Featured Stories

Welcome back from Rapid Growth: A message for 2019

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor, & Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, January 17, 2019

Publisher Tommy Allen and Managing Editor Lauren Fay Carlson welcome you back with their thoughts for 2019.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Sense of Place

Children and seniors share spaces and activities at the Bethlehem Intergenerational Center.

Uniting children and the elderly: Intergenerational centers create magic one interaction at a time

By Leandra Nisbet Thursday, December 20, 2018

Though it is not typical to see both the elderly and infants engaging with one another, intergenerational programs have found a way to bring them together and add value for both sides. Three local programs and a participant share their insights on the value of these programs and the positive impact they can have.

Building Communities, Education, Inspiring Innovation, Michigan Nightlight

Ada, Center City

Local nonprofits need you: How volunteers fuel the day-to-day missions of area charities

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, December 20, 2018

2.3 million Michiganders volunteered last year, contributing $4.4 billion in economic value. In West Michigan, local nonprofits rely on volunteers for their day-to-day operations.

Building Communities, Environment, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Sense of Place, Sustainability, Volunteerism

Michigan's pantries and small farms sow seeds of health equity

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, December 20, 2018

Designed to help feed people in times of need, the community food pantry has instead contributed to illness. Now, some Michigan organizations are reworking the charitable food model to provide access to healthful farm-grown foods instead.

Agricultural Economy, Food, Good Food

Midtown

Muse GR aligns purpose and passion with creativity on the westside

By Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, December 20, 2018

The city has seen its fair share of art galleries over the years, but this year a new space opened up with their version of a modern urban gallery as Muse GR, and the rest is history. Publisher Tommy Allen sits down with Muse GR's Stephen Smith, M.Ed. and Taylor Smith.

Arts & Culture, Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Making it in Grand Rapids, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

Nonprofit works to stem trafficking of homeless youth with stable residency program

By Paul R. Kopenkoskey Thursday, December 13, 2018

With its new $3.5 million Grand Rapids location, nonprofit Covenant House will provide “no barrier” access to education, healthcare, transportation, employment, and safe permanent housing for area youth.

Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit

Connecting customers with local farm fresh food is the job of the Michigan food hub

By Al Jones Thursday, December 13, 2018

In Michigan, food hubs increase consumer access to fresh produce, and help farmers build a sustainable business model. While they all have similar goals, no two food hubs are alike. We found out why.

Agricultural Economy, Building Communities, Food, Good Food

Is it jobs or the lakeshore driving professionals to GR? Recent relocatees share their stories

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, December 13, 2018

With low unemployment and an increasing number of jobs, Grand Rapids has a lot to offer relocating professionals. RG explores why professionals from across the country are making the move.

ArtPrize, Arts & Culture, Attractions, Business Development, Choosing Michigan, Cultural, Greater Lakes, Job Creation, Sense of Place

UIX: Finding work in West Michigan with new tools and guidance

By Matthew Russell, UIX Editor Thursday, December 13, 2018

New technology offered by private and non-profit organizations in West Michigan is guiding job seekers to their career goals, helping returning citizens get back into the workforce, and even helping new Americans thrive in their communities.

Job Creation, Manufacturing, Urban Innovation Exchange

Holland

Neighborhoods of GR: John Ball Park in photos

Adam Bird Thursday, December 13, 2018

The John Ball Park neighborhood is one of the more unusual neighborhoods in GR because almost half is comprised of green spaces. Explore the neighborhood in this photo essay by Adam Bird.

Attractions, Building Communities, Neighborhoods of GR, Sense of Place

RapidChat: Wendy Sellers discusses the upcoming federal budget's effect on sex education

By Jenna Morton, Rapid Chat Editor Thursday, December 06, 2018

Should the proposed federal budget pass this month, the Michigan Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP), which helps reduce at risk behaviors that result without sex education, wouldn't receive any additional funding. Rapid Chat sits down with Sellers, President of Health 4 Hire, to discuss this vital issue.

Education, RapidChat

Mobile markets deliver healthy food and build community

By Brian Allnutt Thursday, December 06, 2018

By rethinking typical ways of accessing food, communities are bridging the gap between the farm and the plate. Learn how mobile markets can positively impact health while building connections between neighbors.

Agricultural Economy, Building Communities, Food, Good Food

Rapid Blog: Jenn Fillenworth interviews 4 women chefs working to bridge the gender gap in local food

By Jenn Fillenworth Thursday, December 06, 2018

Jenn Fillenworth, MS, RD, is a chef and registered dietitian with a passion for sustainable food systems and culinary medicine. In her Rapid Blog, Fillenworth interviews four local female chefs working to bridge the gender gap in West Michigan restaurants.

Cultural, Food, Restaurants, Sense of Place

William Butler is prepared to get his blood drawn at HUDA by his nurse, Val Gamble. Butler has been coming to HUDA for his health care needs since he lost his health insurance four years ago.

How once-vacant sites are becoming hubs for health equity in Michigan

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, December 06, 2018

Marginalized Michigan residents are finding health services in easily accessible neighborhood locations, and formerly defunct buildings are becoming bright spots on their blocks.

Building Communities, healthcare, Healthy Living

South Division, Southeast Community

Self-care is key for parents coping with mental illness

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, December 06, 2018

Parenting can bring the best of times and the worst of times. Self-care can be the key to parenting success, especially for parents experiencing mental health issues.

healthcare, Healthy Living, Michigan Nightlight