ZooCountyStrong

A countywide network connecting people, resources, and support across every city, village, township, and neighborhood in Kalamazoo County.

About ZooCountyStrong

ZooCountyStrong is a community-led effort focused on connection.

Across Kalamazoo County, there are already strong organizations, dedicated workers, caring neighbors, and people showing up for one another every day. ZooCountyStrong exists to help connect what is already happening, rather than replace it.

This work is not about ownership, credit, or control.
It is about creating shared infrastructure — simple, lawful ways for people, organizations, and resources to find each other in real time.

ZooCountyStrong is for everyone in Kalamazoo County:

  • people living and working downtown

  • people in villages and townships

  • people running organizations and businesses

  • people caregiving, navigating health challenges, or rebuilding

  • people who want to help, and people who need connection

No single group carries this alone.

Many systems rely on waitlists, eligibility rules, and long timelines. Those realities aren’t going away. ZooCountyStrong focuses on what happens during the waiting — the everyday support, connection, and care that help people stay stable while formal systems do their work.

This effort centers on:

  • listening before labeling

  • reducing isolation and wasted resources

  • matching people with support that fits capacity and safety

  • supporting existing organizations rather than competing with them

ZooCountyStrong does not promise to fix everything.
It creates space for collaboration, visibility, and shared responsibility — so fewer people fall through the cracks and more people feel supported along the way.

At its core, ZooCountyStrong is about connecting the dots — together.

Accessibility & Contact

If you need help connecting, reading, or filling out forms, you are welcome to reach out directly.

Email: ZooCountyStrong@gmail.com
Call or Text: 269-220-0089

ZooCountyStrong is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Your Questions,
Answered

What is ZooCountyStrong?

ZooCountyStrong is a community-led effort focused on connection.

It exists to help people, organizations, and resources across Kalamazoo County find each other more easily — especially during times when systems are full, waitlists are long, or people feel stuck navigating things alone.

ZooCountyStrong does not replace existing organizations or services.
It helps connect what is already happening.

Is ZooCountyStrong a nonprofit or organization?

Not yet.

Right now, ZooCountyStrong is operating as a collaborative, listening, and connection effort. The focus is on understanding what already exists, what’s needed, and how people can better support one another across the county.

Any future structure will be shaped with the community, not decided in advance.

Who is this for?

ZooCountyStrong is for everyone in Kalamazoo County, including:

  • residents in cities, villages, and townships

  • families and caregivers

  • people navigating health, recovery, or transitions

  • volunteers and informal helpers

  • nonprofits, faith communities, and schools

  • businesses and employers

If you live or work in Kalamazoo County, this is for you.

Is this only for downtown Kalamazoo or certain groups?

No.

ZooCountyStrong is countywide — not just downtown, not just established networks, and not just “usual circles.”

Every city, village, township, and neighborhood matters.

What does ZooCountyStrong actually do?

ZooCountyStrong focuses on:

  • connecting people to people

  • connecting people to existing resources

  • reducing duplication and isolation

  • supporting what happens while people are waiting for formal services

It’s about visibility, coordination, and shared responsibility — not creating new programs for the sake of it.

Is ZooCountyStrong a crisis or emergency service?

No.

ZooCountyStrong is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or local emergency services.

This effort is about connection, prevention, and support, not emergency response.

How can I get involved or stay connected?

You can:

  • fill out the Get Connected form

  • take the Countywide Community Survey

  • share ideas, resources, or availability

  • join the countywide forum

If online forms are difficult, you can also reach out by phone or text.

Email: ZooCountyStrong@gmail.com
Call or Text: 269-220-0089

What is the Countywide Online Forum?

The Countywide Online Forum is a space to:

  • hear what’s emerging across the county

  • share perspectives and ideas

  • ask questions

  • explore next steps together

There is no pressure to speak or participate actively. Listening is welcome.

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
🕒 Time: 3:00–5:00 PM (EST)
📍 Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

Join the forum here:
https://teams.live.com/meet/9351999188463?p=HXsI6ob9Dp4XHEzocM

Do I need to represent an organization to participate?

No.

Individuals, families, informal helpers, and neighbors are just as important as organizations and institutions. Everyone’s perspective helps shape a clearer picture of what’s actually happening across the county.

Is this about control, ownership, or credit?

No.

ZooCountyStrong is not about ownership, control, or taking credit.
It’s about creating shared infrastructure for connection — so the work already being done can reach further and work better together.

What happens after the forum?

After March 3, what’s been shared will be summarized and used to:

  • identify common needs and strengths

  • highlight gaps and overlaps

  • explore collaborative next steps

Nothing will be decided for the community — the goal is to move with the community.

Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?

You’re welcome to reach out anytime.

Email: ZooCountyStrong@gmail.com
Call or Text: 269-220-0089

Get Connected and Collaboration