Stories

Development News Roberto Clemente Park

Roberto Clemente Park renovation wins awards and community’s hearts

City of Grand Rapids Roberto Clemente Park award-winning renovation includes universal accessibility, new shelter/restroom facilities, discovery area playspace/outdoor classroom and natural stormwater management features.

Feature Story Early Education teacher Carla Wasson colors with students at Village of Shiny Stars

Child care workers experiencing relief from COVID-19 funds are worried about Michigan's fiscal cliff

"It's a true gap," says "Mama" Zina Davis, who runs a Detroit child care center and knows first-hand what providers and teachers are facing, not just in terms of pay, but in respect for their roles. "We shouldn't be competing with McDonald's."

Feature Story The HCAC is offering swimming lesson scholarships.

HAC Foundation launches campaign to increase access to swim programs

The Holland Aquatic Center (HAC) Foundation has announced its newest campaign that will lay the groundwork for future support to individuals and operations at the state-of-the-art indoor swimming facility.

Longform Jamie Winkler, executive director of the Salvation Army Great Lakes Harbor Light System, in a short term residential care room at the Salvation Army's Harbor Light facility in Detroit.

Medical respite care helps Michigan’s most vulnerable recuperate after hospitalization

A handful of Michigan facilities offer daily wound care, help filling and taking prescriptions, or support with substance use disorder treatment for those in need.

Feature Story GRDC employees Tom Ridgeway and Becki Kenderes stand at site of proposed lot.

Resilient Neighborhoods: Green infrastructure would address parking, drainage issues on Grand River

Plans for a green parking lot on Grand River continue, despite unforeseen challenges.

Feature Story Anthony Clark Jr., a former GRCC student who received a scholarship, is now studying at GVSU.

New Michigan Achievement Scholarship could help make college more accessible

The new Michigan Achievement Scholarship could provide students with $2,750 to $5,500 a year to help cover the cost of tuition, helping to remove financial barriers to getting a life-changing college education.

Longform Pill organizers at the Region VII Area Agency on Aging.

Inflation Reduction Act will cut crucial health costs for older Michiganders

Starting in 2023, the act will lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare, cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for insulin, and allow over-the-counter sales of hearing aids for the first time.

Feature Story Library-3

Library reference desk areas transform to live music stages with VIBES concert series

Designed to showcase West Michigan musical talent, the VIBES collection is expanding to include a pop-up mini concert series. On Thursday nights, the VIBES Reference Desk Mini Concerts transform library branches to live music settings.

Development News Restaurant-Week

Grand Rapids’ Restaurant Week to put social zones prominently on display

Grand Rapids Restaurant Week shows off social districts that were developed during COVID lockdowns and expanded to permanent status since.

Feature Story Coach Lee Montgomery was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

Lee Montgomery brings inclusive coaching style to adaptive sports

Coach Lee Montgomery has volunteered as the coach for the city of Kentwood Recreation Program’s wheelchair basketball team, a passion he continues in the same capacity with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s team. 

Feature Story KDL

KDL’s mission remains strong amongst book ban movements

Public libraries exist to serve their communities. At the heart of their mission, the goal is to provide materials and resources that reflect and represent their diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations. A recent uptick in book-banning discussions is putting pressure on libraries, including Kent District Library, threatening their future funding and millages. 

Feature Story This year Meijer added Meijer is adding accessible, adaptive children's costumes to its selection of costumes. (Meijer)

Accessible and adaptive Halloween costumes are a treat for everyone

Lucia Rios remembers what Halloween was like before retailers began offering adaptive and accessible Halloween costumes. Thankfully, her mom always had creative ideas to make the holiday fun. 

Feature Story Lucia Rios speaks at the Disability Inclusion and Hispanic Heritage Lecture at Hope College on Oct 4. (Hope College)

Lucia Rios shares her journey to becoming an accessibility advocate

Lucia Rios speaks at Hope College’s Disability Inclusion and Hispanic Heritage Lecture about her journey to becoming an accessibility advocate.  

Longform Laurie Arora, PACE Southeast Michigan vice president of public affairs, philanthropy, and organizational development; and Sadie Shattuck, PACE Southeast Michigan's grant and communications specialist, look over health literacy handouts.

New project aims to increase health literacy among Southeast Michigan's older adults

A new project called "The Power of Understanding" uses proven health literacy tools to empower participants to become engaged as advocates for their own health.

Feature Story Gateway Healthcare's website describes its mission as "Reaching one more life with Jesus through affordable healthcare."

Gateway Healthcare, where healing begins

A new local non-profit in Midland is trying to address the issue of affordable and accessible health care. 

Feature Story Members of Disability Network Southwest Michigan’s Advocacy Academy.

Michigan Senate recognizes Disability Awareness & Education Day on Oct. 21

The creation of this day is the result of effort by Disability Network Southwest Michigan’s Advocacy Academy, who worked with Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, to make it possible.

Feature Story Canoemobile

Closing Michigan's 'adventure gap': Floating classroom gets hundreds of students out on the water

“The reality is, for so many of our kids, there is this really negative image of Detroit and this place that they call home,” says teacher Monica DeGarmo. Canoemobile, and partner organizations, hosted an outdoor classroom for nearly 80 students this week, in a bid to change the narrative and better connect students with Michigan's nature scene. 

Development News Construction Allies in Action

Program aims to support 15 underrepresented local contractors in growing their businesses

The goal of Construction Allies in Action’s new Affiliate Historically Underrepresented Businesses (HUB) program is to help 15 underrepresented contractors grow their businesses and build generational wealth.

Partner Content Children enjoy a StoryWalk®.

Dearborn nonprofit forges relationships to inspire healthy living

Dearborn-based Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities has honed the art of bringing community residents and organizations together while ensuring that the unique perspectives of Arab Americans, refugees, and immigrants have a seat at the table during the decision-making processes.

Longform Synergy Health Center CEO Valarie Cunningham is the organizer of the upcoming symposium.

Kalamazoo symposium to address mental health disparities in Black community

Black Americans face many unique mental health challenges, including higher rates of emotional distress and lower access to behavioral health care.