Featured Stories

Dreams of equity: Southtown Sustainable Women’s Group lifts up community

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, February 09, 2017

Paula Collier, a resident of the Madison Square neighborhood and host of the Southtown Sustainable Women's Group at Seeds of Promise, is addressing racism by empowering women in her community.

Community Engagement, Community Organizing, On The Ground

Southeast Community, Madison Square

Sueños de igualdad: El Grupo de Mujeres del Southtown es una ganancia para la comunidad

Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, February 09, 2017

Paula Collier, residente del vecindario de Madison Square y anfitriona del Grupo de Mujeres del Southtown en Seeds of Promise, está empoderando a las mujeres de su comunidad a terminar con el racismo.

Community Engagement, Community Organizing, On the Ground Español

Southeast Community - Español, Madison Square

Boys can dance, too: Grand Rapids ballet companies encourage all children to take to the stage

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, February 09, 2017

Ballet companies throughout Grand Rapids are breaking down negative stereotypes of boys in ballet and are making sure all children have the chance to explore a passion for dance.

Arts & Culture, Community Engagement, Entertainment, Music, Performing Arts

Saving the lives of the future: Grand Rapids plays starring role in national health care

By Matthew Russell Thursday, February 09, 2017

To say the healthcare industry is in flux is an understatement. As the field evolves, however, one thing is certain: by continuing to implement new and improve existing technologies, Grand Rapids is at the forefront of innovation in health care.

Education, healthcare, High Tech, High Tech GR, Inspiring Innovation, Talent & Tech, Technology

Facing racism: The lasting effects of discrimination in GR's southeast community

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, February 02, 2017

Marked by a history of racism and segregation, members of Grand Rapids' southeast communities share the ways this has blocked access to fostering sustainable neighborhoods -- and how they are working to overcome these barriers.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, On The Ground, Sustainability

Southeast Community, Madison Square

Como el racismo y la segregación deja su huella marcada en la comunidad de sureste de GR

Por Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, February 02, 2017

Estigmatizados por una historia de racismo y exclusión, las comunidades del sureste debieron compartir la inaccesibilidad a programas de apoyo como comunidades con recursos propios -- y como ellos están trabajando para conquistar estos limitantes.

On the Ground Español

Southeast Community - Español, Madison Square

RapidChat: Graci Harkema

By Jenna Morton Thursday, February 02, 2017

Days after being born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Graci Harkema was placed for adoption at a local orphanage. After being given only 12 to 24 hours to live, she was adopted by her (now) parents. Following her move to Grand Rapids as a child, Harkema has gone on to become one of the city's most passionate leaders, fighting for everything from LGBTQ rights to racial equality and more.

Immigration, LGBT, RapidChat

Heading home: For many who grew up on the farm, roots run deep

By Chris Killian Thursday, February 02, 2017

Paul Pridgeon remembers graduating from Central Michigan University and asking himself the question that swirls in the minds of so many recent graduates: now what?

Agricultural Economy, Choosing Michigan, Education, Higher Education, Michigan's Agricultural Future

Hidden gems: The coolest trails you've never heard of in West Michigan

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, February 02, 2017

From a historic rail line transformed into recreational space to breathtaking views of the Grand River, these are trails you don't want to miss.

Bicycling, Environment, Greenspace, Healthy Living, Parks, Sports & Recreation, Trails and Greenways

Grand Haven

Profit and heart: Etsy co-founder to talk business with a conscience in Grand Rapids

Tommy Allen, Publisher and Lifestyle Editor Thursday, February 02, 2017

Etsy, like most startups, struggled to balance the company's values and outlook with that of venture capital investors’ desire for rapid growth. Co-founder Mathew Stinchcomb stops by Grand Rapids to talk about how the power of B Corps can transform our businesses -- and communities.

Building Communities, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

Recruiting, retaining & fostering talent: West Michigan's changing workforce and a desire for place

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, January 26, 2017

The culture of work has changed. Rarely do individuals begin and end their careers in the same position, at the same desk or with the same few titles. What does that mean for West Michigan companies looking to recruit and retain talent? Well, for starters, it's a lot about a sense of place.

Building Communities, Choosing Michigan, Job Creation, Making it in Grand Rapids, Sense of Place

A place to call home: Well House opens permanent housing for homeless youth

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, January 26, 2017

For young adults who are living on city streets, they will soon be able to access permanent housing that is poised to empower the individuals and significantly tackle homelessness in our community. Well House, a Grand Rapids nonprofit, is opening a youth house for individuals ages 18 to 24, and the new space will give young adults the chance to build their lives.

Community Engagement, Development, Job Creation, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit

Power of truth: Ebony Road Players provides safe space to explore race, identity & ignored histories

By Anna Gustafson, Managing Editor Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Ebony Road Players and its executive director, Edye Evans Hyde, are pushing the community forward with theater, prompting people to listen, really listen, to stories of racism and injustice that they may not have otherwise known. Or wanted to hear.

Arts & Culture, Community Engagement, Education, events, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Performing Arts, Theater

Greenhouse to grocery: Stocking stores with year-round Michigan produce

By David Sands Thursday, January 19, 2017

Yes, it's frosty outside. But winter doesn't mean you can't enjoy homegrown Michigan produce this time of year. In fact, it could be as close as your neighborhood grocery aisle.

Agricultural Economy, Business Development, Healthy Living, Michigan's Agricultural Future, Retail, Shopping

RapidChat: Melissa Tungl on making yoga all about community, getting rid of the yogi stigma & more

By Jenna Morton Thursday, January 19, 2017

Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of boutique fitness studios pop up in and around Grand Rapids – particularly those which revolve around the ancient practice of yoga. Likewise,it can be somewhat of a status symbol to even be called a ‘yogi.' Trends aside, owner of Seva Yoga, Melissa Tungl, is on a mission to root her studio in the community and make yoga a practice accessible to everyone while removing that aloof yogi stigma.

Healthy Living, RapidChat, Small Business

East Grand Rapids