Features

Feature Story A couple stands in the dining area of a staged CLT home at 2080 Union, highlighting the space.

Dwelling Place expands affordable homeownership through Community Land Trust

Dwelling Place’s Community Land Trust program creates lasting affordable homeownership opportunities across West Michigan for working families and single-income households.

Feature Story BUSTED offers layered accessibility, including an Exhibition Youth Guide.

Face-to-face: Meijer Gardens’ “BUSTED” exhibit revolutionizes the way we see our shared humanity

An intimate, thought-provoking sculpture show explores identity, visibility, and human connection through contemporary busts that reflect who we are today.

Feature Story Two former members of the Grand Rapids Black Sox.

Published Together: Whitecaps honor Black Sox, support youth with Delta Project Night

Black Sox Night at LMCU Ballpark celebrates Black baseball history and supports youth of color through Delta Project partnership.

Feature Story Jamiel Robinson

GR-led coalition wins grant to strengthen Black business ecosystem

Jamiel Robinson and regional partners secure state funding to expand a unified, cross-county support network for Black-owned businesses in West Michigan.

Feature Story KCAD design students explore inclusive design by navigating kitchen activities from a wheelchair user's perspective.

KCAD students redesign kitchens to promote inclusive, user-informed housing solutions

Design students at KCAD partner with Disability Advocates of Kent County to create hands-on, accessible kitchen displays that challenge industry standards and expectations.

Feature Story Tim Klont is the CEO of MSHDA.

Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan

Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state. 

Feature Story "Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Feature Story All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by  Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025.

Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.

Feature Story Jennifer Maxson

Published Together: Why investing in mentorship means investing in Michigan

Grand Rapids is leading in job growth; however, many employers still struggle to retain talent. In RG's version of the op-ed, Jennifer Maxson of Jennifer Maxson & Associates argues that mentorship—not additional hiring—is the key to building stronger teams, fostering a sense of belonging, and securing Michigan’s future.

Feature Story Raquel Guzman and Robert Anthony Alvarez at their firm's "quinceañera" celebration at the Goei Center on June 18.

Avanti Law marks 15 years with scholarships for GR students

Avanti Law Group celebrated its anniversary by awarding 17 scholarships through its nonprofit, supporting students across Grand Rapids in high school, college, and law school.

Feature Story Volunteers help out at Ken-O-Sha Park

Grand Rapids park becomes ground zero for ecological and cultural restoration

Scientists and Indigenous leaders partner to restore native plant life and cultural practices in one of Michigan’s most biodiverse urban parks.

Feature Story SMALLMike

Human connection, not code: West Michigan CEOs say right-brain leadership is the future of work

Two West Michigan CEOs unveil a book on neuroscience-based leadership intended to help organizations scale culture, foster connection, and unlock team potential.

Feature Story Newaygo is among the communities receiving money for placemaking projects.

West Michigan communities awarded grants to help with placemaking projects

West Michigan communities receive $1.3M RAP funding to create parks, pavilions, and community hubs that transform vacant spaces into gathering places.

Feature Story SMALLJuliaEntrance.

Julia Child exhibit draws food lovers from across West Michigan to Muskegon

An interactive Julia Child exhibit at the Muskegon Museum of Art is attracting visitors region-wide with cooking demos, history, and events through Sept. 1.

Feature Story Gentex employees volunteer at the company's annual electronics recycling event.

Gentex recycling event boosts community engagement with sustainability

Gentex’s annual electronics recycling event empowers employees, families, and friends to reduce e-waste and support environmental responsibility.

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