Stories

Feature Story Robert Sheehan

Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, December 20, 2024
Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.
Feature Story "We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."

A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Brianna NargisoFriday, December 20, 2024
Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 
Feature Story Nathan Dlouhy appreciates how DAKC's Interview Day helps him to be his best self.

DAKC event empowers young adults with disabilities through mock interviews and job connections

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 18, 2024
A Disability Advocates Kent County event uses mock interviews to build confidence among young adults with disabilities and connect them to job opportunities.
Feature Story Mayor Bliss reflects on nine years as mayor and two decades of service to Grand Rapids.

A look back at Mayor Rosalynn Bliss's tenure: leadership, legacy, and vision

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 18, 2024
As she leaves office, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss reflects on her legacy and her accomplishments.
Feature Story More than 100 Bank of America employees volunteering at six local nonprofits, from Kids Food Basket to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

Bank of America’s Grand Rapids Day of Giving showcases $1.2M community investment

Shandra MartinezWednesday, December 11, 2024
Bank of America invests $1.215 million across West Michigan, fostering collaboration, empowering nonprofits, and building future leaders.
Feature Story LaSandra Gaddy (center), the new president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), talks to supporters.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation leader focuses on legacy, justice, and collaboration

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024
LaSandra Gaddy leads Grand Rapids Community Foundation with a focus on justice, collaboration, strategic planning, and empowering inclusive philanthropy.  
Feature Story Katrina Furman, the newly appointed Anishinaabe curator and member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians looks into an exhibit that features the flag of her people as well as a ballot that bear the names of one of her ancestors.

Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit is a new era for Indigenous representation at GRPM

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024
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.
Feature Story Kids are intrigued by David Smith's use of metal in Untitled (Rebecca with a Turtle), ca. 1956-57.

David Smith: Sculpting space, nature, and legacy at Meijer Gardens

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024
David Smith’s relationship with nature is central to his sculptures. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park's interior and exterior exhibition of his work, "David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture," resonates deeply with his intent.
Longform Deb Messing oversees Sanilac County Community Mental Health communications efforts to the county's rural residents.

Rural mental health providers overcome stigma, rugged individualism, and distance to provide care

Julie RiddleMonday, December 9, 2024
Here's how three Michigan community mental health agencies serving rural populations have found ways to meet their unique needs by developing innovative programs and effective outreach.
Longform Small-team-smile

New series explores efforts to address oral health inequities

Shandra MartinezMonday, December 9, 2024
A new State of Health series highlights innovative approaches and partnerships tackling systemic barriers to oral health care for underserved populations.
Feature Story small-karen

Advocate uses her experiences to help others with disabilities gain independence through work

Shandra MartinezMonday, December 9, 2024
Karen Wynne helps individuals with disabilities navigate the Ticket to Work program, empowering them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Feature Story Disability Network Southwest Michigan’s Kelly Linton, an ADA specialist and systems advocate working with Wheel the World, takes measurements.

How Wheel the World is changing accessibility in Kalamazoo, one business at a time

Shandra MartinezWednesday, December 4, 2024
Kalamazoo businesses partner with Wheel the World and Disability Network Southwest Michigan to improve accessibility, creating inclusive spaces that welcome everyone.
Feature Story "P" is for Patti (Smith) as well as Public (Transportation).

How a life without a car led to financial freedom and a three-story home

Shandra MartinezWednesday, December 4, 2024
Ken Miguel-Cipriano says he thrives in Grand Rapids with a carless lifestyle, saving money, embracing community, and advocating for sustainable transportation.
Feature Story Uncle Goose owner Pete Bultman believes their blocks promote critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.

Uncle Goose: Building a legacy of play, imagination and sustainability

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 4, 2024
Rooted in Grand Rapids' manufacturing legacy, Uncle Goose crafts handcrafted wooden toys that inspire imaginative play, promote learning, and prioritize sustainability.  
Feature Story U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, smiles as she checks out at a local shop.

PUBLISHED TOGETHER: Small business magic is where custom experiences meet local impact

Kim BodeWednesday, December 4, 2024
During the holiday season, Grand Rapids transforms into something straight out of a Hallmark movie — complete with real snow and better shopping. Kim Bode, founder and owner of 8THIRTYFOUR, describes her magical shopping trip with Rep. Hillary Scholten.
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.

Legendary Readers Program helps elementary students fall in love with reading

Shandra MartinezSaturday, November 30, 2024
Kent District Library's Legendary Readers program inspires K-5 students to read for 100 days, fostering literacy, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Registration closes Jan. 31.
Feature Story Small-Demi

KCAD alum Demi McNeal: Crafting custom elegance through fashion

Shandra MartinezFriday, November 29, 2024
Up-and-coming designer and KCAD alum Demi McNeal debuts her custom evening wear brand, Dominique Alyse, with a successful fashion show in Michigan.  
Feature Story Stories of hope, currated by Publisher Tommy Allen.

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

Tommy AllenThursday, November 28, 2024
Publisher Tommy Allen has gathered a collection of stories that remind us that even during uncertain times, hope is more than a sentiment — it’s the driving force behind progress.
Longform A gathering for Michigan State University's Generations Connect program, which matches MSU undergraduate students with elders in the community, at the East Lansing Public Library.

Michigan universities join global "age-friendly" movement, making campuses more welcoming to elders

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 25, 2024
As Michigan prepares for rapid growth in its population of older adults, three Michigan universities have joined a global movement to make higher education institutions more "age-friendly."
Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 25, 2024
AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.
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