Stories

Feature Story Pyramid Scheme

#SaveOurStages campaign demands federal help for independent music venues

Two congressional acts up for consideration in Washington DC may be the only hope for independent music venues to survive until the pandemic subsides and live concerts can again take place.

Feature Story Gentex interns Collin Mitchell and Ciana Witherell took part in the Lakeshore Advantage event.

Lakeshore Advantage helps interns picture their future in West Michigan

After a summer spent gaining hands-on work experience, Gentex interns were celebrated for their contributions. The gathering was also designed to showcase what the region has to offer them as a place to live, work and play.

Longform Belle Harvest farmer Tom Heffron checks a worker's temperature using a touchless thermometer.

With numerous barriers to health care, Michigan immigrants are among hardest hit by COVID-19

Fear of accessing public health programs, vulnerable working conditions, and lack of access to federal pandemic relief all contribute to immigrants being more susceptible to the pandemic than most.

Feature Story Scott

Published Together: Indie venues working hard to make sure the show can go on with #saveourstages

"When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, our venues were among the first to close and will absolutely be the last to reopen." In this thoughtful op ed, Scott Hammontree, Managing Partner, The Intersection explores how independent music venues are working to save their industry with the Restart Act and the Save Our Stages Act.

Feature Story The 2019 Ability Award recipient Lori Hastings, who is seated in a wheelchair, is pictured with the other award nominees.

Disability Network looking for individuals who champion inclusion

Disability Network/Lakeshore has been working for more than 25 years to increase accessibility to all members of the community. Its annual Ability Award recognizes an Ottawa/Allegan County individual who promotes a spirit of inclusion.

Feature Story The 'Epic Swim' team practices a night swim on Lake Michigan. Pictured from left to right are Nick Hobson, Todd Suttor, Matt Smith, Jon Ornée and Jeremy Sall. (Missing from the photo is team member Dave Ornée.)

6 friends prepare for 60-mile ‘Epic Swim' across Lake Michigan

The idea of swimming across Lake Michigan has been floating around in one ultra-endurance challenge competitor’s mind for years. He and five other athletes are preparing to take the plunge this week. 

Feature Story Judy Welch, Executive Director West Michigan of Michigan Women Forward

Michigan Women Forward’s Resilience Fund helps small businesses regain financial footing

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many small business owners to grapple with financial uncertainty. In May, the nonprofit Michigan Women Forward launched its $1.5 million Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund to help businesses in the state that are significantly impacted by the pandemic but unable to receive traditional funding.

Feature Story rules-and-regulations

New bankruptcy law could be lifeline for small businesses

Chapter 11 reorganization, which requires up-front cash and can take years to complete, hasn’t been a viable option for small businesses. In response, Congress passed the Subchapter V Act in 2019.

Longform Ebony Reddock.

Over 40 Michigan organizations join collaboratory to center equity in evaluation practices

Michigan nonprofits, foundations, and other organizations are confronting the ways their evaluations may contribute to further inequity for those they're supposed to serve.

Feature Story Chris Riker is Vice President of Advancement and Donor Services at the GHACF.

Community’s generosity takes COVID-19 response fund beyond goal

Thanks to generous community support, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation exceeded its $600,000 fundraising goal, allowing the organization to continue aiding community relief and recovery in response to COVID-19.  

Partner Content Farmers Market Food Navigator Josh Miller talks to a young visitor.

Saginaw Farmers Market Food Navigator leads families to healthier lifestyles

Farmers Market Food Navigators help market patrons build healthy eating habits, make the most of SNAP benefits, and build relationships with their farmers.

Feature Story Quinn and Violet Tunison walk through the sunflowers.

Sunflower field draws appreciative crowds to Olive Township farm

When Lindsey Dykstra planted hundreds of sunflowers at her hobby farm last year, she had no idea the field would become so popular. Visitors enjoy the colorful view, take photos, and even get married at the farm.

Longform Karl Rock.

Leading the nation, Michigan’s Opioid Treatment Ecosystems save lives through holistic model

A new initiative of the Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice is working to change the cultural landscape around substance use disorder and decrease overdose deaths.

Feature Story Farm

Published Together: Interrupting a system of emergency with a system of justice

"This is how the emergency food system in the U.S. has operated – by nature, as a system it has been transactional, reactive, disempowering, racist, and paternalistic." In this special op ed, Erin Skidmore, Good Food Systems Director, Access of West Michigan, explores the history of the charity food system, the cracks in an unsustainable web of nonprofits, and the pathways to move forward.

Feature Story Andrew Boyd and Jeremy Miller outside the Grand Haven Armory.

Aldea Coffee is building community, one cup at a time

Aldea Coffee was started as a nonprofit to provide micro loans for farmers in Honduras. Now, with retail locations in Grand Haven and Muskegon, it’s creating a culture of partnership and fairness for growers, vendors, employees, and customers.

Longform Fish Ladder

Take me to the water: How public access to rivers, lakes, and streams is growing in Michigan

"People are defined by the water in Michigan, and access to it is really a deep value and a fundamental right."

Feature Story KG

Published Together: Exploring the access, equity, and obstacles of telehealth

In this special op ed, President/CEO of Arbor Circle Kristin Gietzen explores the impact of the shift to telehealth due to COVID-19, and how this unique method of providing behavioral health services provides advantages for some and obstacles for others.

Feature Story Andrew Boatright is the Zeeland BPW general manager.

Zeeland BPW aims to boost local economy with extra round of Power Dollars

This year, in an effort to promote local spending during the pandemic, the Zeeland BPW is distributing Economic Advantage Power Dollars to all customers who sign up for paperless billing by the Sept. 20 deadline.

Development News FFM

Video will spread the word: Fulton Street Farmers’ Market accepts SNAP dollars

Fulton Street Farmers Market and its SNAP-Ed Food Navigator produce video to share how easy it is to use food assistance benefits at the Market.

Feature Story Michelle Bombe in her garden at her Laketown Township home.

Backyard gardens gain popularity during pandemic

MSU Extension has seen a spike in interest from those seeking to create home gardens since the pandemic began. Those who are trying it say gardening provides a food source and fills the need to nurture.