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Longform Todd Barlass.

Michigan schools expand mental health services in wake of Oxford school shooting

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 29, 2022
Oxford Community Schools have introduced a host of new mental health supports – even as the state of Michigan itself prepares to make an unprecedented investment in school-based mental health services.
Development News cadet program

GRFD Fire Cadet Program aims to recruit community members and increase diversity in its ranks

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, September 28, 2022
The Grand Rapids Fire Department is seeking to connect and engage with residents in hopes of diversifying their talent pipeline.
Feature Story GRPL adult storytime

Grand Rapids Public Library adult programming proves storytime isn’t just for children

Sarah SpohnWednesday, September 28, 2022
Grand Rapids Public Library celebrates readers of all ages, and that includes adults. Their latest program, storytimes for adults, invites adults to enjoy short stories read aloud by special guests, along with a cash bar and appetizers at the Golden Age at the Creston Brewery. 
Feature Story The Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance’s “Nonprofit Community Assessment” launched in 2019 to help measure the overall health of the local nonprofit community. The 2022 report was released at an event at Midtown Center in Holland earlier this month.

Nonprofit survey reveals burnout, DEI struggles and triumphs

Andrea GoodellMonday, September 26, 2022
Employee burnout in the nonprofit sector is a real threat and one that the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance intends to address.  
Feature Story Hailey Cone (GRCC/Hailey Cone)

GRCC student gaining following for her musical perspective

Shandra MartinezFriday, September 23, 2022
Hailey Cone, who is blind, is using her perspective as a member of the writing staff for “Inside the Score,” a YouTube channel that seeks to deepen the appreciation of classical, film, and art music.  
Longform Michigan produce at the lunch counter at George Long Elementary School in Grass Lake.

Major expansion coming for program that offers schools "10 Cents a Meal" to serve Michigan produce

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 22, 2022
The budget for the state of Michigan's 10 Cents a Meal has more than doubled each of the past two years, with $9.3 million available in the coming fiscal year to help schools purchase local fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Partner Content Wayne State University chemical engineering student Renee O’Neill

Mi STEM Forward Program Leads the Way for Student Success

Sarah SpohnThursday, September 22, 2022
Michigan is leading the way in diverse mobility technologies. The University Research Corridor is an alliance of the state’s three leading research institutions, dedicated to driving the regional economy. Through the Michigan STEM Forward program, students are connecting with STEM-focused internships at some of the state’s leading innovative companies.   
Feature Story A student receives a COVID-19 vaccination at GRCC.

New vaccine rolls out: Where can you find yours?

Andrea GoodellTuesday, September 20, 2022
With fall on the horizon, public health officials are predicting a rise in COVID-19 cases. Those looking for a booster dose of the new bivalent vaccines in Ottawa, Allegan, or Muskegon counties can find more here.
Feature Story The Bebot drone will pick up trash from Muskegon beaches as part of a project funded by a $1 million Meijer grant.

Drones set to join Lake Michigan beach cleanup crews$1 million Meijer donation launching new program

Kelsey SandersMonday, September 19, 2022
Muskegon is participating in the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Program and will serve as home to the Pixie and BeBot drones, made possible thanks to a $1 million donation from retailer Meijer.
Feature Story KCAD group photo

Piecing together a sustainable fashion scene

Sarah SpohnMonday, September 19, 2022
Many are surprised to learn of West Michigan’s place in the international fashion industry scene. The Grand Rapids area is home to many designers, stylists, and 10+ different apparel and accessory manufacturers. Many of them are focusing on sustainability, shifting away from the wasteful footprint the industry is known for.
Feature Story Sharon DeHaan gets off at an accessible bus stop

Kalamazoo area’s accessible transit system has been almost 20 years in the making

Kym ReinstadlerFriday, September 16, 2022
Less than 10% of Kalamazoo’s nearly 800 bus stops were considered accessible a dozen years ago, but today almost half are accessible. In 2020, the city of Kalamazoo designated $180,000 of its sidewalk improvement budget to creating accessible bus stops in its five core neighborhoods. 
Feature Story UPword logo

Issue Media Group relaunches Upper Peninsula publication

UPword StaffThursday, September 15, 2022
Issue Media Group is excited to announce the relaunch of its online, community-informed, digital publication in the Upper Peninsula. UPword will focus on innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development, while featuring U.P.-based talent.
Longform Children play at the Children's Healing Center.

Grand Rapids offers nation's only safe recreation center for immunocompromised kids

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 15, 2022
Children with weakened immune systems can play and learn without fear at the Children's Healing Center – and their families can find support as well.
Development News Coffee sold by Last Mile Café.

Last Mile Café serves coffee, philanthropy and sustainability — and soon, the 49507

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, September 13, 2022
A Black-owned, woman owned business, Last Mile Cafe is opening a physical location at 1006 Hall St. SE that will package, roast and distribute its coffee brand as well as serve as a coffee shop.
Feature Story A grant was used by Heights of Hope to purchase affordable housing. (CFHZ)

From affordable housing to restorative justice, foundation awards $125K in grants

Shandra MartinezTuesday, September 13, 2022
The funds are being distributed to six organizations through the Community Foundation’s endowment.  
Feature Story Jennifer Owens is CEO of Lakeshore Advantage.

Lakeshore Advantage looking for business stabilization projects

Shandra MartinezTuesday, September 13, 2022
Lakeshore Advantage is seeking business stabilization projects for funding under the American Rescue Plan Act. Applicants should submit letters of intent by Sept. 22.
Feature Story A visitor checks out photos at the Stoudamire center.

Resilient Neighborhoods: Citizen photographers highlight safety-related issues on city's East Side

David SandsTuesday, September 13, 2022
An East Side Detroit nonprofit has partnered with U of M on an innovative community engagement that turns regular citizens into research photographers to explore issues of safety and surveillance in their neighborhoods.
Longform Help Home Personal ID* Program GPS ID bracelets.

Many happy returns: GPS ID bracelets help Michiganders living with dementia find their way home

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 8, 2022
A new collaboration in Calhoun County has helped 135 missing people with dementia return safely home – and made life easier for their caregivers, local law enforcement, and health care providers.
Feature Story Greg Nowak

Removing barriers so people can live their best lives

Matthew RussellWednesday, August 31, 2022
Improving old technologies with new is, in many ways, the heart of improving access for humans. It is also a great motivator for those with the talents to do so. Here are the people behind those efforts and why this work is so important to them and within the region.
Feature Story KarlKoelling

Exploring the local filmmaking and digital media scene: The reel deal

Sarah SpohnWednesday, August 31, 2022
Years ago, there were large incentives for making films in Michigan. Despite those incentives disappearing, many local filmmakers and digital media professionals still call Grand Rapids home, with West Michigan serving as the backdrop to many nationally-viewed artistic and commercial works.
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