Features

Feature Story “A Holiday I Do” is a Michigan-made holiday movie showcasing familiar destinations and small businesses in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Metro Detroit.

Michigan-made holiday movie highlights LGBTQ+ friendly communities, universal message of love

“A Holiday I Do” is a Michigan-made holiday movie showcasing familiar destinations and small businesses in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Metro Detroit. The movie puts a unique, inclusive LGBTQ+ spin on the traditional Hallmark-style holiday love story.

Feature Story K. Jones and The Benzie Playboys are among the performers this year at Winter Wheat, taking place at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Saturday, Jan. 11

Grand Rapids’ Winter Wheat Festival celebrates Michigan's musical heritage

The Winter Wheat Festival, in Grand Rapids on Jan. 11, brings Michigan’s rich music traditions to life with live performances, dancing, and community connection.  

Feature Story Sarah Lewakowski is the executive director of Mosaic Counseling.

Grant bolsters mental health services for youth in Kent and Ottawa counties

Mosaic Counseling expands youth mental health services with $250,000 GHACF grant, part of $745,000 in community impact awards from GHACF.

Feature Story In 2023, Rapid Growth launched Voices of Youth, giving young writers a platform to share stories close to home.

Looking forward: three times that our publisher took us there

Let’s embrace a more constructive mindset focused on showing up each day, staying open to change, and making thoughtful adjustments along the way as illustrated in the work of our Publisher Tommy Allen at Rapid Growth Media who is embarking on his 19th year with one of the state's largest solutions journalism magazine.

Feature Story small-pat

Books to bonds: Adults discover new connections at Kent District Library

Kent District Library enriches lives through community programs, resources, and stories, fostering a lifelong love for reading and learning.

Feature Story Meresa Salisbury attends the Baldwin Senior Expo earlier this year.

Disability Network West Michigan’s new Lake County office brings support to rural residents

Disability Network West Michigan’s Lake County office empowers individuals with disabilities, providing essential resources and personalized support while fostering independence.

Feature Story Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the stories that shaped 2024.

Looking at 2024, we are witnessing in Grand Rapids an expansive new narrative emerging.

These ten stories address challenges that nearly every mid-sized city faces, yet they showcase how Grand Rapids is rewriting the narrative with real progress and hope, offering a glimpse into the positive change happening right here.  

Feature Story Mel Trotter Ministries' mobile shower unit provided 2,389 showers in 2023.

Nonprofits comb the streets of Grand Rapids to provide the unhoused needed services

Nonprofits Mel Trotter Ministries and the Housing Outreach Team (HOT) comb the streets of downtown Grand Rapids in the wee hours of the morning searching for homeless people who’ve likely slept outside the night before.

Feature Story LaShawnda Bates, wearing a yellow dress, stands in front of a table with health brochures on it.

Bronson Cancer Care Equity Project breaks down barriers to health care

Bronson’s Cancer Care Equity project addresses health disparities through community partnerships, improving accessibility, communication, and inclusivity in cancer care.

Feature Story Robert Sheehan

Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.

Feature Story "We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."

A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

Feature Story Nathan Dlouhy appreciates how DAKC's Interview Day helps him to be his best self.

DAKC event empowers young adults with disabilities through mock interviews and job connections

A Disability Advocates Kent County event uses mock interviews to build confidence among young adults with disabilities and connect them to job opportunities.

Feature Story Mayor Bliss reflects on nine years as mayor and two decades of service to Grand Rapids.

A look back at Mayor Rosalynn Bliss's tenure: leadership, legacy, and vision

As she leaves office, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss reflects on her legacy and her accomplishments.

Feature Story More than 100 Bank of America employees volunteering at six local nonprofits, from Kids Food Basket to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

Bank of America’s Grand Rapids Day of Giving showcases $1.2M community investment

Bank of America invests $1.215 million across West Michigan, fostering collaboration, empowering nonprofits, and building future leaders.

Feature Story LaSandra Gaddy (center), the new president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), talks to supporters.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation leader focuses on legacy, justice, and collaboration

LaSandra Gaddy leads Grand Rapids Community Foundation with a focus on justice, collaboration, strategic planning, and empowering inclusive philanthropy.  

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Looking for news about the people and projects going on in Ottawa County, from Grand Haven to Holland, check out The Lakeshore.

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