Battle Creek Organization Dissolves After Helping Create Lasting Economic Justice Networks
The Village Network of Battle Creek is dissolving as an organization after helping direct more than $1.25 million to BIPOC-led organizations and entrepreneurs throughout the community.
The organization announced its formal dissolution through a press release that credited the success of the work to community leadership and partnership.
Dr. Nakita Baylis serves as President and CEO of The Village Network of Battle Creek. She issued the announcement through official press channels.
"That catalyst has done its job," Baylis said in the press release.
She stated that the decision is not an ending but a reflection of the success of the work the organization set out to do.
The organization was established in January 2023 as a coalition-building entity. It was designed to help create and sustain networks for historically, chronically, and systemically under-invested people to achieve economic justice.
From its inception, Baylis said The Village Network of Battle Creek has been rooted in a simple but powerful belief. She stated that lasting change comes from within the community.
"We have worked to ensure residents, entrepreneurs, and local leaders have a seat at the table and the resources to shape their own future," Baylis said.
The press release noted that the organization has helped direct more than $1.25 million into the community. The majority of those funds supported BIPOC-led organizations and entrepreneurs.
Baylis said the organization has strengthened local institutions and supported grassroots innovation. She stated that the work has helped create a more inclusive ecosystem where community voices are truly centered.
"Because of your leadership, partnership, and trust, we have helped direct more than $1.25 million into the community, with the majority supporting BIPOC-led organizations and entrepreneurs," Baylis said.
Beyond the numbers, Baylis said what matters most is the shift the organization has built together. She described it as a culture of participation, ownership, and possibility.
"We have seen residents step into leadership," Baylis said. "We have seen organizations grow stronger. And we have seen what can happen when a community is given the tools and trust to lead itself."
She said the momentum created during the organization's operation is very much alive. She stated that this momentum belongs to the community.
"While this chapter is coming to a close, the momentum we have created is very much alive, and it belongs to the community," Baylis said.