Stories

Longform Jon Cauchi, inclusion consultant and trainer for Disabilities Advocates of Kent County

Living with disabilities can impact mental healthMichigan's community mental health agencies are here to help

People with a disability report experiencing frequent mental distress almost five times as often as adults without disabilities. Community mental health agencies can help.

Feature Story Deaf-small

PHOTOS: Celebrating Deaf Awareness Month

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Grand Rapids hosted a celebration at its new home in the Special Olympics of Michigan building to mark the conclusion of Deaf Awareness Month.

Feature Story Photo by Tyler Herbstreith

Library seeking reduction in millage, ensures no reduction in resources, programming

As costs of living increase nationwide, the Kent District Library is focused on continuing to provide invaluable resources and programming to the community. For their upcoming millage, they are seeking a reduction in their millage, to keep more of residents’ hard-earned money in their pockets.

Feature Story MIFMA

How Produce Prescriptions are promoting healthy behaviors across Michigan

More than 20 Produce Prescription Programs operating across the state are helping people improve their diets by giving them access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform Emily Miller, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project managing attorney.

Scams rob Michigan elders of millions, but health providers and nonprofits offer help

Michigan organizations that provide health care and other services for older adults are working to reduce the impact of scams through education and legislative help.

Longform Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Mixed delivery of Michigan’s PreK for All could include home-based early childhood educators

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Feature Story Lucia Rios at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. (Shandra Martinez)

How I’m learning to vacation better with my disability

Lucia Rios compares going to amusement parks as a child and now as an adult, as parks like Universal Studios and Disney World are raising the bar on accessibility.

Feature Story Photo courtesy of David Allen

Modular housing provides affordable homes to help address the housing shortage

In order to address the housing shortage in Grand Rapids, the city and surrounding entities are looking carefully at increasing accessibility and affordability of housing. One local company, InnovaLab is quickly adding to the number of housing units, with cost-efficient, quick-build modular homes.

Development News Courtesy Atucún Chocolate Facebook page

Focusing on responsible growth and transparency with award winning chocolate

Atucún Chocolate, partnering with Roast Umber, has kept up the ancient tradition of chocolate making and brought craft chocolate to Michigan.   

Feature Story Lucia Rios heads off to catch a flight to Orlando. (Shandra Martinez)

Why air travel for people who use wheelchairs is getting better

From the new Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights to being able to use aisle chairs to board planes, the travel experience is improving for people who depend on wheelchairs.

Longform Michael Williams, president and CEO of Orchards Children's Services, a child and family services agency with locations in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Michigan's foster children face mental health challenges – but these agencies set them up to succeed

All foster children experience some form of trauma, but Michigan's child and family service agencies are working to provide the mental health services foster kids desperately need.

Feature Story Courtesy of The Right Place

Expanding reach and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through Tech Week

Tech Week is in full swing and provides opportunities for education, entertainment and networking in Grand Rapids and throughout the region.

Feature Story Photo by Tyler Herbstreith

Igniting creativity, diversity and collaboration at The Spark

Promoted as an “energetic retail space,” The Spark at Kendall College of Art and Design seeks to bring together artists and the community at large. Highlighting various mediums including art, jewelry, apparel and more, local makers now have another venue for exhibiting and selling their work.

Longform Grand Haven resident Lesa Jordan with Sheyenne Cole, a counselor in Senior Resources of West Michigan's Behavioral Health at Home program.

Behavioral health at home helps Muskegon-area older adults improve quality of life

Multiple organizations in the Muskegon area are bringing trained counselors to the homes of older adults who face mobility or transportation challenges.

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

Michigan looks to create a better career path for early childhood educators

Improved career pathways, state incentives, and improved wages are essential to recruiting and retaining the early education workforce needed for the PreK for All roll-out.

Longform Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority Grayling location.

Michigan’s rural CMHs work hard on improving access to mental health resources

MI Mental Health spoke with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Chief Operations Officer Joanie Blamer and Sanilac County Community Mental Health CEO Wil Morris on addressing the mental health and wellness needs of rural communities.   

Feature Story Courtesy The Right Place

Unleashing innovation: Tech Week's impact on Grand Rapids and beyond

Grand Rapids is gearing up for its annual Tech Week, where industry, culture and technology collide. With 40 events for more than 6,000 expected attendees, you won't want to miss out on the future of tech in Grand Rapids!

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Steelcase Foundation Grant will allow Arbor Circle to expand mental health counseling accessibility

A $100,000 Steelcase Foundation grant  will support a two-year Arbor Circle project focused on mental health support for children and families.   

Feature Story Cafe Rica

BC's Café Rica and GR's Natural Maya inspired by native culture, supported by Northern Initiatives

Two Southwest Michigan Latinx businesses feature Mexican and Costa Rican products, sharing elements of Hispanic culture with their communities, thanks in part to nonprofit lender Northern Initiatives.