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Feature Story Photo by Christopher Slat

Ford Experience Center is reimagined to promote connection

Sarah SpohnMonday, August 21, 2023
A substantial renovation and redesign took place at the Ford Motor Company’s corporate campus in Dearborn. In partnership with Landscape Forms, Ghafari Associates and Zaremba & Company worked on transforming the indoor space to be modern, welcoming and timeless, while tying it together with the cohesive, multi-functional outdoor space.
Feature Story Attendees took part of DAKC's Celebration of ADA took part in a checkpoint activity to learn about the history of the Disability Movement.

PHOTOS: Celebrating 33 years of ADA while advocating for a better future

Shandra MartinezFriday, August 18, 2023
Disability Advocates of Kent County marks the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary with an event that educates and advocates for a better future.
Longform College student and former migrant worker Dilayla Martinez with Migrant Legal Aid attorney Molly Spaak.

Michigan's migrant farm workers face many health challenges, but help is available

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, August 17, 2023
Many of Michigan’s migrant farm workers risk injuries, illness, and chronic disease, which often go untreated. State and nonprofit programs are available to help.
Longform Katie Hoener works with Washtenaw County CMH's crisis negotiation unit

Community mental health and law enforcement collaborate to keep people out of jail

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaTuesday, August 15, 2023
Collaborations between community mental health and law enforcement are helping people with mental health issue get the help they need and stay out of jail.
Longform Children at Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids.

Consultants empower child care providers to meet mental health needs of the youngest Michiganders

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, August 10, 2023
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program sends trained early childhood consultants to daycare settings and preschools to help caregivers better meet children's needs.
Feature Story Jessica Jones, be nice. communications director, and Isabelle Buck, student volunteer.

Back-to-school with community mental health

Kelsey SandersTuesday, August 8, 2023
Community mental health supports students as they go back to school.
Feature Story Photo by Tommy Allen

Grand Rapids teens become journalists through Voices of Youth program

By Lindsay Patton, Voices of Youth Project LeadTuesday, August 8, 2023
Teenagers in the greater Grand Rapids area are using their voices to address the issues that affect them and their peers. 
Longform Community Action House's Food Club and Opportunity Hub.

Michigan's nonprofit food clubs offer healthy foods at low costs to combat food insecurity

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, August 3, 2023
Food clubs are small nonprofit grocery stores that make healthy food available to low-income families at a truly affordable price.
Feature Story Photo by Tyler Herbstreith

Sharing insights and exploring nature: Creating an experience along the Grand River

Tyler Herbstreith and Leandra NisbetWednesday, August 2, 2023
Hosted by the Grand Rapids Public Library, the Grand River Walk presented community members with a guided experience, highlighting the habitat, conversation, wildlife and more. The event provided exposure to the outdoors, art, entertainment and education.
Feature Story Courtesy of John Rumery at West Michigan Tech Talent

Meetups and networking initiatives bringing tech professionals together in Grand Rapids

Shanika P. CarterTuesday, August 1, 2023
Already recognized as a research and innovation hub with a thriving regional economy, Grand Rapids is also evolving into a tech hub further supporting a growing business metropolis in West Michigan.
Longform A group of community health workers were trained as part of the Macomb County Regional Health Equity Advisory Council's work.

Michigan's regional health equity councils pursue long-term efforts to eliminate health disparities

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, July 27, 2023
Last year the state formed 11 regional councils to spend about a year addressing health disparities in underserved communities – and they're already set to continue their work beyond that period.
Feature Story Courtesy of Feeding America West Michigan

Nourishing healthy minds and bodies through collaboration and beyond

Leandra NisbetWednesday, July 26, 2023
Leveraging 15 branches and its Bookmobile, Kent District Library seeks to engage with the community by increasing convenience and accessibility through a partnership with Feeding America of West Michigan and beyond.
Feature Story Courtesy Kayla Parks

When it comes to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, Michigan is a leader

Kayla Parks and Michelle LitteralWednesday, July 26, 2023
As LGTBQ+ legislation changes, lives are continuously affected. Two teens share their insights as members of the LGTBQ+ community, including challenges, advocacy and recent legal changes.
Development News Courtesy

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

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, July 24, 2023
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

Paul R. KopenkoskeyFriday, July 21, 2023
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

Kelsey SandersFriday, July 21, 2023
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

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, July 20, 2023
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

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, July 19, 2023
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

Patrick DunnWednesday, July 19, 2023
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

Autism Alliance of MichiganTuesday, July 18, 2023
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.
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