Stories

Feature Story training-small

222 West Michigan businesses will split nearly $16M in training funds

The Going PRO Talent Fund will help train, develop and retain more than 3,400 current workers, apprentices and newly hired employees.

Longform Kim Hargis, LPN works on a mandala mural at Summit Pointe.

To build a mental wellness plan, take it one step at a time

Michigan mental health professionals share tips on building a mental wellness plan for 2024.

Feature Story Representatives from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IFF, KConnect, First Steps Kent, and Grand Rapids Public Schools were among those sharing at the event.

Un informe destaca la necesidad de una atención y educación más completas y equitativas en la primer

En el condado de Kent, estas barreras están perfectamente ilustradas por un informe publicado recientemente, Split by More Than the Grand River: Cómo la Desigualdad en el Acceso al Cuidado Infantil Asequible Divide el Condado de Kent. 

Feature Story RG-2023

Published Together: 5 stories that resonate with me and celebrate the power of local voices

 Publisher Tommy Allen looks back on stories that still hit home.

Feature Story Candace-Small

A lack of awareness about service animals leads to discrimination

Candace Carlisle says she and her trained service dog regularly are asked to leave restaurants and stores, even though such a request is illegal.   

Feature Story Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen

Focus Area: Series stories that propagate joy and inspiration within our community

Publisher Tommy Allen shares a collection of series stories that propagate joy within our community.

Longform Medical debt

As Oakland County pays off 80,000 residents' doctor bills, how can Michigan solve medical debt?

Oakland County's debt relief initiative highlights the overwhelming burden of medical debt for countless others in Michigan and beyond.

Feature Story Ascend Summer Youth Career Readiness, sponsored by West Michigan Works!, serves youth ages 16-24 who are not enrolled in high school and want to earn a high school diploma or GED.

Youth career readiness program sets stage for longterm work success

Youth who completed the Ascend Summer Youth Career Readiness program were eligible for a leadership conference that provided career exploration and skill-building opportunities.   

Feature Story Larry-SMALL

A Q&A with the West Michigan historian behind the Historic Michigan Travel Guide

Larry J. Wagenaar has lived in West Michigan for more than 30 years. He’s the CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan, which has released an updated version of the Historic Michigan Travel Guide.

Feature Story SpringGR's Emprende program helps business owners in a Spanish-language environment.

SpringGR uplifts local small businesses

While the financial awards are useful, SpringGR likes for the focus to remain on the social capital that they provide to business startups.

Longform Representatives from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IFF, KConnect, First Steps Kent, and Grand Rapids Public Schools were among those sharing at the event.

Report highlights need for more and more equitable early childhood care and education

WKKF, IFF, KConnect, and First Steps Kent met with other stakeholders to discuss a report that found 20,500 additional slots are needed to meet the Kent County’s demand for childcare.

Partner Content Vaccination

Get vaccinated for the holidays!

As families gather for the holidays, getting vaccinated is especially important. That’s why the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) helps prepare patients for vaccinations through communication, education, and accurate information. 

Feature Story GrowingSMALL

How ‘Incubation’ kitchens are helping food entrepreneurs affordably scale their businesses

Three Michigan nonprofits are providing support to food entrepreneurs, from access to commercial kitchens to local food systems, to help them launch their business more affordably and sustainably. 

Feature Story Will-SMALL

Will Wilson steps up as new CEO of DNWM

A familiar face will lead Disability Network West Michigan. Will Wilson has been with the nonprofit for 14 years and was the interim CEO for the past nine months.

Longform Dr. Jennifer Burgess.

Despite its conveniences, telehealth can be frustrating. These doctors are working to change that.

Telemedicine may be confusing, frustrating, or straight-up inaccessible for many patients – so Henry Ford Health practitioners are working to create an easier experience for all.

Longform (L – R) Deidre Fields, community partner, James Gunter, community advocate, and Ashley Hines, executive director of Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, in front of the African American History Gallery on Broadway Avenue in Benton Harbor.

Bold revitalization plan for Benton Harbor's Empire Corridor

Community-driven revitalization plan for Benton Harbor Empire Corridor envisions a neighborhood transformed into a vibrant haven for all.

Longform Natalie Visser, an assistant supervisor for MOKA, left, and Tracy share a warm embrace during a life skills session on cooking at a MOKA site in Wyoming.

Recruiting direct care workers a challenge for Michigan's adult foster care homes

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan found that adult foster care homes and other agencies are struggling to recruit and maintain workers in part due to higher wages in alternative occupations.

Feature Story Right here in Michigan, Detroit’s pre-K programs are among the best.

تُعَدُّ برامج التعليم المبكر في ديترويت نماذج ممتازة لبرنامج الروضة للجميع

تُعَدُّ برامج التعليم المبكر في ديترويت نماذج ممتازة لبرنامج الروضة للجميع

Feature Story HHSmall

New U-M Health partnership expands patient care across West Michigan

University of Michigan Health's new partnership with Holland Hospital will expand clinical specialties to more West Michigan residents.

Feature Story Avid-hotel

GR firm partners with West Michigan hotelier to turn around new hotel

ACRE Holdings, an hospitality-focused real estate investment firm, is partnering with Holland hotelier Peter D. Beukema to turn around the new Avid Hotel in Zeeland.