Stories

Feature Story Despite a labor shortage, people with disabilities are dramatically underemployed. (Disability:IN)

West Michigan employers leading the way in accessible workplaces

Despite a labor shortage, people with disabilities are dramatically underemployed. But there are employers leading the way in providing accessible accommodations so they can tap into this often-overlooked talent pool.   

Longform Dr. Sabrina Ford, an associate professor in the Michigan State University College of Medicine Institute for Health Policy, is leading a project to analyze and address the causes of disparity in ER follow-up care for Black patients.

Black ER patients are less likely to receive follow-up care, and this project is examining why

A new Michigan project is engaging community-based organizations to gather information on, and develop solutions to, disparities in ER follow-up care.

Feature Story Stephanie Deible is community is a inclusion specialist for Disability Network West Michigan.

Former Ms. Wheelchair America leader advocates for inclusion

The Heart of an Advocate: From Ms. Wheelchair America leader to inclusion specialist and ride-share organizer, Stephanie Deible is rolling to a bright future.

Longform Paula Nelson, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center president and CEO, with Jessica Horton, a former Sacred Heart client and now a Sacred Heart peer support coach.

Michigan’s recovery communities offer a "total ecosystem" of services for getting and staying sober

Recovery communities support a continuum of care by providing detox services, residential treatment, outpatient services, recovery supports, housing, and more.

Partner Content A father selects fresh-picked radishes at a local farm stand.

Creating sustainable, local food systems through food policy councils

This article is the second in a two-part series about food policy councils and how SNAP-Ed can help to inform that work. 

Feature Story lunch at the library

KDL’s summer feeding program helps to fill gaps in student nutrition

Children need food to help fuel their bodies and minds, but over weekends and during summer months, many students who receive free or reduced lunches suffer without proper nutrition. Kent District Library’s summer Lunch at the Library program offers youths ages 2-18 free nutritious meals.

Innovation News microsoft teams

GRow1000 returns for its third year to help shape careers of next generation

GRow1000 returns to employ young adults ages 15 to 24 in professional career opportunities and mentorship. One partner organization, Spectrum Health, explains how participants can benefit from this program.

Partner Content Families enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm stand.

The intersection of communities, educators, and food policy councils for just, healthy food systems

A food policy council can influence, improve, or remove barriers in the food system that cause disparities, inequities, poor nutrition, or economic hardships. 

Feature Story banking program

Banking program provides accounts with little or no fees to underserved communities

In May 2022, Gov. Whitmer announced the Michigan Open Account Coalition, which seeks to connect unbanked or underbanked Michiganders with access to financial services.

Feature Story Sarah Sass

Muskegon professionals find success, happiness close to home

Why are professionals choosing to live in Muskegon? Lake Michigan beaches, bike trails, great restaurants, and an inclusive community, they say.

Feature Story The test kitchen highlights open spaces under the counter and sink for chairs or wheelchairs, lowered ovens, and cabinets with pull-down wire shelving.

Community, inclusion inspire new Home Accessibility Center to support those with disabilities

A new Home Accessibility Center will serve as a showroom to give contractors and families a place to learn how existing kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms can be renovated to ensure those with disabilities can continue living at home.

Development News more youth

New City Neighbors doing even more justice by youth

New City Neighbors' newly renovated farmhouse on one acre at 1115 Leonard St. NE in the Creston neighborhood offers space for additional youth programming and clubs, expansion of its community café and opportunity to grow more food. 

Feature Story Residents can purchase composting bags for $5 for one bag or $12 for three bags.

Ottawa County launches food composting program

Ottawa County’s new food composting program is the only local public health-led residential composting program of its kind in West Michigan.

Longform Dee Meux, a certified nursing assistant at Samaritas, wears Glass smart glasses.

Smart glasses help family caregivers connect to professional help for loved ones aging at home

Caring for an older relative despite having no formal caregiving training can be stressful, but a new pilot project in the Grand Rapids area is using smart glasses to help.

Feature Story civic engagement

Fostering collaboration, commitment and continued community engagement from GR to the lakeshore

The LEADeres program is preparing Latino professionals to drive positive change. It has helped form business leaders, educators, a county judge and others who play a role in shaping the identity and future of this region.

Innovation News 3501 Fruit Ridge development

Fostering healthy growth by nurturing ethical business relationships

To meet the needs of the market, Honeycrisp Ventures shifted its business model to incorporate new commercial construction development. By listening to community needs, maintaining strong partnerships and operating ethically, they have been able to provide positive results for their tenants and smoothly navigate challenging times.

Feature Story Team members from Zeeland High School's robotics team — known as Built on Brains, or B.O.B. — were one of two teams to compete at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics World Championship in Houston last month.

Robotics students are next tech workforce

Two area robotics teams competed at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics state and world championships, but that's just the beginning. Many tech companies mentor the students now and seek them out when it comes time to hire later.

Feature Story Jocelyn Hines (right) poses with her parents (left) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Hines received the 2019 Youth Volunteer of the Year award.

MSU grad launches Muskegon Young Black Professionals to support community

Muskegon native and MSU grad Jocelyn Hines was inspired to launch Muskegon Young Black Professionals after seeing a similar networking organization in Detroit.

Longform Students at North Elementary School in Birch Run participate in an InPACT physical activity break.

New program helps Michigan kids maximize physical activity in the classroom

A program called InPACT offers schools strategies that deliver 20 minutes of daily physical activity in the classroom.

Feature Story A student takes part in GRCC's free college prep summer program. (GRCC/Steve Jessmore)

GRCC’s free summer program prepares new high school grads for college success

A free Grand Rapids Community College summer program for graduating high school seniors is aimed at boosting foundational math and reading skills and preparing them for success.