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Feature Story Children can engage with Weathering Emotions through a variety of interactive stations spread throughout the exhibition.

GR Children’s Museum exhibit helps children understand grief

Tommy AllenTuesday, October 8, 2024
“Weathering Emotions” is a new interactive exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum designed to help children and families explore grief and other emotions.
Feature Story Davenport University and Gentex leaders formalized their commitment to education and workforce development with a signing ceremony Sept. 30 at the corporation’s office in Zeeland.

Gentex partners with Davenport University to offer scholarships for employees

Shandra MartinezMonday, October 7, 2024
Gentex Corporation is partnering with Davenport University to provide corporate education scholarships to its employees and their families.
Feature Story Executive director Sharon Caldwell-Newton of CSNIP welcomes the media to a tour with Wolverine Building Group.

New CSNIP veterinary facility to meet growing demand for affordable pet care

Tommy AllenWednesday, October 2, 2024
CSNIP’s new 12,000-square-foot clinic in Walker will double capacity, providing affordable veterinary care to West Michigan families with pets.
Feature Story Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new sensory room offers a calming space for neurodivergent travelers, reducing anxiety and improving accessibility.

Ford airport unveils sensory room for neurodivergent travelers

Tommy AllenWednesday, October 2, 2024
Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new sensory room offers a calming space for neurodivergent travelers, reducing anxiety and improving accessibility.
Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, September 30, 2024
Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.
Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, September 30, 2024
Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  
Feature Story Julia Kelly was selected to lead Kent County's new Public Defender Office.

Leader of new Kent Public Defender Office has experience, drive

Kelsey SandersMonday, September 30, 2024
Julia Kelly, who has extensive indigent defense experience and deep community involvement, was selected to lead Kent County's new Public Defender Office.
Feature Story Katie Moore, activation manager for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Programmers help communities nurture the power of public art

Shandra MartinezMonday, September 30, 2024
Murals and other public art are being used to revitalize Grand Rapids and beyond to foster creativity, and empower local artists through innovative programs.
Feature Story small-radical-middle

KDL and World Affairs Council partner to bridge political divides with ‘Radical Middle’ series

Shandra Martinez Wednesday, September 25, 2024
KDL and the World Affairs Council host a three-part series in October exploring the ‘Radical Middle,’ promoting dialogue and solutions rather than polarization.
Feature Story SMALL-TechWeekGR

‘Freakonomics’ author highlights people-centered strategy during Tech Week GR

Tommy AllenWednesday, September 25, 2024
Stephen J. Dubner emphasized Grand Rapids' potential as a tech hub, highlighting the importance of human resources and fostering talent.  
Feature Story Disability Network West Michigan (DNWM) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a block party.

Disability Network West Michigan marks 25 years of advocacy and service

Shandra MartinezMonday, September 23, 2024
DNWM is celebrating the milestone with a block party outside its Muskegon offices on Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature food, music, and a tour of its facility.
Feature Story Beatrice Salgado, a preschool teacher at the Early Learning Center in Grand Rapids, was honored in the childcare category in 2023.

Front-line employees across West Michigan to be recognized

Shandra MartinezFriday, September 20, 2024
West Michigan Works! is accepting nominations through Sept. 30 for its 2024 Bev Drake Essential Service Awards. The awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond in a service industry position.
Partner Content Nicole Milton

FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality

Jaishree DrepaulMonday, September 16, 2024
FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.  
Longform A rendering of the future Fresh! by Gleaners.

Fresh food pantry set to open near Detroit, building upon other innovative Michigan models

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, September 16, 2024
Gleaners Community Food Bank has broken ground on Fresh! by Gleaners, an innovative concept that will make free, fresh food available to people living in Wayne and Macomb counties.
Feature Story Project Connect Flyer

Project Connect brings together Sanilac County residents and resources

Leslie CieplechowiczMonday, September 16, 2024
Taking place 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 26 at the Sandusky Fairgrounds, Project Connect will share resources, services, food, health care access, and more with county residents in need.
Feature Story Local public health works alongside families.

U.P. campaign affirms “Local Public Health Cares”

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, September 16, 2024
The six Michigan health departments covering the whole Upper Peninsula teamed up to promote the importance of public health in their communities and raise awareness about the many services they provide.
Feature Story Holly Johnson and Tripp Frey of the Frey Foundation.

Frey Foundation turns 50: Lessons in giving for all philanthropists

Shandra MartinezFriday, September 13, 2024
Grand Rapids-based Frey Foundation celebrates 50 years of place-based giving, offering valuable lessons for philanthropists of all means and sizes.  
Feature Story The Going PRO Talent Fund grants will benefit several industries, with manufacturing receiving the most awards, 54.

GoingPro grants boost workforce development across West Michigan

Shandra MartinezFriday, September 13, 2024
Benteler Automotive is one of 94 regional employers that have been awarded $4.8 million in the Going PRO Talent Fund grants. These awards will support skill development and workforce capabilities across multiple industries.
Feature Story Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.

Mayors talk transit: The intersection of public transportation and West Michigan’s economy

Shandra MartinezFriday, September 13, 2024
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Walker Mayor Gary Carey highlight the critical role of public transit in supporting economic growth and business development in their cities.
Feature Story Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) training for staff at Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Park. Pictured from left to right: Jeff VanDyke and Brad Hastings.

Accessibility champion recognized for impact in Muskegon community

Shandra MartinezWednesday, September 11, 2024
Brad Hastings, advocacy and outreach coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan, is honored with Muskegon’s Future 15 Award for his work in disability advocacy and improving community accessibility.
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