Stories

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How youth and amateur sports boost the West Michigan economy

A new report from the West Michigan Sports Commission shows that tourism from youth and amateur sports events in 2023 generated a nearly $90 million boost for the economy. 

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Celebrating 50 years: Why Grand Rapids is part of Gentex’s future

Gentex, which has long been a champion of community engagement, financially supporting education, economic development, diversity, and philanthropic causes, plans to grow its footprint in Grand Rapids.   

Feature Story Lindsay Patton (left) and Shanika Carter teach a Voices of Youth 2023 cohort at the Kent County ISD.

After a successful launch, Rapid Growth continues Voices of Youth program

So many issues affect today's youth. Rapid Growth's Voices of Youth helps them put that into words. After the programs first year, Rapid Growth hopes to build on its success.

Longform Lapeer County EMS Education Program Manager Luke Bowen leads a session of the new EMT training program.

Free EMS education program helps ease EMT shortage in Lapeer County

In Lapeer County, east of Flint, a new EMT education program is helping to grow the county's EMT and paramedic workforce.

Longform A Meals on Wheels Western Michigan volunteer makes a delivery.

Inflation, aging population, and loss of COVID funding impact Michigan Meals on Wheels programs

Many Meals on Wheels providers report that challenges have arisen as their client lists continue to grow thanks to an aging population, even as pandemic relief funding dries up.

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KCAD’s Gayle DeBruyn on the intersection of design and sustainability

A Q&A with KCAD Professor Gayle DeBruyn, who received the inaugural Legacy Award from the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan for her efforts to advance sustainability in the region.

Feature Story A wintery day when The Lakeshore Disability Inclusion Co-editor Lucia Rios had to roll her wheelchair in the road, because sidewalks hadn't been cleared of snow.

5 ways to support people with disabilities in the winter

Disability Inclusion Co-editor Lucia Rios suggests five ways people and organizations can help with accessibility during snowy, icy winters.

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Through learning about healthy foods, both childcare providers and children grow

Childcare providers are using grants and Go NAPSACC to bring fresh foods to the kids. The program teaches healthy eating and physical activity habits in children through free, easy-to-use online tools.   

Longform Data from Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC) and Altarum, commissioned by the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison, examines what direction Michigan is heading. 

Housing a key element of "Michigan's Path to a Prosperous Future"

Citizens Research Council, Michigan Municipal League, and Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation weigh in on state's housing needs, regional, minority-driven resources, and development within individual communities.   

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Michigan Association for Local Public Health helps build health across the state

Michigan Association for Local Public Health advocates for policies, initiatives, and collaborations that build health across the state and individually through trainings and workforce assistance.

Feature Story NAMI Blue Water Area now serves St. Clair County.

New St. Clair County NAMI affiliate helps for people in Blue Water area

In November 2023,  NAMI Blue Water Area Michigan in St. Clair County joined the 600 other local NAMI affiliates across the country. 

Feature Story Dining area of a Northern Lakes CMHA group home.

Adult foster care homes provide caring, community-based living

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority offers adult foster care (AFC) homes to adults living with disabilities in across Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford counties.

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Why preschoolers living with autism benefit from early education

 Early childhood education presents a golden opportunity to set up  children living with autism for academic success.

Longform Melanie Brim, former president and CEO of the Michigan Health Council.

How can Michigan solve its growing health care workforce shortage?Nonprofit Journal Project

One study found that nearly all of the 36 Michigan health care occupations it analyzed are projecting workforce shortages between now and 2032. What can be done?

Feature Story The Grand Rapids Public Library is a mainstay on the city's northeast side, but the 150-year-old institution now has many branches in neighborhoods around the city.

Grand Rapids Public Library — not just by the books

City High Middle School freshman Luke Fann reflects on the 150-year history of Grand Rapids Public Library and its future in the latest Voices of Youth article.

Feature Story Donna and Gene Allgaier-Lamberti

What happens when disability rights run up against homeowner associations' rules?

The Fair Housing Act ensures people with disabilities have the right to modify their residences even if they live in condos and other neighborhoods with homeowner association rules.

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Volunteers prepared for emergency after completing city’s free training

Community members are being trained to provide support to their families and neighbors during a disaster until professional first responders are able to respond. The training made possible the launch of the city’s first CERT team.

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Grand Rapids Public Museum receives $500K grant for archives, accessibility

The National Endowment for the Humanities award requires the Grand Rapids Public Museum to raise an additional $1.5 million to fully utilize the grant and complete the projects. 

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LAUP named Neighborhood Champion in Grand Rapids by Bank of America

As a Neighborhood Champion, Latin Americans United for Progress will receive $50,000 in funding plus access to nonprofit leadership training. The announcement was part of Bank of America Grand Rapids’ “Day of Giving.”  

Feature Story Muskegon-based WINC: For All Women Veterans will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year.

A safe space and sisterhood for female veterans

Launched 10 years ago in Muskegon, WINC has grown to offer support through various services and advocacy efforts with affiliates across the country.