Stories

Feature Story Ken James is Muskegon Community College’s inaugural chief diversity officer.

MCC’s new chief diversity officer promotes celebration of all cultures

Ken James is Muskegon Community College’s inaugural chief diversity officer. With nearly 30 years as a DEI professional, James is bringing “the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion” to the institution’s four stakeholder groups.

Feature Story Spring Lake's newly opened Tanglefoot Park features a universally accessible kayak launch. (Tyra Jonas/Spring Lake Village)

Accessibility to waterways becoming a priority in state and local parks

Recent projects in Spring Lake and Grand Rapids are examples of how accessibility to waterways is becoming a priority in state and local parks. Increasing accessibility is a priority for the state, which is providing grants for these projects.

Innovation News CommunityCenterConstruction

Transforming outlooks: Dégagé Ministries’ expansion improves access with dignity

Improvements to Dégagé Ministries’ entrance and facilities are helping hundreds of people who come through the doors each day, seeking rest, nourishment, support and guidance.

Feature Story Kent county welcome plan

Welcome Plan aims to be a living document that adapts to New Americans’ changing needs

Kent County welcomes new hire, Welcome Plan Coordinator, Hollin De La Cruz as of June 13. The Kent County Welcome Plan is focused on removing barriers and leveraging community input to help New Americans feel more invited in the community.

Feature Story KDL STEAM

KDL’s STEAM Work Lab offers hands-on activities to foster children’s curiosity

Just because school is out for summer doesn’t mean the learning needs to stop for children. In the summer months, the Kent District Library provides a safe space for youth to explore their curiosity with STEAM Lab programming.

Feature Story Many Michigan state parks adding off-road, electronic track chairs, available at no cost to visitors.

Making Michigan's beaches accessible to everyone

“It has been wonderful to hear the stories of families being able to enjoy the beaches and trails together for the first time. The stories go on and on,” says Michelle O'Kelly, coordinator for DNR Fund and Resource Development.  

Feature Story The S. S. Milwaukee Clipper Preservation Inc. is hosting a Fourth of July party on the Milwaukee Clipper.

Things to do in July: Tango, car shows, Fourth of July parties, and lighthouse tours

There are plenty of things to do this month in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties, so grab a cool drink and take a look at these ideas.

Feature Story Jon Cauchi uses humor to raise awareness about living with a disaiblity. In this photo, Jon Cauchi is wearing a short sleeve light blue shirt. He is standing, holding his two thumbs up and smiling.

Jon Cauchi's stand-up comedy shares humor of his experiences as a person with a vision impairment

Jon Cauchi, who became blind at age 12, performs a comedy routine called “The Real and Funny Side of Having a Disability” that brought down the house during Laughfest in March 2020.

Longform R2AAA elder-abuse victims specialist program manager Angela Shepherd, R2AAA assistant director Kara Lorenz-Goings, and R2AAA executive director Julie Wetherby.

Neglect far outpaces other forms of elder abuse in Michigan – and here's what can be done about it

Although the idea of elder abuse often calls to mind physical violence or financial exploitation, the more common reality is an unintentional result of ignorance, burnout, or lack of resources.

Feature Story D&HHS Board President Rowan O’Dougherty speaks at the organization's capital campaign launch.

7 ways Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services pivoted during the pandemic

Responding to clients who were frustrated about missing out on critical COVID-19 information, staff at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Grand Rapids made changes to better serve them. 

Development News walk roll ride 2

Active Commute Week: Walk, Roll + Ride

It’s Active. Commute Week in West Michigan, a celebration of cleaner, healthier, less congestion-causing transportation. The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare program, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (WMSBF) and participating businesses are encouraging people to walk, bike, scooter, carpool or take the bus to get where they want to go from June 16 to 23

Feature Story Chalk Art Festival

Enjoying art, beer and music as summer approaches

Summer is almost here. Take a look at a few arts-focused events taking place that you can check out with family and friends.

Feature Story A Holland Rotary Club partners with Gentex to donate accessible equipment to Food Club & Opportunity Hub. (CAH)

Donations of adaptive equipment increase accessibility

Organizations are stepping up to donate equipment that increases or improves access to public spaces for people with disabilities. Most recently, track chairs were gifted to Holland State Park and a motorized shopping cart was given to the Food Club in Holland. 

Feature Story The Lakeshore LEDA staff at  2022 Summit on Race and Inclusion. (LEDA)

Insights from LEDA’s 2022 Summit on Race and Inclusion

Eric K. Foster, managing director of Rende Progress Capital, and Lance Werner, executive director of the Kent District Library, were among the speakers at the 17th annual Summit on Race and Inclusion.

Longform Stethoscope and money

How can Michigan maintain care for 500k residents who gained Medicaid health insurance during COVID?

Over half a million Michiganders stand to lose their coverage again whenever the federal government revokes the public health emergency declared in January 2020.

Feature Story Rafael

Building momentum in careers and community: Latinx leadership program looks ahead

The LEADeres program has been developing Latinx leaders for the last decade. These leaders still rely on the lessons learned in their cohort. Now the program is expanding to meet the needs of returning students.

Feature Story Ava Devanney has used her Spanish skills when traveling to Latin American countries.

How my Spanish Immersion education is preparing me for the future

Eighth-grader Ava Devanney shares what’s like being in a Spanish Immersion program, and why she’s glad her parents put her on that track to be bilingual as a child. 

Development News Lotus Brew

Wellness collective, coffee shop a safe space for gathering, healing and building community

Northeast Grand Rapids small business collective includes LGBTQ-friendly coffee shop and library, yoga, reiki and massage businesses under one roof.

Feature Story Jonathan K. Cauchi leads a class through Disability Advocates of Kent County.

Your words matter: How to respect people with disabilities

Persons First Language is replacing ableist language that devalues people with disabilities by erroneously implying they are abnormal.