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Feature Story
MCC’s new chief diversity officer promotes celebration of all cultures
Shanika P. Carter
Monday, July 11, 2022
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
Accessibility to waterways becoming a priority in state and local parks
Shandra Martinez
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
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
Transforming outlooks: Dégagé Ministries’ expansion improves access with dignity
Matthew Russell
Thursday, June 30, 2022
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
Welcome Plan aims to be a living document that adapts to New Americans’ changing needs
Sarah Spohn
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
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’s STEAM Work Lab offers hands-on activities to foster children’s curiosity
Sarah Spohn
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
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
Making Michigan's beaches accessible to everyone
Rosemary Parker
Monday, June 27, 2022
“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
Things to do in July: Tango, car shows, Fourth of July parties, and lighthouse tours
Sally Laukitis
Monday, June 27, 2022
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's stand-up comedy shares humor of his experiences as a person with a vision impairment
Kym Reinstadler
Thursday, June 23, 2022
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
Neglect far outpaces other forms of elder abuse in Michigan – and here's what can be done about it
Estelle Slootmaker
Thursday, June 23, 2022
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
7 ways Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services pivoted during the pandemic
Shandra Martinez
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
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
Active Commute Week: Walk, Roll + Ride
Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor
Friday, June 17, 2022
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
Enjoying art, beer and music as summer approaches
Leandra Nisbet
Thursday, June 16, 2022
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
Donations of adaptive equipment increase accessibility
Shandra Martinez
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
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
Insights from LEDA’s 2022 Summit on Race and Inclusion
Paul R. Kopenkoskey
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
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 17
th
annual Summit on Race and Inclusion.
Longform
How can Michigan maintain care for 500k residents who gained Medicaid health insurance during COVID?
Estelle Slootmaker
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Over half a million Michiganders stand to lose their coverage again whenever the federal government revokes the public health emergency declared in January 2020.
Partner Content
“A Piece of the Puzzle”: Grand Rapids event addresses growing PFAS concerns
Sabine Bickford Brown
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Feature Story
Building momentum in careers and community: Latinx leadership program looks ahead
Matthew Russell
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
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
How my Spanish Immersion education is preparing me for the future
Ava Devanney
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
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
Wellness collective, coffee shop a safe space for gathering, healing and building community
Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor
Monday, June 6, 2022
Northeast Grand Rapids small business collective includes LGBTQ-friendly coffee shop and library, yoga, reiki and massage businesses under one roof.
Feature Story
Your words matter: How to respect people with disabilities
Paul R. Kopenkoskey
Friday, June 3, 2022
Persons First Language is replacing ableist language that devalues people with disabilities by erroneously implying they are abnormal.
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Across Our Network
Exploring Ohio’s Ice Age legacy:
Source: The Helm Sandusky
Welcome Kit helps Michiganders navigate autism resources and support
Source: Second Wave Michigan
Open for business: Clearwater CRA steps up downtown revitalization efforts
Source: 83Degrees
The duo behind Under the Radar Michigan
Source: Rural Innovation Exchange