Stories

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.

Feature Story NextStepSMALL

Company pays forward tax credit to support Grand Rapids nonprofit

Grand Rapids nonprofit Mel Trotter Ministries is benefitting from Coastal Container's tax credit after the Holland firm committed a portion of the money to the nonprofit dedicated to serving the unhoused.

Feature Story Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives Executive Director George Bayard III leads a tour.

Library and museum help residents research family trees, learn local history

Looking to dig deeper into your family tree or learn more about what your neighborhood looked like in yesteryear? Local libraries, museums and societies open the doors to their history archives and genealogy tools, which can help residents discover or rediscover interesting artifacts.

Longform Alison Hirschel, director and managing attorney for the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative.

Michigan works to continue residents' lifesaving health coverage after post-pandemic Medicaid cuts

When the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 expired in May 2023, over 500,000 Michiganders stood to lose their Medicaid health insurance coverage. But the state is working to help residents maintain coverage.

Feature Story Grand Rapids tech firm Carnevale is honoring the legacy of Nika Marie Price with a scholarship in her name to support Kent County students studying a STEAM-related field.

Tech company creates STEAM scholarship to honor employee’s legacy

Grand Rapids tech firm Carnevale is honoring the legacy of Nika Marie Price with a scholarship in her name to support Kent County students studying a STEAM-related field.

Feature Story Up and coming swim and sunwear line Saint Andro was co-founded by two Michigan natives.

Challenging the status quo and empowering people through fashion

Up and coming swim and sunwear line Saint Andro was co-founded by two Michigan natives. Officially launched Dec. 1, the brand seeks to address changing consumer demands, leverage ethical design practices and create products that are innovative, inclusive and empowering.

Feature Story Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services will have its 14th annual Signing Santa event for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children and families on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Signing Santa event returns to Grand Rapids

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services will host its14th annual Signing Santa event for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing children and families on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how to register for this event.

Longform Suicide is also the second-leading cause of death for Michigan residents ages 15 to 34

Suicide prevention coalitions address a leading cause of death in Michigan

Across the state, more than 40 suicide prevention coalitions work to help Michiganders who are thinking about ending their lives.

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.