7 meeting to recognize several community organizations and to accept a donation for police programs.

Community recognitions: The commission presented a certificate to longtime resident and community volunteer Bobby Holly for his decades of work on anti-violence and cultural recognition efforts. Josita Todd and Robert Miller from the newly established local CASA program (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) described CASA’s role supporting children who are wards of the court; Kim Wickham, a guardian ad litem, said CASA will supplement legal advocacy with more frequent contact and community referrals. CASA leaders announced a gala on April 24 to raise awareness and support.

Victim services and awareness: Amber Goodlock of Bronson Battle Creek outlined services the sexual-assault program provides — including a sexual assault nurse examiner program, victim advocacy, counseling and a trained facility dog used in forensic interviews and courtroom support — and noted the program’s regional role and an April 16 benefit event. Alina Robinson, victim services coordinator for the Battle Creek Police Department, described local plans for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19–25) and distribution of lapel pins so officers and prosecutors visibly show support for survivors.

Donation to police fund: Roger Ballard and members of the Battle Creek Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association announced a $10,000 donation to the police department’s law fund to support programs such as Shop with a Cop and similar community activities; the commission accepted the gift.

Why it matters: The proclamations highlight nonprofit capacity for supporting children, survivors and neighborhood safety. The donation provides immediate flexible funding for community policing programs and youth engagement efforts.