Stories

Feature Story Micah Foster

Published Together: Is Grand Rapids a nice place to live?

"A shift is occurring in our society. We must dismantle and re-engineer new systems that are free of structural racism," says Micah Foster, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. In this vulnerable op-ed, Foster shares his personal experiences with racism, and the dialogue necessary to effect lasting change in our communities.

Longform Winona Bynum at Old City Acres farm in Belleville.

Michigan's local food economy rises to meet COVID-19's challenges

Small Michigan farms have already adapted rapidly to address some of the challenges the pandemic has presented, and local food advocates see many opportunities ahead to continue strengthening local food systems.

Development News Flip

Flip Dog Yoga offers a new vision for yoga

Flip Dog Yoga strives for a welcoming, inclusive space that, since COVID-19, has moved online and to Briggs Park.

Partner Content Seniors exercising

Program aims to get adult foster care home residents in Copper Country moving more and eating better

Residents have learned many healthy lessons through a program that offers nutrition and physical activity education and encouragement tailored to the needs of clients with cognitive impairments. 

Feature Story A presenter addresses attendees at LEDA's annual summit.

Foundation grants $105,000 to groups focused on racial equity

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area is giving $105,000 to five organizations and initiatives working to address racial equity and implicit bias.

Longform People walk and bike down Washington Street in Ann Arbor.

Pandemic prompts Michigan communities to open streets for safer exercise and transportation

Several communities have closed select streets to automobiles, and advocates hope that the pandemic may prompt long-term positive changes in how we use public space for health and fitness.

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Hunting and shooting ranges help drive conservation funding in Michigan

"We have a saying here: If you don't have shooting, you don't have hunting; if you don't have hunting, you don't have conservation, and if you don't have conservation, you don't have wildlife.”

Feature Story Brandon Davis

Exploring equity & accountability in GR: Brandon Davis discusses his evolving role in historic times

It's been weeks since Grand Rapids' most widely attended protest highlighted the need for greater racial equity and police accountability in our city. As community members move to effect lasting change in the wake of unrest, Director of the Office of Public Accountability for the City of Grand Rapids Brandon Davis explores his new and evolving role with the city and the community. 

Feature Story Deedee

Change is "at your fingertips": 3 Grand Rapids activists speak out

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and other Black men and women due to police misconduct, new activists are finding their voices. And across the country and here in Grand Rapids, activism takes many forms. Whether speaking out, attending a protest or organizing one, or supporting the marginalized, GR activists discuss why it's important to keep showing up.

Feature Story Wyoming

How completing the census will impact Wyoming's growing Latinx population

Although today the data obtained from the census is used to ensure how many dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources, many communities — especially the Latinx community — are hesitant to participate. The city of Wyoming is working to encourage its growing Latinx community (22.8%) to be counted in order to provide funding for programs for this often marginalized population.

Feature Story Wyoming

Cómo completar el censo afectará a la creciente población Latinx de Wyoming

Aunque hoy los datos obtenidos del censo se utilizan para asegurar cuántos dólares en fondos federales se destinan a hospitales, departamentos de bomberos, escuelas, carreteras y otros recursos, muchas comunidades, especialmente la comunidad Latinx, dudan en participar. La ciudad de Wyoming está trabajando para alentar a su creciente comunidad latina (22.8%) a ser contada a fin de proporcionar fondos para programas para esta población a menudo marginada.

Feature Story Hadley Streng is president of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

GHACF extends Restoring Hope Challenge Match in face of continuing need

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation is increasing the initial fundraising goal and extending the deadline to continue aiding community relief and recovery in response to COVID-19.

Feature Story Drip is one of 10 downtown Zeeland businesses that received a MEDC grant.

Zeeland partners with MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage to support COVID-19 recovery

Zeeland is providing extra support to businesses hurt by the COVID-19 economic downturn by collaborating with the MEDC and Lakeshore Advantage on grants and other resources. 

Longform Michigan National Guard members volunteer at Food Gatherers.

During pandemic, food banks and rescues innovate to feed more Michiganders than ever before

Despite the many challenges the pandemic has presented, food organizations have quickly restructured their operations to meet unprecedented demand. 

Innovation News Booker

How local health systems are addressing health inequities

In light of COVID-19, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has produced five videos to promote health equity. Spectrum Health, Cherry Health, and Mercy Health are also expanding efforts to address racial and ethnic health inequities per the Black Lives Matter movement.

Feature Story Shannon Felgner is the Communications Manager for Ottawa County.

What’s at stake for Ottawa County with the census

In a Q&A, Shannon Felgner, Communications Manager for Ottawa County, explains why counting everyone is so important for the county. 

Development News Micro

1st Microgreenery puts more veggies on your plate

1st Microgreenery Fresh Living Microgreens sells on Fridays at Fulton Street Farmers Market, Bridge Street Market, and via online orders and social distanced pick-up. Owner Chris Huntoon says tasty microgreens are an easy way to eat healthier. 

Feature Story The interactive exhibit, located on the corner of Main Avenue and Elm Street, takes the shape of a wall made up of red and white campaign-style buttons.

Zeeland exhibit designed to bolster community support

The 'Heal the Zeel' exhibit asks residents to wear a button to show their support for the Zeeland community as they work to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19. 

Feature Story Ben

Breaking down the unique challenges of Michigan's migrant farmworkers during COVID-19

Michigan has officially entered summer, a season that brings tens of thousands of migrant and seasonal farmworkers to the state for temporary employment picking produce. COVID-19 has complicated this journey, housing, and benefits for migrant workers, and attorney Ben O'Hearn of Migrant Legal Aid breaks down the unique challenges they face.

Feature Story Visitors to Holland fill the sidewalks with the reopening of downtown.

Hope for recovery stirs as visitors flock to reopened Lakeshore downtowns

Photo essay shows how merchants in downtown Grand Haven and Holland are back in business. They are optimistically looking forward to recovery three months after shops and restaurants were ordered closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.