Stories

Development News Nathan Baar

HealthBar advances concierge-style health care

Nathan Baar, RN launched HealthBar, a concierge-style health care practice mainly staffed by contracted registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners. HealthBar provides businesses and others support around COVID-19 and more.


Feature Story Tom Cizauskas (Gerald R Ford Airport), Jeffrey and Sana Perry (Perry's Quality Exteriors LLC), Kevin Holman (One Legacy Heating and Cooling)

Taking action to address challenges of underrepresented construction industry businesses

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.

Feature Story For the second year in a row, GRCC Nursing students posted perfect pass rates on their licensure exams.

GRCC Nursing students pass licensing exams on first try

It’s the second year in a row all GRCC grads passed the exam on the first attempt. A curriculum that increases interactive experiences is one reason for success.

Feature Story Kwame Alexander will visit Hope College virtually during a Big Read Black History Month event Feb. 26.

Celebrating Black History Month on the Lakeshore

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

Longform Juan (cacao and coffee farmer), Chad Morton and Efren Madriaga

Published Together: The heart opening journey of a superfood in our backyard

Local entrepreneur and product developer, Chad Morton, shares what he is working on, how he arrived at this point, and lessons he’s learned along the way related to the current state of the world we live in.

Longform Maribeth Leonard in the crisis residential services unit at LifeWays Community Mental Health's new mental health crisis service center, funded by Jackson County's mental health millage.

Mental health millages meet crucial needs in four Michigan counties

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.

Innovation News Shannon Cohen

Local entrepreneur shares her journey that has landed her inspirational greeting cards nationwide

Shannon Cohen has expanded her Tough Skin, Soft Heart brand to include inspirational greeting cards, which will be available this month at Target stores nationwide. 

Development News Andrea I

Puertas Abiertas helps Latinx abuse victims find safety

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.

Feature Story A GRCC student works in a manufacturing pneumatics class.

$9.8M federal grant to fund skills training for workers

GRCC and West Michigan Works! will lead a coalition focused on helping the unemployed and underemployed gain the skills needed for in-demand manufacturing fields.

Longform Woman walks with an older woman

Michigan Dementia Coalition seeks to maximize quality of life for those living with dementia

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.

Feature Story Students in GRCC's Applied Technology Technical Electricity class.

New state scholarship pays for community college education

The state’s new $30 million Michigan Reconnect scholarship program will pay for an associate degree or skills certification for Michigan residents 25 and older.  

Feature Story A nursing student in training at GRCC.

Nearly 2,900 frontliners receive state scholarships to attend GRCC

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

Feature Story Magnus Capital Partners' development in Holland Township on Felch Street will also see a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on an 8-acre site.

Developer builds with ‘missing middle’ workforce in mind

Zeeland native Vishal Arora aims to promote a “howdy neighbor” vibe with his projects. He hopes to foster community among residents of his West Michigan HOM Flats complexes.

Feature Story The Rapid Silver Line

Transportation shifts at all levels provide opportunities for community voices to be heard

Transportation, maintenance, and related improvements are essential. The updated Michigan Department of Transportation’s Five-Year Transportation Program highlights local, regional, and state-wide happenings related to transit. Organizations are also encouraging community engagement related to planned projects.

Feature Story Koops Automation System in Holland is using the state's Going Pro grants to train employees.

West Michigan companies receive $12M to train the workforce

Businesses use Going Pro Talent Fund grants to “upskill” their employees. This helps companies compete and grow, and prepares workers for in-demand careers.

Feature Story Lucia Rios's first time driving her new car. Her nephew Angelo Mata is in the front seat. He helped her identify how to work with the new technology.

How does a person with a disability buy a car? Thoughtfully

Purchasing a new vehicle is a big decision for anyone. As a person with a disability, Lucia Rios had decisions to make that went beyond make, model, and color.

Feature Story Hope College sophomore Houston Patton received the gift of a new saxaphone.

Gift of saxophone invigorates spirit of Hope student

The instrument was donated by the widow of a religion professor. Hope College sophomore Houston Patton plans to express his gratitude by playing his very best on the horn.  

Feature Story plaster-creek-meadows

Plaster Creek Family Park receives mParks award: GRPS students contributed to design

Park Design Award recognizes the Plaster Creek Family Park’s sustainability features and a design created in collaboration with GRPS students. Partnerships with GRPS, Our Community’s Children, the Wege Foundation, and the Children and Nature Network along with parks millage dollars made the park improvements possible — and it will serve as the site for the Mayor’s Greening Initiative event May 1.

Feature Story apprenticeship

The Literacy Center advances in competition to receive funding for Latina skilled trade workers

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is a finalist in the U.S. Department of Education’s Rethink Adult Ed Challenge with the opportunity to win a share of $750,000 for its pre-apprenticeship program. Their proposal creates a pathway to English instruction and skills training for West Michigan Latinas to enter the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades.

Longform Carolyn Wilson administers the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to Dr. Eric Kane at Beaumont Service Center in Southfield on Dec. 15, 2020.

Michigan health care professionals work to assuage skepticism as they roll out COVID-19 vaccines

Health care professionals across Michigan are doing their best to respond to Michiganders' concerns and deliver the vaccine to as many residents as possible.