Stories

Feature Story tantaysmal

Sostenibilidad y equidad son los nuevos ingredientes del éxito de un restaurante

Cada vez más restaurantes de Michigan están poniendo en práctica la sostenibilidad centrándose en la equidad laboral, la reducción del desperdicio y el abastecimiento local. Pero este compromiso requiere tiempo, dinero y personas.  

Feature Story trackchairSmall

DNR fund drive helps make state nation’s leader in accessible track chairs

Michigan now offers more track chairs for public use than any other state parks and recreation system.

Feature Story Daryl Reece is no stranger to hard work, but the entrepreneur says he has also been blessed to be around good people who treat him well. His line of vodka, Stock Da Bar, debuted in 2019.

Daryl Reece: Built on hard work, community support, and faith

“I don’t come from a business background — a money management background — I come from a hardworking background,” Daryl Reece says, adding that his parents instilled in him the value of hard work and saving money. After years of hard work and a lot of support from key friends and family, Reece has partnered with Lansing-based Michigrain Distillery to create his own brand of Stock Da Bar Vodka.

Longform Jim Bardenhagen of Suttons Bay-based Bardenhagen Farms is one of many Michigan farmers who sold his produce to Michigan clients through Cherry Capital Foods.

After a Traverse City food distributor's closure, Michigan farmers work to keep produce in state

Cherry Capital Foods closed in November, leaving Michigan farmers and produce buyers scrambling to figure out what's next. 

Feature Story People talk during a KDL Work Hub open house.

Small businesses have huge resource in local library, chamber, and partnering organizations

It can be costly to run a small business, but the amount of resources that the Kent District Library and its partners, including the Grand Rapids Chamber, and Kent Intermediate School District are invaluable. Entrepreneurs and small businesses have a large resource with access to technology, tools, data, and training.

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.