For nearly five decades, Dick has spent part of every summer doing the same thing: lacing up his running shoes and heading to the starting line of the Kalamazoo Klassic. What began in 1979 as a single race has become a lifelong tradition woven through family memories,...
Blog
Teamwork Helps Rachel Grow
Rachel has been working hard on improving her push mowing skills, especially learning how to mow clean, straight rows without missing any grass. Staff have continued to encourage and support her along the way, and while mowing at BridgeWays the other day, another...
Racing for More Than a Finish Line: myTEAM TRIUMPH at the Kalamazoo Klassic
Every year, the Kalamazoo Klassic brings runners, walkers, and community members together for a shared celebration of movement, determination, and local pride. But for myTEAM TRIUMPH, the race represents something even bigger: the chance to make endurance athletics...
5 Mental Health Tips for People with Disabilities
Living with a disability, whether physical, cognitive, developmental, or invisible, can affect mental and emotional well-being in very real ways. Everyday tasks may take more energy, plans can change often, and dealing with other people’s assumptions or stigma can be...
47 Years Strong: One Woman’s Journey Through the Kalamazoo Klassic
For most people, running a race is a one-time challenge or an occasional goal. For Patsy, it became a lifelong commitment; one that has spanned an incredible 47 consecutive Kalamazoo Klassic events. What began as a simple decision to try something new turned into a...
Building Confidence: Megan’s Path to Independence
Megan began her employment journey at Gun Lake Casino in August 2025 at the Which Wich location across from the casino floor. The environment was fast-paced, and there was a lot to learn, but she approached the role with focus and determination. Early on, she worked...
From Shy to Shining: Lish’s Journey to Confidence
Our client Elisha “Lish” K. has come a long way in her journey with MRC. When she first joined the program, Lish was very shy and hesitant to step outside of her comfort zone. Through ongoing support, encouragement, and her own determination, she has grown into a...
A New Chapter: How Geonca Transformed Her Life
“I am alive, I am healing, and I am ready for everything that God has next for me.” Geonca Rolle’s powerful quote from her recent testimony, delivered at her graduation ceremony from Kalamazoo Gospel Mission’s New Life | New Hope program, is a testament to her...
Strengthening Pathways to Employment through United Way Support
At MRC Industries, we believe everyone has the right to meaningful work, independence, and inclusion in our community. Thanks to the generous support of the United Way of South-Central Michigan, we are making this vision a reality for more individuals than ever...







