Hope is a four-letter word: Publisher Tommy Allen shares reasons to be hopeful

We’ve made it through the noise — months of relentless political ads, conversations spiraling into debates, and that static hum of tension filling every room. Now, the screens are quieter, trading campaign rhetoric for the twinkle of holiday lights. But the energy isn’t entirely at ease if you look around the table. The emotional static lingers like the echo of a long, exhausting race.

This is the strange, charged moment we find ourselves in: between the end of a bruising election cycle and the start of a season devoted to gratitude. We’re relieved, yes, but also asking, where do we go from here? The campaigns have left their mark, and the temptation is to lean into cynicism or despair. But what if, instead, we leaned into something else—something quieter but infinitely more powerful?

Hope. Just four letters, and much like other four-letter words that contain such incredible punch (and thus their power), in this case, it somehow is expansive enough to hold both our exhaustion and our aspirations. It’s not logical or tidy, but maybe that’s the beauty of it. Hope doesn’t wait for the perfect conditions—it slips through the cracks, between chaos and calm, and whispers, “What if something good is happening here?”

For 18 years, Rapid Growth has illuminated stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation—stories that remind us why hope matters. This Thanksgiving, we want to offer you something to share at the table besides politics: a collection of our 2024 stories that spark connection, inspiration, and, yes, a little hope. 

Rapid Growth Media has showcased many stories in 2024 that illuminate hope and resilience in Michigan. Here’s a collection of stories and series that resonate with optimism and the power of community:
 

• LGBTQ+ Senior Centers: While this did not happen in Grand Rapids, it is the first in the state to offer a welcoming space for seniors to connect and access resources, with a second location planned for Detroit. This project fosters inclusivity and support for aging LGBTQ+ individuals who often face isolation, and we hope that West Michigan will join the SE soon by addressing this emerging matter locally in the years ahead.

• Oral Health Access: The Michigan Oral Health Coalition is breaking barriers to dental care, working to make oral health accessible to all residents, especially those most in need. This collective effort is a hopeful step toward equity in healthcare.

• Disability Inclusion in West Michigan: Rapid Growth’s ongoing "Disability Inclusion" series highlights the strides in making West Michigan more accessible and inclusive. The series celebrates new projects and policies that create opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

• Voices of Youth Program: Through the “Voices of Youth” series, high school students are empowered to tell their stories, tackling issues from mental health to climate change. This program gives young people a platform to inspire change.

• Affordable Housing Solutions: Dwelling Place’s new 2080 Union community land trust initiative showcases the growth of innovative collaborations across West Michigan, addressing housing shortages and working toward sustainable, affordable housing solutions that strengthen communities. This was one of the year's top stories as it provided a pathway for folks to build generational wealth. 

• MI Mental Health Expands: Michigan’s mental health initiatives have increased in scope, with new state-supported programs and community centers to improve access to mental health care, especially in underserved areas. This statewide coalition still needs more voices from WM at the table, and we hope more will join our other 13 magazines around Michigan in tackling this topic together.

• Public Transportation Improvements: West Michigan’s public transportation advancements, including expanded routes and accessibility upgrades, foster sustainable commutes and a greener future. Over the past year, Rapid Growth followed The Rapid’s evolution, showcasing the transformative impact of these initiatives. During his summer visit to Grand Rapids, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praised our region’s public transit innovations—a testament to the national significance of our local efforts. 

• Literacy Matters: In 2024, the Literacy Matters series showcased stories brimming with resilience and hope, illuminating how communities across Michigan are transforming lives through the power of reading as well as through community gatherings where civic dialogue could rise within their spaces, which host an emerging array of refreshing programming that challenges our views of what a modern library system can be. Each story celebrated the collective determination to build a future where the thirst for knowledge is genuinely accessible to all.

• Bridging the Talent Gap: Programs designed to bridge Michigan's talent gap bring together businesses, educators, and community members to build a resilient workforce that meets evolving industry needs. The Right Place’s Tech &Talent story series is helping folks navigate our emerging landscape, where more opportunities continue to unfold for our region. 

These stories reflect the challenges Michigan communities face and the strengths and solutions that emerge when people work together. Each story reminds us that even during uncertain times, hope is more than a sentiment — it’s the driving force behind progress.

So let’s lean into this strange, in-between moment together. Because hope just might be the four-letter word we need right now.

Have a wonderful holiday. We are grateful for your readership.

Tommy Allen
Publisher