Stories

Development News Courtesy

Michigan Green Communities bestows “gold status” to the City of Grand RapidsPart II: Greening the municipal infrastructure

Michigan Green Communities award also speaks to the city’s commitment to decrease its municipal carbon footprint, increase recycling efforts and responsibly manage its water system.

Feature Story Charles “Charlie” Elwood and Chris Martin using version 2.0 of Martin’s voice for the first time at Carpe Latte Coffee Shop.

AI app gives voice to those who’ve lost theirs

Throat cancer required the removal of Chris Martin’s larynx in 2020, resulting in his loss of speech. An AI app has made it possible for him to talk again — in his own voice. Now, this technology is being developed for others to use.

Feature Story Alexx Smith, recipient of the 2022 Bob Davis Independent Living Award, stands with Disability Network Southwest Michigan staff member Mary Fortney.

DNSWM highlights ‘remarkable progress’ with ADA Celebration

The Disability Network Southwest Michigan will mark this year’s Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary with a celebration on July 28  at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market.

Longform Citizen action team members in the Citizenship for Health program discuss their mission and vision for community issues they want to take action on.

Detroit program engages community members to democratically develop solutions to health disparities

An innovative initiative is chipping away at health disparities in Detroit’s Hope Village neighborhood by looking to community members as leaders and learners in their own lives.

Longform Early Education Matters,

Pre-K for All will improve long-term health, education, and social outcomes for children

Pre-K for All is really about ensuring that all Michigan children enjoy academic success.  

Feature Story Dr. Hank Paulson is a neurologist at University of Michigan Health and director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

PODCAST: Inside the rapidly expanding field of dementia research

One of the most frustrating and scary things about dementia is that we still know breathtakingly little about it. But the medical community in Michigan, as in the rest of the U.S., is currently working at unprecedented speed to change that.

Partner Content Sensory rooms in doctor’s offices can improve the experience for ASD families.

Corner Health sensory room makes accessing healthcare easier for people living with autism

For people on the autism spectrum, simple healthcare tasks such as routine vaccinations or annual check-ups can be a challenge. Sensory rooms are one way to overcome that challenge.

Feature Story Photo by Tommy Allen

Creating community and pride within the design scene in West Michigan

The design scene has grown organically in West Michigan over the past decade. Design industry contributors have continued to help in the rise of the design scene since the COVID pandemic, and more social events for designers in the region are coming up.

Longform SOCIAL Program volunteers Keen Parra and Brooklynn Wilton with their client, Tammirah, at center.

Student volunteers relieve caregivers and build intergenerational friendships through new program

Students are connecting with, caring for, and learning from older adults through a new intergenerational program that also addresses Michigan’s caregiver shortage.

Development News Courtesy

Michigan Green Communities bestows “gold status” to the City of Grand RapidsPart I: Greening vulnerable neighborhoods and growing understanding

Michigan Green Communities has awarded “gold status” to the City of Grand Rapids. The Strategic Plan focuses on sustainability carbon reductions, green space, water quality, waste and health disparities.

Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.

PODCAST: Building support for dementia caregiving challenges

Becoming a caregiver to a person living with dementia is a challenging process. We talked with Michigan caregivers about their struggles, their successes, and the resources and support they need to do their vital work.

Feature Story Courtesy

Advocating for STEAM opportunities this summer in West and SW Michigan

Throughout our region, supporting STEAM’D (science, technology, engineering, art, math and design) is the focus of organizations and programs that are working to encourage the next generation to pursue opportunities within these industries.

Longform SUDs were a topic of discussion at the June 2023 CMHAM conference.

Opioid settlement dollars will strengthen community mental health response to opioid use disorders

Medication-assisted treatment, Narcan kits, and recovery housing are some of the programs that could be funded through opioid settlement dollars. 

Feature Story The band Flexadecibel performs at Party in the Park in 2022.

Disability Network West Michigan hosts inclusive Party in the Park on July 28

Disability Network West Michigan is making the Party in the Park on July 28 accessible in several ways, from having ASL interpreters to wheelchair-accessible seating.

Feature Story Courtesy of Desmond Jones' Facebook page

Chris Bota and Desmond Jones find their work-life balance in music

Chris Bota has not looked back as he and other members of West Michigan jam band Desmond Jones have toured different parts of the country (Colorado, the West Coast and the Northeast) bringing their unique sound to their audiences.

Feature Story Since being diagnosed with dementia, Monica Downer (center, being interviewed) has become an activist for awareness of her disease.

PODCAST: Dementia disparities in communities of color

Dementia is challenging for everyone, but it takes a particularly heavy toll in communities of color. Here's how people living with dementia, researchers, and activists are working to change that in Michigan.

Longform Students run a farm stand as part of Partridge Creek Farm's farm to school program in Ishpeming.

Michigan programs empower kids to be community health leaders

When kids take the reins, health and wellness programs take off in new and wonderful directions that the adults in charge would never have anticipated. 

Feature Story Photos by Bird + Bird Studio.

Granting opportunities for revitalization in West Michigan

The Right Place, Inc. has returned with the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) 2.0 program grant cycle, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), in granting funding for 13 counties in West Michigan.  

Feature Story Courtesy of Tommy Allen

Building a self-care toolbox is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen has been thinking a lot lately about self-care. He sat down with three West Michigan locals who each have a distinct self-care practice to talk about how they set themselves up for success when it comes to mindfulness. 

Feature Story Cyndy Hund, pictured here with her husband Mike, quit her job due to her dementia symptoms – but it still took her another four years to get a diagnosis.

PODCAST: No more "diagnose and adios": Rethinking dementia diagnosis

Getting a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging, years-long process. Here's how Michiganders living with dementia and those who care for them are working to change that.