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.
Building Bridges
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.
Seeing color anew: Takeaways from The Nature of Color exhibit with Hwa-Jeen Na
Exploring “The Nature of Color” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, artist Hwa-Jeen Na and Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen uncover its deeper cultural and personal layers.
How a new partnership is focused on driving generational wealth in West Michigan
A venture fund aims to address racial wealth gaps by investing in entrepreneurs of color, fostering generational wealth, creating jobs, and reshaping West Michigan's economic and social landscape.
Nonprofits comb the streets of Grand Rapids to provide the unhoused needed services
Nonprofits Mel Trotter Ministries and the Grand Rapids’ Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) comb the streets of downtown Grand Rapids in the wee hours of the morning searching for homeless people who’ve likely slept outside the night before.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation leader focuses on legacy, justice, and collaboration
LaSandra Gaddy leads Grand Rapids Community Foundation with a focus on justice, collaboration, strategic planning, and empowering inclusive philanthropy.
Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit is a new era for Indigenous representation at GRPM
After 30 years, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is redesigning and expanding its Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit and renewing its commitment to centering Indigenous voices, leveraging modern technology, and fostering a deeper understanding of Anishinaabe culture as a vibrant and living legacy.
GRPL’s new deputy director brings global experiences to the role
Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director, bringing global insights and a decade of experience to elevate the library’s services and impact.
How entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Sain Jr. supports Grand Rapids youth and education
Chris Sain Jr. uses his path from star high school athlete to millionaire investor to inspire and educate local youth.
3-county United Way merger strengthens regional collaboration
The recent merger of Heart of West Michigan United Way and United Way of Ottawa and Allegan Counties is expected to streamline fundraising requests for its 80 community partners while reducing the nonprofit’s expenses.
