Stories

Feature Story Lucia Rios

Why commemorating Global Accessibility Awareness Day is important

This global event shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. The idea is that every user deserves a first-rate experience on the web.   

Feature Story Courtesy of Tyler Herbstreith

Rural library branches impact on communities by providing connections and resources

Within Kent District Library’s network of 20 branches, a variety of communities are served, with unique needs at each location, whether urban or rural. At rural branches, the library staff provide crucial resources like reliable, high-speed Internet, tech lessons, audiobooks and more to residents who might not otherwise have access to such.

Feature Story Courtesy of Tyler Herbstreith.

Rethinking design with a focus on restoration and regeneration

The 2023 Wege Prize provided an opportunity for students worldwide to create solutions to challenging social and environmental issues. Looking ahead, additional opportunities are available to continue the momentum and develop a more sustainable future.

Feature Story Courtesy of Colin Holohan

Humane Society of West Michigan finds a 50-pound tortoise a forever home

Voices of Youth participant Ry Johnson spoke to to Aurora Lewis, lead foster organizer at the HSWM, about the animals that have been abandoned at the shelter, who shared a story about the 50-pound tortoise that was dropped off.  

Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Development News mural1

Degage enlists artist Derrick Hollowell to engage its patrons through art

Heartside area artist Derrick Hollowell was commissioned to create a large mural that accompanies a new donor wall at Degage Ministries. 

Longform Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) founder Eric Paad and CIP spokesperson Dorothy Paad.

UP nonprofit offers education and support in effort to end caregiver shortage

The Marquette-based nonprofit Caregiver Incentive Project is working to create solutions to Michigan's alarming caregiver shortage.

Partner Content A family enjoys jump roping along the Lansing River Trail.

Rec-Connect™ makes fitness fun for everyone

Across the state, Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Rec-Connect™ demonstration series is being used in communities to inspire and empower people to engage regularly in physical activity.

Feature Story SeanPrusko.jpg

Sean Prusko combines technology and music to create House

Sean Prusko, Grand Rapids resident and fourth-year student at Ferris State University, has been putting his double major to use by producing electronic music for the past couple of years. His love of technology and music has allowed him to create music, collaborate with other producers and connect with record labels in the house music genre.

Feature Story Athletes attending their first year have a set schedule to try everything the SEC offers. For those who return in subsequent years, the young athletes get to customize their schedule.

Sports Education Camp can be life-changing for athletes who are blind, low-vision

Now in its 33rd year, the Michigan Blind Athletic Association’s Sports Education Camp, which will be held this month at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, teaches youth basic adaptive sports skills and activities.

Feature Story mentalhealth1

Prioritizing mental health in May and beyond

This month serves as an opportunity to further remove the stigma around mental health conditions, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), affect 970 million people worldwide.

Feature Story The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is the state association representing and advocating for Michigan’s public mental health system and those served by this system.

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan study shows integrated care is growing

A recent study by the Center of Healthcare Integration and Innovation shows that integrated care in Michigan’s public mental health system has not only grown in the last six years but that the initiatives are diverse and available in rural, suburban, and urban committees.

Longform Employees at Brody's Be Cafe in Ada, which employs people living with disabilities.

Here's how three Michigan nonprofits empower people living with disabilities

These nonprofits are taking innovative approaches to supporting and empowering people with disabilities so they can truly achieve the rights promised to them by the law.

New owners to continue Grand Rapids’ LaFontsee Galleries legacy

New owners plan to continue legacy of Grand Rapids’ LaFontsee Galleries.

Partner Content A meal at El Azteco West in Lansing. The restaurant partnered with NorthWest Initiative to feature only 100% organic juice with its kids' meals.

NorthWest Initiative collaborates with community to create a healthier Lansing

NorthWest Initiative offers food distribution, community gardens, nutrition education, cooking programs, school-based gardens, and a mobile farmers market.

Feature Story StopMotionAnimationWorkshop

Free Media Literacy Summit aims to increase community knowledge and experiences

The inaugural Media Literacy Summit, hosted by GRTV of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center and the Grand Rapids Public Library, is a free event providing hands-on experiences, panel discussions, and workshops led by renowned professionals in media literacy. There will be four immersive workshops educating attendees about the media creation process. The summit takes place on at the Wealthy Theatre 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 13.

Longform Dale Robertson, president and CEO, Grand Rapids Public Museum

Leaders overcoming stigma: Community mental health is for everyone.Community mental health is for everyone.

Despite an increased awareness around symptoms and treatment options, a lot of stigma around seeking mental health care still exists. For leaders and professionals in esteemed positions and industries, this stigma can be even more difficult to overcome. 

Feature Story Wheelchair basketball is a highly physical sport, with players often bumping into one another and sometimes flipping their chairs. Yet the players love the thrill of getting a shot at the basket and scoring points.

Mary Free Bed women’s wheelchair basketball team competes nationally

Basketball played a big part in Jeni Rummelt's childhood. Her return to that old love marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life as an adult wheelchair user, playing on a highly competitive all-women's sports team.

Longform MiGen Executive Director Angela Gabridge and Program Director Kat Mehrer.

Detroit nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ older adults adopts new name reflecting statewide focus

The Ferndale-based nonprofit MiGen is working to create safer, healthier communities for LGBTQ+ older adults across Michigan.

Feature Story VOYASLStory4

Increasing entertainment accessibility for the hard-of-hearing community

Northview High School Senior Evan Arnold currently studies American Sign Language and is asking big questions: "Why is it necessary to find an alternate source in order to provide equal access during a performance that is intended for everyone? And further, how can our Grand Rapids community work to continue bridging communication gaps during performances?"