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Longform Lauren Kazee, an independent consultant, wrote the Michigan Department of Education's Social and Emotional Learning Competencies.

Michigan schools once lagged in behavioral health care. Here's how they made it a priority.

By Estelle SlootmakerMonday, October 12, 2020
Thanks to new findings, new funding, and a new focus on mental health, Michigan’s schools are expanding behavioral health services.

Beer the change: Three local breweries join People Power Beer Campaign

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, October 12, 2020
Brewery Vivant, Broad Leaf Local Beer, and City Built Brewing Company are three of five Michigan breweries taking part in the 2020 People Power Beer Campaign. Launched in 2018 by Brooklyn, New York-based Threes Brewing, the grassroots effort has enlisted more than 100 craft breweries across the nation. The participating breweries brew and release their own version of a People Power Beer between July 4 and Election Day, November 3, then follow up with a donation to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Feature Story Amanda Chocko is Lakeshore Advantage's Director of Entrepreneurship.

Lakeshore Advantage entrepreneurship director takes on international role

By Shandra MartinezMonday, October 12, 2020
Amanda Chocko has been elected to a three-year term on the board of the International Business Innovation Association. The Lakeshore Advantage Director of Entrepreneurship said the appointment gives her a bird’s-eye view of incubators’ and entrepreneurship managers’ best practices.
Feature Story Sharon Yonker

Lighthouse Award recipient’s Purple Pride helps those on cancer journey

BY PAUL R. KOPENKOSKEYThursday, October 8, 2020
Sharon Yonker received this year’s Lighthouse Award, which celebrates a spirit of accomplishment and a triumph of excellence over indifference. The co-founder of BUCS Pride, a nonprofit that provides financial and community support to cancer patients, Yonker spreads Purple Pride throughout the area.
Partner Content A family on bikes

It takes a village to improve the health and wellbeing of families in Northwestern Michigan

By Greg TaskerMonday, October 5, 2020
Through SNAP-Ed funding, Traverse City Area Public Schools have collaborated with like-minded individuals and community organizations to systematically improve the lives of children and families.
Feature Story Rebecca Spann

Mental Health Clinicians of Color aim to destigmatize mental health in communities of color

By Allison ArnoldSunday, October 4, 2020
The City of Grand Rapids recently awarded funding to nine organizations with projects centered around COVID-19 resiliency, equity, and structural racism. Through the city’s Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF) $64,000 was granted to projects igniting community change. One of these is the Mental Health Clinicians of Color in Grand Rapids, which works to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color, while also increasing awareness of clinicians of color.  
Feature Story Grant

Kent County COVID-19 Grants help college students in need succeed

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 1, 2020
Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund awards to Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology will help college students.
Feature Story West Michigan brewers are modifying the base recipe for the Black is Beautiful stout and making it their own. Proceeds are donated to organizations that raise awareness of racial inequality and promote social justice.

Black is Beautiful collaborative takes hold at Lakeshore breweries

BY PAUL R. KOPENKOSKEYThursday, October 1, 2020
West Michigan brewers are modifying the base recipe for the Black is Beautiful stout and making it their own. Proceeds are donated to organizations that raise awareness of racial inequality and promote social justice.
Feature Story City Built

How Beer City USA is handling the impacts of COVID-19

By Allison ArnoldWednesday, September 30, 2020
The beer industry is a significant part of economic vitality in West Michigan and the COVID-19 pandemic has made its mark. Industry entrepreneurs are doing their best to innovate amid the challenges, keeping customers coming in (or staying outside) and ordering online.
Feature Story Looking to reconnect with nature this fall? Check out Sanctuary Woods, just minutes from downtown Holland in beautiful Allegan County.

What to do in October? 8 ways to enjoy fall along the lakeshore

By Sally LaukitisWednesday, September 30, 2020
October is a prime time to get outdoors and enjoy the Lakeshore’s breathtaking fall foliage. Here are some suggestions for exploring the county’s parks and other special spots. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.
Feature Story Herman

Health equity, race, and COVID-19: Q&A with GRAAHI board member and physician Herman Sullivan

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorTuesday, September 29, 2020
"The COVID pandemic has amplified the disparities that have existed for generations...the solution must be intentional, requiring sacrifice on the part of those who have benefitted from disparities. Long-term success will occur only when society is fundamentally changed; that is to say, when we defeat the addiction of American-styled racism." -Dr. Sullivan, 12-year board member of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.
Longform Lisa Del Buono, physician advocate for Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action.

Michigan clinicians rally to address climate change as a public health issue

By Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, September 29, 2020
Members of both Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action and the Michigan State Medical Society are working to address and raise awareness of climate change's many adverse health effects.
Innovation News Ballotbox

More ballot boxes make voting more accessible

By Estelle Slootmaker, Interim Innovation News EditorTuesday, September 29, 2020
The City of Grand Rapids has added six more 24/7 absentee ballot dropboxes across the city.
Feature Story Elizabeth Kidd is the Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.

Foundation invests in community through stabilization fund grants

By Shandra MartinezTuesday, September 29, 2020
The Community Foundation of the Greater Holland/Zeeland Area has raised $1 million in a fund to invest in meeting needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants totaling $520,000 have been awarded to local agencies that serve vulnerable populations.
Feature Story Laura

Leading by example: How a local procurement company promotes supply chain diversity

By Leandra NisbetMonday, September 28, 2020
“You have to be able to take a step back and, at the core, understand what you’re trying to do and what you’re trying to accomplish with your career,” says Laura Hopson, president and CEO of EM Services, LLC. She continuously strives to find opportunities for everyone to thrive, particularly fellow minority- and women-owned businesses. She shares details about her decision to relocate the multi-million dollar company to Grand Rapids and her insights on the importance of diversity within the supply chain.
Feature Story The new Village of Spring Lake logo emphasizes the community's natural beauty.

Village of Spring Lake rebrands to highlight area’s natural beauty

By Shandra MartinezMonday, September 28, 2020
Officials say the refreshed image better symbolizes the area’s three distinguishing attributes and conveys its welcoming and relaxed vibe. Village leaders also endorsed a more action-oriented tagline.
Longform Dr. Caelan Soma, Starr Commonwealth's chief clinical officer.

Michigan health care workers grapple with stress and trauma during pandemic

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 24, 2020
Medical professionals are certainly not immune to a widespread spike in mental health challenges, and several new initiatives have sought to provide them much-needed support.
Feature Story Dancers pose during the 2019 Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta.

Fiesta returns to Grand Haven this week

By Andrea GoodellThursday, September 24, 2020
The Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta will return for a second year in spite of COVID-19 restrictions. Organizers are working hard to make sure people can participate safely with virtual events and a weeklong offering of activities.
Feature Story Avid cyclist Betsy Cech on her recumbent triker with her dog, Clara, in tow.

West Michigan blessed with fabulous network of bike paths and trails

By Betsy CechThursday, September 24, 2020
One can ride for hours in Ottawa County without leaving the bike paths, multi-use paths, and trails. Cyclist Betsy Cech enjoys the paths that exist, is excited about projects that are in the works, and has ideas for areas of improvement.
Feature Story George Barfield, Deanna Rollfs, and Angelica Colon will be the panelists for the first antiracism town hall event.

Momentum Center/task force to kick off racism town halls

By Andrea GoodellThursday, September 24, 2020
The Momentum Center has brought together 20 other organizations to form the (Anti) Racism Task Force and will conduct monthly Town Hall Meetings on Race and Racism.  
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