Stories

Feature Story Momentum continues to build, Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Jeremiah Gracia shared, highlighting that the city “now [has its] 3rd highest year in development construction value permits.”

2022 Annual Impact Report shows promising growth with economic development

Economic development in Grand Rapids continues to grow, despite hurdles, according to a new report from the city's economic development director.

Feature Story Hannah Laine

Hannah Laine: A unique voice in the Grand Rapids music scene

Hannah Laine’s singing style is melodic, and it changes beats and pitches within one song line, hitting high notes, then lower ones, using shorter sounds then longer ones. Laine sees her voice as just another instrument. Erykah Badu’s influence is apparent, but Laine’s sound also comes from mimicking noises and using sounds from her background with meditation.

Feature Story  In July, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its first bill of rights for travelers with disabilities.

How a new DOT bill of rights will make flying better for those with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s first bill of rights for travelers with disabilities applies to all flights in the United States, and is designed to be a summary meant to help travelers understand and assert their rights under the Air Carrier Access Act, passed in 1986.

Feature Story A photograph of Judith Heumann. She is sitting in her power chair behind table covered with a white table cloth. There is a microphone and a name placard in the foreground.

How the godmother of the disability rights movement changed my life

Judith Heumann was a mentor I never met. Her life’s work reminds us that our voices and persistence can make a difference.

Feature Story Relax at Rosa

Family-friendly activities to look forward to in Grand Rapids this spring

From art and authors to the outdoors, here are some of the family-friendly activities to look forward to in Grand Rapids this spring.  

Longform  Check-in area of St. Clair Community Mental Health in Port Huron.

Michigan community mental health agencies recognize families' role in treatment

Michigan's CMHs rely on families to help recovery and ensure that people function at their highest level.

Feature Story The John Ball Zoo is working together with Grand Valley State University and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute to support field work to protect baby eastern box turtles.

John Ball Zoo works in partnership to help declining eastern box turtles population

The John Ball Zoo is working together with Grand Valley State University and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute to support field work to protect baby eastern box turtles. The conservation work aims to protect the species, experiencing population decreases within the state.

Longform Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, founder of the Women-Inspired Neighborhood Network: Detroit.

Detroit initiatives combat high Black infant mortality rate with dignity and compassion

Black infant mortality rates in Michigan are consistently two and sometimes even three times higher than in white communities.

Feature Story Easterseals MORC is promoting inclusivity with its "See The Good" campaign for National Disability Awareness Month.

Easterseals MORC launches "See The Good" to highlight abilities of individuals with disabilities

Easterseals MORC is promoting inclusivity with its "See The Good" campaign for National Disability Awareness Month. The campaign celebrates the talents and gifts of individuals with disabilities.

Partner Content The Greater Flint Health Coalition’s work in gardens grew out of its SNAP-Ed direct education programming like Fresh Conversations and Rec-Connect™, pictured here at Burton Senior Activity Center.

Gardens growing change in Flint

The Greater Flint Health Coalition delivers nutrition and physical activity education with SNAP-Ed direct education programming to residents, including senior citizens, across Flint and Genesee County. 

Development News Lead Free Kids GR logo

New rules requiring lead dust testing would “keep kiddos safe”

Proposed City of Grand Rapids requirements for lead dust testing would reduce childhood lead poisoning.

Longform Christine Vanlandingham, Region IV Area Agency on Aging CEO.

New program offers physical and behavioral health care at home for Southwest Michigan's older adults

The Region IV Area Agency on Aging's Integrated Care at Home program aims to reach 100 community residents in 2023 and continue to grow that number in the years ahead. 

Feature Story Community leader and activist Barbara Rapaport

Coaching executive and community leader Barbara Rapaport honored with Ledy Award

Community leader and activist Barbara Rapaport will receive the Ledy Award for Community Engagement for her work with nonprofits, promoting literacy and education and helping leaders optimize human capacity.

Longform Conversations about hard topics like suicide can help prevent it.

Here's how Michigan's community mental health agencies are helping prevent youth suicide

Summit Pointe, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, and other community mental health agencies provide youth access to services that help them overcome suicidal thoughts and self-harming actions.

Feature Story The Music That Raised Us honors some of the local Grand Rapids Black women performers who have been an inspiration to Sarena Rae.

Sarena Rae shares her music and leadership in Grand Rapids

Finding a love for music at an early age, Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae was able to find her voice and share part of her story. Now, in her 20s, she is using her passion to help other musicians and amplify other stories and voices.  

Feature Story theatre1

Actors’ Theatre welcomes new perspectives, mentors future artists of Grand Rapids

The Actors' Theatre of Grand Rapids, founded in 1980, continues to build on its legacy, evolving as an entertainment outlet as an arts incubator and (ultimately a) regional attractant for talent, too.  

Feature Story Carl Dunker works from his home office in Holland, Michigan.

Building relationships is at the heart of great design

Skot Welch, Julia Swenson and Carl Dunker are three designers who live and work in West Michigan. They share the ways they work to create a community where people belong.

Development News The Diatribe is a grassroots Grand Rapids youth-centered arts nonprofit.

New Burton Heights cultural arts center to be “an example of development without displacement”

The Diatribe is moving forward with its plans of establishing The Emory Arts and Culture Center at 2440 Division South, just south of Burton Street.

Feature Story DJDemers

Accessible humor takes the stage at Laughfest

D.J. Demers, who is hearing impaired, brings his unique stand-up style to LaughFest on March 8 at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids. His opening act will be local comedian Jon Cauchi, who is visually impaired. 

Feature Story The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs. (Canva)

More than half of people with disabilities in West Michigan struggle financially

The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs.