Holland

Located on the shores of little Lake Macatawa, just off the coast of expansive Lake Michigan, Holland is the epicenter of West Michigan's Dutch history and culture. Not surprisingly, then, the city is perhaps best known for its annual Tulip Time Festival in May. But there's much more to the Tulip City than, well, tulips. The city's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts as much retail activity as any urban core in the region. The community is flush with wildly popular waterfront beaches like Tunnel Park and Holland State Park. And Hope College lends the clean, conservative town a bit of youthful spirit. Holland is the quintessential family town that's a choice destination to work, live, and recreate.

The Morales family rode on the Lakeshore Habitat parade float down Columbia Avenue to their new home at 132 E. 37th St., where an outdoor dedication was held.

Parade celebrates nonprofit-church partnership in building Habitat home

In spite of construction shutdowns due to COVID-19, a partnership between nonprofits and churches has completed a Habitat for Humanity home for one Holland family. The completion of the project was celebrated with a parade and a home dedication.

LEDA Executive Director Gloria Lara introduces Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at the Summit.
LEDA’s 1st virtual conference brings together leaders for day of inclusion education

In an age when racial inequity has been thrust to the forefront, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s annual summit on race and inclusion drew nearly 800 people. Among the virtual event's attendees were representatives from cities, public schools, police departments, public health departments, corporations, nonprofits, and universities.

Recent high school grad Gezelle Kingdom Grier is ready to cast a ballot in her first election by mail
Mail-in ballots attractive to first-time voters

Recent high school grad Gezelle Kingdom Grier is ready to cast a ballot by mail in her first election. “I was looking forward to voting in person but I think this will be much easier," she says. 

A new program is providing $60 million in coronavirus relief funds to prevent homelessness statewide by paying back rent to landlords.
Renters avoid eviction, landlords get back rent with new state program

The Michigan Eviction Diversion Program is providing $60 million in coronavirus relief funds to prevent homelessness statewide by paying back rent to landlords. “It’s a win for everybody,” says Good Samaritan Ministries Executive Director Drew Peirce. 

Theresa Glass only recently recognized the role her childhood played in her health issues as an adult .
Thrive shines light on childhood trauma’s effects on adults

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, or a home with mental illness, domestic violence, or the loss of a parent can affect people long into adulthood in ways that can manifest as both mental and physical maladies.

Hope College professor Jordan VanHemert performs.
How bebop influenced the civil rights movement

Hope Professor Jordan VanHemert writes about his love for Bebop, a style that challenged the status quo during the Jim Crow era and why he thinks everyone should listen to this music.

Customer and employee safety remains a priority for businesses in downtown Holland and Grand Haven.
What businesses need to know about Michigan’s mask mandate

As positive cases of COVID-19 rise, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expanded the previous recommendation-only directive for use of face masks to a mandate. There are many implications to businesses, their patrons, and employees. Here's what you need to know. 

Patrick Cisler is executive director of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.
Why counting young people is critical to success of 2020 census

Young adults don’t always recognize the civic responsibility of filling out a form, but the federal government uses answers to measure population and determine federal funding distribution to local governments.

Jennifer Owens is president of Lakeshore Advantage.
Grants up to $20,000 available for small businesses impacted by COVID-19

Lakeshore Advantage will be awarding the grants totaling $3.5 million to more than 160 small businesses in Allegan and Ottawa counties. Applications for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program will be accepted July 15-Aug. 5.

Liz Hoffswell is a small business expert.
What small businesses and nonprofits need to know about EIDL funds

As a part of the CARES Act, the EIDL program offers economic support for eligible small businesses and non-profits that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Business expert Liz Hoffswell explains what you need to know. 

Our Partners

Disability Advocates of Kent County logo

Don't miss out!

Everything Grand Rapids, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.