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Partner Content AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

Feature Story Patient rights form

Protecting patient rights: How community mental health goes above and beyond

MI Mental Health spoke with Wil Morris, CEO Sanilac County Community Mental Health about how local agencies help mental health patients navigate their rights.

Feature Story Matt Acker, co-owner of Pavement Ends, is all smiles at the start of the race.

Gravel, growth, and the future of Barry-Roubaix in rural Michigan

In Hastings, the Barry-Roubaix gravel cycling race has become the largest event of its type in the world, driving economic revitalization, fostering community connections, and promoting an inclusive trail culture in a rural town that attracts thousands of visitors every spring.  

Feature Story Marcus Ringnalda, construction consultant and historic preservationist, purchased the Four Star Theatre and formed the Friends of Four Star, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save the iconic building and restore it as a multi-use cul

Historic theater revives as creative hub for community

Once a movie house and nightclub, Grand Rapids' Four Star Theatre now hosts storytelling, music, and grassroots events year-round.  

Feature Story Chasity Fedon (left) participated in the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program last summer and said it gave her the tools and confidence to earn her first paycheck. Pictured with her manager her manager, Alysa Hoy, she is still employed there.

Summer career program expands to serve more youth

The West Michigan Works! six-week paid summer program offers teens across seven counties real-world job experience, skills training, and career exploration.

Feature Story West Michigan’s booming hospitality sector is featured on the 2025 HotJobs! list as a top career path with growth potential.

Hospitality Jobs heat up on 2025 HotJobs! List

West Michigan’s booming hospitality sector is featured on the 2025 HotJobs! list as a top career path with growth potential.  

Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.

Feature Story For 10-year-old Connor Trelfa, the Spencer Township branch of the Kent District Library isn’t just a place to borrow books, it’s a second home.

Literacy Matters: 5 stories that celebrate the evolution of our libraries

Libraries are transforming into lively centers of belonging, with these five stories showcasing how Kent County’s libraries ignite curiosity, foster connections, and promote community-wide learning.

Feature Story Gail Eichorst is a volunteer driver with Disability Network West Michigan.

Volunteers find purpose, fulfillment at Disability Network West Michigan

Volunteers at Disability Network West Michigan find satisfaction through meaningful roles, supporting events, community programs, and accessibility initiatives.  

Feature Story Alan Hartline wears a Local Flavor t-shirt at Kingma's Market entrance.

From Detroit to Grand Rapids: How a community-focused grocer flourishes despite challenges

During these times of increasing grocery prices and the strong presence of big-box stores, Kingma’s Market nestled in Grand Rapids’ Cheshire neighborhood wonderfully showcases how local flavor, community spirit, and thoughtful leadership can truly transform what a neighborhood grocery store can be.  

Feature Story Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.

Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025 advocates for the mentorship she wishes she had

Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.

Feature Story A workplace ESL course at HNI helps immigrant employees overcome language barriers, build confidence, and access greater opportunities on the job.

Workplace ESL program empowers Hope Network Industries employees

A workplace ESL course at HNI helps immigrant employees overcome language barriers, build confidence, and access greater opportunities on the job.

Feature Story GVSU’s proactive use of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is lowering student debt and expanding college access for thousands of Michigan families.

GVSU reduces student debt with state scholarship program

GVSU’s proactive use of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is lowering student debt and expanding college access for thousands of Michigan families.  

Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.

Feature Story A revamped library at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, supported by a partnership with volunteers and KDL, improves behavior and literacy.

Library overhaul builds culture of reading at youth detention center

A revamped library at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, supported by a partnership with volunteers and KDL, improves behavior and literacy.

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