Stories

Feature Story Small-Monroe-16

Riding with Monroe O’Bryant: ArtPrize winner and The Rapid driver

For Monroe O’Bryant, providing transportation for people on The Rapid is about showing compassion. It’s the same perspective the ArtPrize winner brings to his art. Publisher Tommy Allen stepped into O’Bryant’s moving office to check out his perspective as he drove his route.

Feature Story Small-Raquel-Guzman

New West Michigan show lifts up female entrepreneurs

Law firm co-founder Raquel Guzman talks about being a mentor and investor on the show “Let's Help Her Win,” which spotlights West Michigan female entrepreneurs. 

Feature Story

On the Same Page: Sold-out conversation between authors shows passion for reading

A partnership between Kent District Library and The January Series at Calvin University featured Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson in front of a packed house at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University. 

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Meijer State Games of Michigan Athlete of the Year shares the challenges of battling MS

In honoring Andrea Hampton as the adult female athlete of the year, the Meijer State Games says her “vivacity for life and love of sports have allowed Hampton to adapt and find new avenues'' after her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis 13 years ago.

Longform Corktown Health staff

CDFI funding helps Corktown Health expand services for Detroit area's LGBTQ residents

Corktown Health has evolved and grown from offering end-of-life services during the HIV/AIDS epidemic to providing primary care for the LGBTQ community. Through financial support from IFF, and through partnerships with local organizations including MiGen, the health network continues to provide a life-changing impact on the patients it serves.   

Longform Leaders from Mackinac Straits Health System and the public health departments implemented the assessment in the communities of Mackinac County.

Community health needs assessments drive priorities for local health departments and hospitals

To better serve their communities, many health departments and hospitals undertake community health needs assessments (CHNA) by surveying the people they serve.

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Absolutely Accessible Kent returns to show what’s possible in accessible design

The 6th annual Absolutely Accessible Kent will take place May 8 at GVSU’s Eberhard Center from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with presentations on designing for neurodiversity, aging in place, and accessibility in arts venues.

Feature Story David Tucker, be nice. volunteer team leader

Business symposium kicks off series of spring be nice. mental health events

The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and its be nice. program will host four spring mental health events this year.

Feature Story Calvin University senior Cameron Lockrey

Calvin student creates app that helps others ‘kickback’ and relax

Calvin University senior Cameron Lockrey has created an app to connect residents with people looking to complete odd jobs. The app has been successful so far and is continuing to grow.  

Feature Story Small Martha

Nonprofit spotlights the impact of volunteers

Love Your Neighbor is celebrating the deep investment of key volunteers during National Volunteer Month.

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Author embraces experience of growing up in deaf culture

Grand Rapids resident Mickey Carolan describes himself as a CODA, short for child of deaf adults. Growing up with two deaf parents gave him experiences that have inspired his three books and his work as an ally for the Deaf community.

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Special funds are a step toward leveling the playing field for Black farmers

For the first time, BIPOC farmers in West Michigan will be able to apply for a grant through the West Michigan Farmers of Color Land Fund to help them buy, maintain, and improve agricultural land.

Feature Story Danielle Atkinson

Mothering Justice "Mamas' Agenda" addresses childcare and early childhood education

A grassroots policy advocacy organization, Mothering Justice provides mothers of color in America with resources and tools to make equitable policy changes. One of its agenda items is early childhood education.

Development News Arbor Circle has received a three-year, $1.2 million grant to increase access to care for LGTBQ+ youth and their families.

Arbor Circle received new grant that will further serve LGBTQ+ youth

Arbor Circle has received a three-year, $1.2 million grant to increase access to care for LGTBQ+ youth and their families.

Feature Story The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) began play in February with teams playing in arenas across the nation.

Bump, set, spike: Rise taking West Michigan by storm

Grand Rapids rises to the occasion with support for its new professional volleyball team.  

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Industry trends push many new jobs onto the annual HotJobs! List

If you want to learn about the career opportunities across West Michigan, the 2024 HotJobs! List is a good place to start.  

Feature Story The Barn for Equine Learning gives youth and adults the opportunity to discover new experiences, challenge themselves, and grow through the healing power of horses in a therapeutic setting.

How United Way is using microgrants to address social challenges

Over the past five years, Heart of West Michigan United Way's Emerging Leaders United group has distributed grants to eight nonprofits, giving more than $30,000.  

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How at-home vaccinations protect the lives of the state’s most vulnerable

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services has collaborated with Disability Rights of Michigan to support vaccinations for homebound residents.

Longform Dr. Theresa Hastert (right) helped develop the Michigan Community Outreach to Address Financial Toxicity (MI-COST). Ali Fakih (left) is a research assistant with MI-COST, and Cornelius Wilson (center) sits on its Community Advisory Board.

Here's how Michigan organizations are working to reduce cancer treatment's crushing financial burden

In Michigan, several efforts are underway to help cancer patients prepare for, manage, and alleviate the financial struggles associated with treatment.

Feature Story Hillery Ross, How YOU Birth Doulas Services' administrative coordinator, and Allison Keessen, treasurer for How YOU Birth Doula Services.

Initiative rapidly expands doula ranks in Muskegon County, with major implications for birth equity

Muskegon-based How YOU Birth Doula Services is working to improve outcomes for parents and babies by leveraging Michigan's recently added Medicaid coverage for doula services.