A new, local organization, Trillium Institute, backed by a major local donor and organized by a leading senior living community, is taking a different approach to the end-of-life journey by emphasizing honest communication between patient and physician.
When local authors Betty Epperly and Deb Moore sat down to write about local individuals whose lives have been changed by their interactions with West Michigan nonprofits, they discovered a ripple effect. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen gets the story behind the stories in a book that's a must-add to your holiday shopping list for people who care.
Lead poisoning interferes with brain development, causes life-long brain damage, and poor physical growth and development. It contributes to social, behavioral and school problems, and learning disabilities; and can even cause death. As Grand Rapids continues to restore its historic neighborhoods, 'Get the Lead Out!' is raising awareness of the dangers associated with lead-based paint chips and dust.
Nonprofit organizations have common challenges, often require the help of an outsider to keep them on track and aligned with their mission, and need to learn how to adapt to changes within and outside the organizational environment. Luckily, upstart company 'Momentum' is here to help. At the helm is Tera Qualls, who brings her experience working at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at GVSU to the launch of this new organization.
This year, 15 Heartside Arts Collective artists banded together to create a collaborative ArtPrize entry entitled “Unchain the Neighborhood.” Artists Jane VanDommelen, Cory Ruiz, Tom Salazar, Todd Rothley, Mike L. Take, Mike Katerberg, Paula J. Clark, Annette Gray, Javanna Bagley, Wendy Smith, Denis Burkett, Bertha Ramirez Zamora, Scott Robinson, and Jerrilynn Anderson all collaborated on the entry.
Think those stereotypical jokes about lawyers being greedy and cutthroat are true? Au contraire: Since its inception, Community Legal Services of West Michigan's 37 volunteer attorneys have donated more than 500 hours of free legal assistance to people who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen reports.
Catherine's Health Center, a nonprofit health clinic in northeast Grand Rapids, is teaming up with Grand Rapids Community College's Nursing program and Kent Hills Elementary to roll out its indoor walking program for the 12th year. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen delves into the issue of access to fitness facilities and healthcare -- and finds out where and when you can walk for free.
These days, more nonprofits than ever are bringing their organizations to the next level by teaming up with community leaders, movers, and shakers from the public, private, and government sectors. Smart move. And the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Community Leadership is making it easier than ever for professionals and organizations to connect.
With budget reductions in state and federal programs that support vulnerable families, it's difficult for low-income and homeless residents to access the mental health care they need. Victoria Mullen reports on Servants Center, one local organization that helps those struggling with mental health issues get vital treatment.
Ten years ago, the city of Grand Rapids and the Kent County Board of Commissioners – with research and input from area agencies, churches, and individuals – created the “Vision to End Homelessness,” with the goal being to end homelessness by the close of 2014. Funded and supported by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Dyer-Ives Foundation, Steelcase Foundation, and HUD, the project is massive and ongoing.
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