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On Ada library’s ‘golden’ birthday, Amy Van Andel reflects on its origins, possibilities
Amy Van Andel looks back on her role in building Ada’s library, inspired by family, community needs, and a lifelong love of reading.
Latest stories
The museum as a classroom
Educators increasingly rely on the Grand Rapids Public Museum as a dynamic classroom where students can “wake up” history, learn through listening, and find that curiosity and a sense of belonging can be cultivated together … and sometimes through the sharing of individual stories.
Trails as talent magnet: Outdoor access is key part of West Michigan’s ‘why here’ conversation
Trails and greenways are no longer just for weekend leisure. Regional leaders say outdoor access has become a key factor in recruiting and a crucial “quality of life” indicator for the contemporary workforce that West Michigan aims to attract and retain.
#RG20LookBack: How neighborhood identity factors into planning a socially productive park
As part of Rapid Growth’s 20th anniversary, we revisit a 2014 innovation story by Anya Zentmeyer, documenting a subtle but significant shift in Grand Rapids public planning sessions and citywide meetings.
On Ada library’s ‘golden’ birthday, Amy Van Andel reflects on its origins, possibilities
Amy Van Andel looks back on her role in building Ada’s library, inspired by family, community needs, and a lifelong love of reading.
Policies, programs, and research shaping maternal mental health care
How the Center for Health and Research Transformation is working to improve mental health for pregnant and parenting individuals.
GVSU’s Johnson Center report forecasts 11 trends shaping philanthropy in 2026
The annual Johnson Center report explores key trends influencing nonprofits as leaders navigate uncertainty, technology, trust, and evolving community and donor expectations.
Two British influencers explore what makes Michigan ‘special’
Sometimes it takes outsiders to remind us how extraordinary our everyday really is. Thanks, Josh & Jase.
#RG20LookBack: La Lucha Fund supports undocumented and mixed-status families
Celebrating 20 years, we revisit a 2020 story where La Lucha Fund and partners created direct cash relief for undocumented Kent County families excluded from CARES Act aid.
The Davies Project expands care by connecting families to oral health
With Delta Dental Foundation’s support, The Davies Project, based in Lansing, removes transportation barriers, helping families access dental care as well as critical medical appointments for seriously and chronically ill children and expectant women.
KConnect earns national recognition for transforming systems supporting Kent County youth
A decade of cross-sector collaboration leads to measurable gains in graduation, housing stability and economic opportunity across Kent County.
From moonlit dinners to WMAAA leadership: Yilin Wendland-Liu builds community
Scholar Yilin Wendland-Liu’s journey from rural China to West Michigan leadership, embracing identity, empowering youth, and strengthening Asian American community connections.
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Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.
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Top 5 Articles
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Partner Partner Content “When I grow up.” Inspiring kids to dream big about careers in health care
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Two British influencers explore what makes Michigan ‘special’
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5 things you may not know about Blandford School in Grand Rapids
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Voices of Youth: Theater offers kids skills beyond the stage
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Letter from the publisher: On 20 years of listening and the sharing of solutions rooted in community.
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