Stories

Longform James Ribbron reads to Dwayne Sharpe and Elizabeth Brooks.

Detroit Champions for HOPE empowers parents as their children’s first teachers

Through a focus on advocacy, community leadership, and parent engagement, Detroit Champions for HOPE works to better the lives of Detroit’s children by empowering parents and caregivers to be their child’s first champions.

Feature Story Trails-Small

‘It really opened up my world’: Users welcome health benefits of accessible trails

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked closely with Disability Network West Michigan to develop an accessible trail system that gives visitors like Jeffrey VanDyke access to the health benefits of being in nature. 

Longform More than 500 students, staff, teachers, and volunteers participated in a Mental Health Fair and Walk at Detroit’s University Prep Art & Design Middle High School in October.

Michigan’s community mental health agencies work hard to prevent youth suicide

Michigan’s community mental health agencies (CMHs) and organizations across the state understand that asking questions and having conversations about mental health and suicide is a very significant step in prevention. 

Longform A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.

Michigan busca crear una mejor trayectoria profesional para los educadores de la primera infancia

Mientras Michigan trabaja hacia un programa PreK para Todos o PreK for All, que ampliará las opciones voluntarias de preescolar para que cada niño de cuatro años en Michigan pueda acceder a una educación preescolar gratuita en 2027, una preocupación que Meyers y otros educadores preescolares plantean es el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral para los maestros de educación preescolar. 

Feature Story Another-Sedan-Small

Designer Joey Ruiter on his creative inspiration. It’s complicated.

The acclaimed Grand Rapids designer is cool with being asked about his source of creativity. Just don’t expect a quick answer. 

Partner Content Dr. Colleen Allen, AAoM president and CEO cuts the ribbon.

Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates grand opening of new Grand Rapids location

On Thursday Nov. 16, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) celebrated its new Grand Rapids-area office with a grand opening ribbon cutting and open house at its location within the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, about 10 miles south of Grand Rapids proper. 

Feature Story Photo by Tyler Herbstreith

Grand Rapids rises as a hub for medical startups and innovation

Discover Grand Rapids' dynamic medical startup landscape, where "The Bridge" incubator,  launched by Spartan Innovations and Health Innovation Partners, is turning challenges into opportunities, driving innovation and impacting health care — both locally and globally.

Development News Courtesy AYA Facebook page

AYA and MDHHS partnership usher in greater access to assistance for youth in need

Through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the AYA Youth Collective has created a new position to help youth ages 14-24 get the assistance they need.

Feature Story The Rapids' CEO Deborah Prato engages with local business leaders of Walker

Route 33 improves transit experience for Walker city riders

The Rapid is working to stay up to date with the needs of its customers to make sure the community is taken care of. A community leader, The Rapid has focused on meeting riders' needs such as when it realigned its Route 33 to meet the needs of commuters.  

Feature Story MRC

Why a nonprofit is ending subminimum wages for workers with disabilities

Since its inception, MRC Industries, a nonprofit that serves people with developmental or intellectual disabilities in Kalamazoo County, has paid its workers a subminimum wage. But no longer. MRC dropped its 14(c) certification in September.

Feature Story Wild-Rice-Small

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

On its reservation in the UP's copper country, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is striving toward the goal of food sovereignty, strengthening the community's ablility to produce more of its own fresh and local food sources. 

Longform Ken Nixon, director of outreach and community partnerships for Safe & Just Michigan.

Lack of data raises questions about quality and cost effectiveness of Michigan's prison health care

According to Michigan researchers and advocates for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, health care in prison is far less than adequate.

Feature Story Courtesy of Liz Brown website

Encouraging connection and the hope of open hearts for National Adoption Month and beyond

In honor of National Adoption Month, Grand Rapids resident Liz Brown has launched her first book, “The ABCs of Adoption.” Highlighting her story as an adoptee, her book seeks to showcase adoption from a different perspective and remind others that though their journey may be different, they are not alone on the path.

Longform Parents across the state are taking note and feeling excited about what  Pre K For All means for their little ones.

Parents weigh in on PreK for All

Parents across the state are taking note and feeling excited about what  Pre K for All means for their little ones. And they have shared feedback on the proposed program at listening sessions across the state.

Longform Yarrow Brown and a colleague

Statewide housing plan works with stakeholders across region to address housing needs

Block by Block spoke with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Housing North, and Communities First about how individual communities are working together to tackle the specific housing needs of their residents. For the first time ever, the state of Michigan released a statewide coordinated, comprehensive housing plan, working with stakeholders across the housing sector  

Feature Story The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan will host the West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss 2023 event.

Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan hosts suicide survivors’ event Nov. 18Help is available by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

On November 18, the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan will host the West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss annual event, which brings together people impacted by a death by suicide. 

Feature Story Two GRIT wheelchair users pose at a local park.

All-terrain wheelchair loan program opens outdoors to more users

The GRIT wheelchair can go across all terrains standard wheelchairs can’t, and a West Michigan family who knows the constraints of conventional wheelchair use has created a program to allow the public borrow two of them.

Feature Story Courtesy Dr. TaLawnda Bragg

Dr. TaLawnda Bragg, MD, FACP — Encouraging others to speak up and advocate for their own health

Health is a delicate thing, and Dr. TaLawnda Bragg encourages others to look after theirs. Here's how.

Feature Story KRock-SMALL

Rock musicians with autism to be honored with Discover Ability Award

Together, Keegan Russell and Keenan Miller keep the beat as the band K-Rock. The musicians were nominated by Autism Support of Kent County because “they show others what is possible when individuals are given a chance to shine.”

Feature Story Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT) conducts Camp Infinity as part of its efforts to encourage girls' interest in tech.

Local organizations and role models hope to put Michigan on the map for women in tech careers

There’s a clear gap in both pay and representation of women in technical careers. Local organizations and role model women are hoping to put an end to that by encouraging fellow females and future generations to engage with the technical industry.