Stories

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Trust Women: Rapid Growth's Publisher looks back on women who are making a difference in WM

Tommy AllenWednesday, March 19, 2025
When equity initiatives face unprecedented backlash, striving for genuine equality transcends mere aspiration.  
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Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, March 14, 2025
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.” 
Feature Story LifeWays staff

Community mental health delivers care to Michigan's schools

Brianna NargisoFriday, March 14, 2025
Michigan's CMHs play a critical role in schools, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and case management to students who might otherwise slip through the cracks.  
Feature Story THE-Project

Rising demand for project managers spurs competition to train future leaders

Shandra MartinezWednesday, March 12, 2025
A high-pressure competition challenges students to master problem-solving, teamwork, and risk management, where the most strategic team emerges victorious.
Feature Story The Tony Roussey Building Futures Scholarship starts with a $100,000 contribution to an endowment at West Michigan Construction Institute.

Scholarship honors construction leader, expands career pathways for trades

Shandra MartinezWednesday, March 12, 2025
EV Construction’s $100,000 endowment at WMCI honors Tony Roussey’s legacy while addressing workforce shortages by funding scholarships for future skilled trades professionals.
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Empowering voices: Black disability history workshop returns

Shandra MartinezFriday, March 7, 2025
Disability Network Southwest Michigan brought back a popular workshop on Black disability history, led by Frances Vicioso, highlighting intersectionality and civil rights contributions.
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'Crip Camp’ screening in Muskegon highlights disability inclusion

Shandra MartinezFriday, March 7, 2025
A free “Crip Camp” screening at the Frauenthal Center will spark conversations on disability rights, accessibility, and community inclusion in Muskegon.
Feature Story Lack of access to equipment, education, and platforms often limits entry into the traditional storytelling landscape.

Youth film contest empowers stories on food justice

Shandra MartinezWednesday, March 5, 2025
The Nourishing Narratives contest invites youth to create mobile films on food justice, supported by Mosaic Film Experience and Newman’s Own Foundation.
Feature Story MMA Executive Director Kirk Hallman.

Muskegon Museum of Art's $15.4M Expansion: a cultural gem shines brightly steps from Grand Rapids

Shandra MartinezWednesday, March 5, 2025
The Muskegon Museum of Art recently unveiled a $15.4 million expansion in February, the Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion, that doubles the museum’s size and redefines its role as a national arts destination.
Feature Story Call to Climate Justice event (Climate Action & Adaptation Plan kickoff event) in partnership with C4.

How the city of Grand Rapids is working to reduce CO2 by more than half by 2030

Solange SifaFriday, February 28, 2025
The city of Grand Rapids plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 63% over the next five years and hopes to be carbon-neutral by 2050.   
Feature Story (From left) Peggy Helsel, development director at DAKC; Jenny Gauld, designer at Steelcase; Kamara Sudberry, global inclusive design leader at Steelcase; and Vicky Schmidt, a high-level paraplegic and longtime DAKC test pilot.

Beyond compliance: Area nonprofit and corporation are redefining inclusive workplaces

Tommy AllenFriday, February 28, 2025
For the Steelcase team, accessibility is far more than ramps and automatic doors. Through an innovative partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), Steelcase is reimagining what it means to create truly inclusive workplaces.
Feature Story KDL doesn't have a library in Grattan Township, but the bookmobile has made several visits, and the library has sponsored special events such as a visit by the Critter Barn.

Kent District Library expands access with innovative services across Kent County

Shandra MartinezWednesday, February 26, 2025
Kent District Library expands access with bookmobiles, vending machines, airport shelves, and high school branches, making reading accessible everywhere.
Feature Story Under the leadership of President and CEO Dale Robertson, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has embraced Universal Design for Learning.

How GRPM is leading with Universal Design for Learning

Tommy AllenWednesday, February 26, 2025
Grand Rapids Public Museum’s commitment to Universal Design for Learning is transforming the museum experience — ensuring all visitors feel seen, included, and truly welcome.  
Feature Story Franciscan Life Process Center Art Director Kathleen Bechtel

Designed in Michigan: Reawaken creativity at the Franciscan Life Process Center

Tommy AllenWednesday, February 26, 2025
For those looking to explore their creativity in a meaningful, hands-on way, the Franciscan Life Process Center’s 2025 workshops present an exciting opportunity.
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How an unused dental chair sparked an inclusive clinic at a Cleveland juvenile detention center

Shandra MartinezFriday, February 21, 2025
MedWish Medworks turned an unused dental chair into inclusive dentistry for youth at Cuyahoga Juvenile Detention Center, providing critical care for long-neglected health needs.
Feature Story Serenity Reece faces challenges her peers do not. A broken elevator in her freshman year prevented her from getting to class for an entire month.

VOICES OF YOUTH: Limited student accessibility hinders learning

Mazonnah HolidayThursday, February 20, 2025
Student and writer Mazonnah Holiday explores how a lack of accessibility has made learning a challenge for students with disabilities.
Feature Story On March 20, Wealthy Theatre will host the Fresh Coast Film Festival, marking its third year in Grand Rapids.

Friends of GR Parks leader’s filmmaking past takes spotlight

Shandra MartinezThursday, February 20, 2025
Stacy Bare’s past as an adventure filmmaker converges with his leadership at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks through the Fresh Coast Film Festival.  
Feature Story The Rapid offers GVSU-dedicated routes, including the Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and routes 37, 48, and 85, which cater to off-campus housing near Allendale.

How Michigan’s biggest transit systems are connecting campuses, driving sustainability

Shandra MartinezWednesday, February 19, 2025
Long-standing partnerships between GVSU and The Rapid and Southeast Michigan educational institutions and SMART foster sustainability, accessibility, and community impact.
Feature Story Kaiden Bell is at the top among all youth athletes from State Games programs nationwide.

GR teen named national youth athlete of the year

Shandra MartinezWednesday, February 19, 2025
Grand Rapids' Kaiden Bell, 13, was named 2024 National Congress of State Games Youth Athlete of the Year for record-breaking disc golf achievements.
Feature Story Through the after-school program, Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC), dozens of teens learn about and help positively influence their local government.

VOICES OF YOUTH: Grand Rapids youth increase civic engagement after school

Luke Fann Wednesday, February 19, 2025
City High Middle School sophomore Luke Fann explores the impacts of the Mayor's Youth Council on its members for the latest in our Voices of Youth series.
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