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Feature Story
How youth and amateur sports boost the West Michigan economy
Shandra Martinez
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
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.
Feature Story
Celebrating 50 years: Why Grand Rapids is part of Gentex’s future
Shandra Martinez
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
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
After a successful launch, Rapid Growth continues Voices of Youth program
Lindsay Patton
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
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
Free EMS education program helps ease EMT shortage in Lapeer County
Estelle Slootmaker
Monday, January 29, 2024
In Lapeer County, east of Flint, a new EMT education program is helping to grow the county's EMT and paramedic workforce.
Longform
Inflation, aging population, and loss of COVID funding impact Michigan Meals on Wheels programs
Estelle Slootmaker
Monday, January 29, 2024
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.
Feature Story
KCAD’s Gayle DeBruyn on the intersection of design and sustainability
Shandra Martinez
Monday, January 29, 2024
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
5 ways to support people with disabilities in the winter
Lucia Rios
Monday, January 29, 2024
Disability Inclusion Co-editor Lucia Rios suggests five ways people and organizations can help with accessibility during snowy, icy winters.
Feature Story
Through learning about healthy foods, both childcare providers and children grow
Kelsey Sanders
Thursday, January 25, 2024
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
Housing a key element of "Michigan's Path to a Prosperous Future"
Sarah Spohn
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
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.
Longform
Michigan Association for Local Public Health helps build health across the state
Rylee Barnesdale
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
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
New St. Clair County NAMI affiliate helps for people in Blue Water area
Monique Bedford
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
In November 2023, NAMI Blue Water Area Michigan in St. Clair County joined the 600 other local NAMI affiliates across the country.
Feature Story
Adult foster care homes provide caring, community-based living
Genevieve Fox
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
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.
Feature Story
Why preschoolers living with autism benefit from early education
Estelle Slootmaker
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Early childhood education presents a golden opportunity to set up children living with autism for academic success.
Longform
How can Michigan solve its growing health care workforce shortage?
Nonprofit Journal Project
Estelle Slootmaker
Monday, January 22, 2024
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
Grand Rapids Public Library — not just by the books
Luke Fann
Monday, January 22, 2024
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
What happens when disability rights run up against homeowner associations' rules?
Paul R. Kopenkoskey
Monday, January 22, 2024
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.
Feature Story
Volunteers prepared for emergency after completing city’s free training
Shandra Martinez
Friday, January 19, 2024
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.
Feature Story
Grand Rapids Public Museum receives $500K grant for archives, accessibility
Shandra Martinez
Friday, January 19, 2024
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.
Feature Story
LAUP named Neighborhood Champion in Grand Rapids by Bank of America
Shandra Martinez
Friday, January 19, 2024
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
A safe space and sisterhood for female veterans
Shanika P. Carter
Friday, January 19, 2024
Launched 10 years ago in Muskegon, WINC has grown to offer support through various services and advocacy efforts with affiliates across the country.
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Across Our Network
"Hallowed ground": Performers reflect on 60 years of community and creativity at the Ark
Source: Concentrate
Ferncliff Trolley Tours offer a unique look at Springfield history
Source: Hub Springfield
Mixed-use developments in Ferndale and Southfield vary in size and scope but both win state support
Source: Metromode
Clearwater highlights local impact of CDBG, HOME programs for National Community Development Week
Source: 83Degrees