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Feature Story Eva S. Alexander is the new executive director of Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates.

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates brings on new leadership

By Shandra MartinezMonday, November 30, 2020
LIA’s founder is passing the leadership baton to the nonprofit’s next executive director, Eva S. Alexander. The move is part of the organization’s strategic plan to continue providing legal services, education, and advocacy to the immigrant community in West Michigan.
Feature Story lakeshore-gift-guide

Holiday gift guide: Online ordering and in-store shopping along the Lakeshore

By Sally LaukitisWednesday, November 25, 2020
Lakeshore small businesses are bursting with interesting and thoughtful gifts that are available in store and online. This list offers ideas for the beer drinkers, pickleball players, jewelry lovers, and anyone else on your list.
Longform Andrew Dabrowski, community care program manager for The Senior Alliance, holds a Joy for All robotic dog.

Michigan agencies distribute robotic pets to help elders combat loneliness during pandemic

By Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 23, 2020
One agency has already distributed 80 robotic pets to elders in its service area, and others across Michigan are either considering or actively preparing efforts to hand out hundreds more.
Feature Story LaJoye-Young

Kent County’s response to COVID-19’s effect on youth crime

By Megan SarnackiFriday, November 20, 2020
As law enforcement records a rise in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $500,000 of its federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding towards a grant aiming to decrease the rates of violence in our communities. Through the Community Violence Prevention Grant Program, Kent County will assist nonprofits via the prevention of violent behaviors and the rehabilitation of individuals with established violent behavior.
Feature Story Jonathan Jelks and Willie ‘Willie the Kid’ Jackson

Calling rockstar entrepreneurs: Local spirits company encourages supplier diversity

By Leandra NisbetFriday, November 20, 2020
Motu Viget Spirits’ partners have had to modify their operations in the wake of COVID-19. Even with this unexpected hurdle, Motu Viget has been able to secure placements in over 260 locations to date. Moving forward, they hope to see more underrepresented businesses appear at local restaurants and on retail shelves.
Innovation News GRCA1

Grand Rapids Community Arts brings diversity and inclusion to the arts

By Allison Arnold, Innovation News EditorThursday, November 19, 2020
Grand Rapids Community Arts is an organization on a mission to increase visibility of underrepresented artists and foster diversity and inclusion in the city’s arts community. 
Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator interacts with a market patron.

Farmers Market Food Navigators help maximize Prescriptions for Health

By Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, November 18, 2020
At Mt. Pleasant’s Island Park Farmers Market and St. Louis Farmers Market, friendly Farmers Market Food Navigators share nutrition tips and teach low-income residents how to make the most of their food dollars.
Feature Story GL

Local collaboration makes COVID-19 saliva testing available at the school-level

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorWednesday, November 18, 2020
Godfrey-Lee School District and the Kent County Health Department partnered to launch a COVID-19 rapid saliva testing pilot program at the school district as part of the county's ongoing COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts and the spending of federal CARES dollars.
Feature Story Rapid 1

COVID-19 increases transportation challenges for the working-class, promotes community collaboration

By Ricky OlmosWednesday, November 18, 2020
COVID-19 has stunted economies across the globe and continues to create massive challenges. For individuals considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), increased hardship has prompted community organizations to seek collaborative solutions. 
Development News GRABB

Local Black businesses GRABB and go

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, November 17, 2020

It's a busy month for Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses. GRABB is providing grants to Black businesses impacted by the pandemic’s economic downturn; hosting the 4th Annual GRABB Black Business Awards November 19 and, on November 21, holding its 7th Annual #TheShift conference.

Longform Prescriptions

Here's how Michigan health care experts are reducing risks of medication overload

By Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 16, 2020
Those taking five or more prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements concurrently can be at risk for serious combined side effects.
Partner Content Produce from the Buckley Community Garden.

Bountiful community garden helps reduce food insecurity in Northwest Michigan

By Greg TaskerFriday, November 13, 2020
A simple conversation between a Buckley Community Schools principal and Traverse Bay Area ISD officials planted the seeds for a farm to school initiative that combined nutrition education with a new community garden at the school. 
Longform Palmer-Park

Making parks and green spaces easier to access for Detroiters

By Nargis RahmanThursday, November 12, 2020
If you have a park that doesn't look great and hasn't been renovated in many decades, that can be the thing that drags down the entire feeling of the neighborhood. Here's how the city is fighting against time to maintain the city's parks.
Development News B corp

Bills will help B-corps do more good

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorThursday, November 12, 2020
A comprehensive four-bill package introduced on October 14 will allow legal recognition of certified benefit corporations (B-corps) in Michigan. B-corps balance purpose and profit by considering their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment as well as financial success.
Feature Story MSU Extension

MSU Extension Center Uses Digital Resources to Ensure Community Health

By Sarah SpohnThursday, November 12, 2020
Reaching out to local Kent County residents is at the heart of Michigan State University’s Extension Center (MSUE). District 7 Director Erin Moore says that help is not only available, but resources are more accessible than ever to residents in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, and Barry counties.
Feature Story K Connect

Addressing housing stability in Kent County means redefining the issue

By Matthew RussellWednesday, November 11, 2020
“Redefining the Path Home: System Building for Housing Stability in Kent County,” was released in summer 2020 by the Housing Stability Alliance, in partnership with KConnect.The plan to address housing stability is the result of nearly 2 years of discussions and research by cross sector stakeholders in the community.
Innovation News terrapin

Grand Rapids’ Terrapin expands to recreational marijuana production

By Allison Arnold, Innovation News EditorTuesday, November 10, 2020
Terrapin’s production facility in Grand Rapids is expanding beyond medical marijuana to include recreational marijuana production, bringing additional jobs and products. 
Longform Marsh-View-Park-

Parks for all: How Michigan communities are making their outdoor spaces safe and accessible

By Jeff BurtkaMonday, November 9, 2020
Wheelchair-accessible paths and boardwalks, ADA-compliant restroom facilities, and universally accessible kayak launches are just a few development projects that can bring new visitors to parks.
Longform pumphouse

The big view: Saving Holland's Mt. Pisgah for future visitors

By Patrick DunnFriday, November 6, 2020
Hollan's Mt. Pisgah sand dune was loved a little too well -- its visitors were causing severe erosion. Then the local community and state partnered to help preserve it for future generations.
Longform Eastern Market staff load food boxes that were ordered online.

COVID-19 prompts many Michigan farmers and farmers markets to offer online sales for the first time

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 5, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many health challenges, but it's also made it easier than ever for Michiganders to get healthy, local food, as many farmers and farmers markets have started reaching customers online.
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