Stories

Innovation News Michigan House Summer 1

Michigan House Summer launches statewide event series for reconnecting and innovating

The Great Lakes gateway to SXSW, Michigan House, launches statewide summer event series, Michigan House Summer, featuring fireside conversions, music performances and local food, drink and merchandise.

Feature Story Isaac Norris

Maintaining spaces of the past while showing dedication to the community

Serving communities and clients with a common interest in building projects that leave a lasting impact on people and the environment, Isaac V. Norris & Associates, P.C architecture firm has maintained a strong presence in the Boston Square community since it was established in 1993. With a focus on architecture, interior and conceptual design and more, the firm, made up of a team of architects, designers and planners, has been successful in serving the needs and best interests of the people, including opening doors for minority-owned businesses to continue the momentum, such as the South East Market.

Longform Plymouth-Canton Community Schools staffers prepare meals for pickup.

COVID reshaped how Michigan schools provide meals. Will the changes stick?

When COVID-19 prompted shifts in how, when, where, and to whom school meals were served, many of Michigan's schools responded with wildly successful meal programs. Now, many education professionals are hoping those shifts inspire permanent changes.

Feature Story Hosted by the Muskegon Downtown Development Authority, the Lakeshore Art Festival is returning after a year off due to the pandemic.

Muskegon welcomes return of popular Lakeshore Art Festival

Hosted by the Muskegon Downtown Development Authority, the Lakeshore Art Festival is returning after a year off due to the pandemic. With nearly 200 exhibitors, children’s activities, food vendors, and an all-new community participation project, LAF is sure to please.

Feature Story Henry and Lindsay Cherry co-founded I AM Academy, which empowers Black students and is behind the 2021 Juneteenth festival in Holland.

Juneteenth returns with fun and a renewed purpose

Holland's Juneteenth celebration will be a day of fun, learning, and healing. Alongside the festival fun will also be a COVID-19 clinic and voter registration drive.

Development News Transport1

Humane Society of West Michigan collaborates in National Shelter Alliance to protect pets

As part of a National Shelter Alliance collaboration with BISSELL Pet Foundation, the Humane Society of West Michigan will further its work of helping shelters nationwide that have been overwhelmed by natural disasters and hoarding incidents. 

Feature Story Greater Ottawa County United Way President Patrick Moran presents County Administrator Al Vanderberg and County Commission Chair Roger Bergman with the the G.W. Haworth Strength of the Community Award.

Ottawa County receives United Way’s top honor for pandemic response

The Greater Ottawa County United Way presented its biggest honor — the G.W. Haworth Strength of the Community Award — to Ottawa County and its staff for going above and beyond in keeping residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Feature Story Barbara Lee VanHorssen talks to members of the Momentum Center in this file photo. The Momentum Center is part of the (Anti) Racism Task Force, which is co-sponsoring a two-part relationship workshop.

Grant will fund research that could expand Momentum Center model across U.S.

The $66,625 Grand Haven Area Community Foundation grant will fund research aimed at determining if the Momentum Center’s community-based model can be replicated in other municipalities across the nation. The center’s program focuses on fostering a sense of community to help disenfranchised people experience healthy relationships.

Feature Story S Division

Pedestrian safety concerns and accidents prompt city planning and infrastructure changes

High automobile speeds and distracted drivers create increased pedestrian safety concerns, prompting infrastructure shifts and conversations about street safety.

Feature Story Vaccines

Growing COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for young people and combatting hesitancy

While COVID-19 has impacted seemingly every facet of daily life, young people’s lives, in particular, have been turned upside-down. With the expanded vaccine eligibility now including individuals 12 years of age and older, many parents and caregivers are weighing options when it comes to determining whether or not to have their children receive the vaccine.

Feature Story KDL1

Kent District Library connects community through resources, programs and more

As part of its mission, the Kent District Library aims to connect the community with resources to aid in personal and professional development. Part of KDL’s community outreach programming focuses on connecting underserved and underrepresented communities with job placement programs and workplace readiness resources.

Partner Content A young participant in The Learning Kitchen.

Cooking classes help Detroit youth knock out bad eating habits

Through a program called The Learning Kitchen, offered by GenesisHOPE Community Development Corporation, third through eighth graders are top contenders when it comes to eating more fruits and vegetables.

Feature Story SquareRoots

Square Roots Urban Farm expands in Michigan

Wyoming-based urban farm, Square Roots launched in 2019, and recently opened its second Michigan location last month.The modular farm-tech platform uses prefabricated shipping containers and hydroponics to produce high quality food year-round.

Longform Isabel Romero looks at mementos of her family members who have died of COVID-19.

Grief in isolation: Michiganders navigate a disrupted grieving process during COVID-19

In the absence of many traditional, in-person rituals, the pandemic has forced many to grieve in extremely unusual ways.

Feature Story Oakdale Neighbors 1

Looking back at how Oakdale Neighbors have helped the community during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 quarantine, Oakdale Neighbors, a southeast community development organization, remained committed to serving its neighborhood, even finding new ways to stay connected with its community, despite a year of isolation.

Longform End-of-life doula Toula Saratsis holds a photo of her daughter Angelica, who died at age 7 of a rare genetic disorder.

Palliative care maximizes quality of life for Michiganders facing serious illness and death

Springing up across Michigan, palliative care programs aim to shift the way we think about death and serious illness.

Innovation News The Diatribe

The Diatribe launches the city’s first anti-racist art project led by youth, POC and LGBTQ+ artists

The Diatribe’s 49507 Project brings youth and community together to not just create anti-racist art, but to build a stronger community and change. 

Feature Story The Rapid 1

Leveraging community voices and a new perspective to further change within The Rapid

The Rapid recently welcomed new chief executive officer, Deb Prato, to the helm. As she begins her new role and gets acclimated to the community, The Rapid gathered community members, transit riders, and stakeholders to gain a better understanding of current strengths, gaps and local resources.

Development News IFF early childhood

Childcare options expanding in Grand Rapids southeast neighborhoods

IFF, the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) and Amplify GR  are collaborating to build a 12,000 square-foot childcare facility and support existing small/home daycares in the 49507.

Feature Story GRCC President Bill Pink

Education secretary salutes GRCC for outreach, student support during pandemic

Secretary Miguel Cardona invited Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink to join a recent call with national media. During the call, to discuss $36 billion in emergency U.S. Department of Education grants, Cardona highlighted GRCC’s outreach to and support for students impacted by the pandemic.