Stories

Feature Story Phyllis Neal found a way to give back in retirement through the AARP and Disability Network West Michigan.

AARP program helps seniors find purpose and make a difference

After retiring from social work, Phyllis Neal sought a meaningful way to give back. An AARP program led her to Disability Network West Michigan, where she found a renewed sense of purpose and full-time employment.

Feature Story Timothy Murphy's Audio Radar enhances gaming experiences for deaf and hard-of-hearing players.

Gaming entrepreneur rediscovered his creative skills at KCAD

Timothy Murphy’s journey from Navy radar technician to gaming entrepreneur relied on the education, experience, and connections he gained at KCAD.

Feature Story ​Gentex partners with Ringbrothers to showcase "Infected," a custom 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, at the Michigan International Auto Show.

Decade-long collaboration roars into Michigan International Auto Show

​Gentex partners with Ringbrothers to showcase "Infected," a custom 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, at the Michigan International Auto Show.  

Feature Story So much more than a selfie station, Photographer Hwa-Jeen Na at entry The Nature of Color exhibition.

Seeing color anew: Takeaways from The Nature of Color exhibit with Hwa-Jeen Na

Exploring “The Nature of Color” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, artist Hwa-Jeen Na and Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen uncover its deeper cultural and personal layers.  

Feature Story Rachel Groters, Kent District Library Youth Librarian leads the Storytime event at the Grandville Branch.

KDL building on record year with more programs, connections, and expansion projects

Kent District Library fosters connection through free programs, welcoming spaces, and outreach, making it a vital "third space" for all.

Longform small-ohio

Inclusive dentistry: Transforming access for patients with disabilities

Three Centers for Inclusive Dentistry in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio use specialized training, sensory-friendly tools, and tailored approaches to provide accessible dental care for all patients.

Longform Nailah Henry & Nancy Baum

Michigan building a better crisis continuum for mental health care

As mental health needs rise across Michigan, state officials, health care providers, and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people in crisis.

Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.

Feature Story Meghan Distel, a Tony Awards voting member, ponders the legacy of Broadway Grand Rapids and the impact theatre has had on the region.

Broadway Grand Rapids: Accessibility, innovation raise the curtain for all

Broadway Grand Rapids is changing lives through creative accessibility programs and collaborations within the community. With tools like the GalaPro app and tactile Touch Tours, the theater makes sure that everyone can enjoy the enchantment of live shows. Under the leadership of Meghan Distel, it establishes a fresh benchmark for inclusivity, demonstrating here in West Michigan that theater is meant for everyone.  

Feature Story Skot Welch, co-founder of the New Community Transformation Fund (NCTF).

How a new partnership is focused on driving generational wealth in West Michigan

A venture fund aims to address racial wealth gaps by investing in entrepreneurs of color, fostering generational wealth, creating jobs, and reshaping West Michigan's economic and social landscape.

Feature Story The Disability Network Southwest Michigan team poses for a holiday photo.

DNSWM campaign highlights staff’s lived experiences and community impact

Disability Network Southwest Michigan's ‘We Are Who We Serve’ campaign highlights staff’s experiences and commitment to empowering persons with disabilities.

Feature Story UM Health-West earns Employer of the Year for fostering growth, inclusion, and innovative workforce development programs in healthcare.

Emphasis on workplace development earns UM Health-West title of Employer of the Year

UM Health-West earns Employer of the Year for fostering growth, inclusion, and innovative workforce development programs in healthcare.

Feature Story SpringGR celebrates 10 years of empowering diverse entrepreneurs with training, resources, and community support, fostering more than 800 businesses.

SpringGR celebrates 10 years of empowering entrepreneurs

SpringGR celebrates 10 years of empowering diverse entrepreneurs with training, resources, and community support, fostering more than 800 businesses.

Feature Story Newly-elected Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand.

Mayor David LaGrand brings personal passion to Grand Rapids’ transportation future

Newly-elected Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand envisions a safer, more accessible Grand Rapids, driven by his experiences as a walker, cyclist, and father.  

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 into Kent County 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.