Features

Longform Alison Hirschel, director and managing attorney for the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative.

Michigan works to continue residents' lifesaving health coverage after post-pandemic Medicaid cuts

When the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 expired in May 2023, over 500,000 Michiganders stood to lose their Medicaid health insurance coverage. But the state is working to help residents maintain coverage.

Feature Story Grand Rapids tech firm Carnevale is honoring the legacy of Nika Marie Price with a scholarship in her name to support Kent County students studying a STEAM-related field.

Tech company creates STEAM scholarship to honor employee’s legacy

Grand Rapids tech firm Carnevale is honoring the legacy of Nika Marie Price with a scholarship in her name to support Kent County students studying a STEAM-related field.

Feature Story Up and coming swim and sunwear line Saint Andro was co-founded by two Michigan natives.

Challenging the status quo and empowering people through fashion

Up and coming swim and sunwear line Saint Andro was co-founded by two Michigan natives. Officially launched Dec. 1, the brand seeks to address changing consumer demands, leverage ethical design practices and create products that are innovative, inclusive and empowering.

Feature Story Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services will have its 14th annual Signing Santa event for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children and families on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Signing Santa event returns to Grand Rapids

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services will host its14th annual Signing Santa event for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing children and families on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how to register for this event.

Longform Suicide is also the second-leading cause of death for Michigan residents ages 15 to 34

Suicide prevention coalitions address a leading cause of death in Michigan

Across the state, more than 40 suicide prevention coalitions work to help Michiganders who are thinking about ending their lives.

Longform James Ribbron reads to Dwayne Sharpe and Elizabeth Brooks.

Detroit Champions for HOPE empowers parents as their children’s first teachers

Through a focus on advocacy, community leadership, and parent engagement, Detroit Champions for HOPE works to better the lives of Detroit’s children by empowering parents and caregivers to be their child’s first champions.

Feature Story Trails-Small

‘It really opened up my world’: Users welcome health benefits of accessible trails

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked closely with Disability Network West Michigan to develop an accessible trail system that gives visitors like Jeffrey VanDyke access to the health benefits of being in nature. 

Longform More than 500 students, staff, teachers, and volunteers participated in a Mental Health Fair and Walk at Detroit’s University Prep Art & Design Middle High School in October.

Michigan’s community mental health agencies work hard to prevent youth suicide

Michigan’s community mental health agencies (CMHs) and organizations across the state understand that asking questions and having conversations about mental health and suicide is a very significant step in prevention. 

Longform A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.

Michigan busca crear una mejor trayectoria profesional para los educadores de la primera infancia

Mientras Michigan trabaja hacia un programa PreK para Todos o PreK for All, que ampliará las opciones voluntarias de preescolar para que cada niño de cuatro años en Michigan pueda acceder a una educación preescolar gratuita en 2027, una preocupación que Meyers y otros educadores preescolares plantean es el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral para los maestros de educación preescolar. 

Feature Story Another-Sedan-Small

Designer Joey Ruiter on his creative inspiration. It’s complicated.

The acclaimed Grand Rapids designer is cool with being asked about his source of creativity. Just don’t expect a quick answer. 

Partner Content Dr. Colleen Allen, AAoM president and CEO cuts the ribbon.

Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates grand opening of new Grand Rapids location

On Thursday Nov. 16, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) celebrated its new Grand Rapids-area office with a grand opening ribbon cutting and open house at its location within the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, about 10 miles south of Grand Rapids proper. 

Feature Story Photo by Tyler Herbstreith

Grand Rapids rises as a hub for medical startups and innovation

Discover Grand Rapids' dynamic medical startup landscape, where "The Bridge" incubator,  launched by Spartan Innovations and Health Innovation Partners, is turning challenges into opportunities, driving innovation and impacting health care — both locally and globally.

Feature Story NextStepSMALL

Coastal Container pays forward tax credit to support program that helps the unhoused

Holland firm Coastal Container is using a portion of its New Markets Tax Credit to support Mel Trotter Ministries, a Grand Rapids organization dedicated to serving the unhoused.

Feature Story The Rapids' CEO Deborah Prato engages with local business leaders of Walker

Route 33 improves transit experience for Walker city riders

The Rapid is working to stay up to date with the needs of its customers to make sure the community is taken care of. A community leader, The Rapid has focused on meeting riders' needs such as when it realigned its Route 33 to meet the needs of commuters.  

Feature Story MRC

Why a nonprofit is ending subminimum wages for workers with disabilities

Since its inception, MRC Industries, a nonprofit that serves people with developmental or intellectual disabilities in Kalamazoo County, has paid its workers a subminimum wage. But no longer. MRC dropped its 14(c) certification in September.

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