In the early 2000’s, the DAAC and Skelletones were two of the city’s popular all-ages venues for young musicians to innovate and find community. Now, they’re reopening with the same mission. 

The Literacy Center of West Michigan’s Community Literacy Initiative aims to empower parents, caregivers and leaders with accessible tools and resources to improve literacy for all ages across the area. Partnering with local organizations, area schools, and district libraries, the Community Literacy Initiative develops and implements goals and strategies to improve literacy utilizing inclusive methods.

Bringing a community college to Ottawa County expands options for students, educators say. GRCC’s location along commercially rich U.S. 31 is also a plus.

The Builders Exchange of Michigan, through its Construction Allies in Action initiative, is launching the Strong Foundations Program. This Program seeks to provide underrepresented businesses with the tools, connections and support needed to grow and sustain their organizations.

The Lakeshore offers several opportunities to celebrate Black History Month while maintaining social distancing.

When state budget cuts gutted community mental health budgets in 2014 and 2015, voters in Ottawa, Jackson, Hillsdale, and Washtenaw counties all approved millages that have significantly expanded mental health services.

Puertas Abiertas, a West Michigan community-based program, offers cultural specific services to victims of any type of abuse — domestic abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, trafficking, providing a safe place where they can find all of the resources they need to have a better life.

For individuals with dementia and their families, a dementia diagnosis can feel like a death sentence. The Michigan Dementia Coalition is working to change that.

Thousands have been accepted to Michigan community colleges through Futures for Frontliners — nearly 2,900 approved to attend GRCC.