Stories

Feature Story Raul Garcia, Homeowner Services Coach with Brittany Rabideau, a future Haven Townhome homeowner.

Habitat for Humanity building affordable housing for those with disabilities

Habitat for Humanity is building five townhomes in Holland that will be exclusively for those who have mental or physical disabilities.

Feature Story Members of the DNSWM's I&R team

Why information and referrals are key to supporting the disability community

Every day, people with disabilities find the support and help they need — quickly, conveniently, and free of charge — because of information and referral services.

Longform Nicole Shannon, systemic litigation and advocacy attorney for the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, and Alison Hirschel, director and managing attorney of the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative.

Here's how Michigan is working to ensure court-appointed guardians don't take advantage of elders

Michigan providers and activists are working hard to ensure the guardianship system effectively serves Michigan's older adults.

Feature Story The new waiting area at the General Aviation Terminal at Chippewa County International Airport.

Soaring: New general aviation terminal opens at Chippewa County International Airport

“This project will ultimately strengthen the county’s competitive position and help build capacity that will generate economic opportunity for the region," says Chris Olson, president of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation.

Feature Story Our Kitchen Table

RG Community Connect: Collaboration is key in working toward a more just food system in Kent County

Gratia Lee, Good Food Systems Director at Access of West Michigan, discusses collaborative efforts to create a just food system in Kent County.

Feature Story Jazz, Carr Center

Midtown jazz and gender justice installation shifting narratives

The Carr Center has a unique history in Detroit, fulfilling a critical need for elevating Black artistic excellence in visual arts, dance, arts education, and jazz. The latest installation offers a nod to the center's past as it celebrates 30 years. 

Development News Roberto Clemente Park

Roberto Clemente Park renovation wins awards and community’s hearts

City of Grand Rapids Roberto Clemente Park award-winning renovation includes universal accessibility, new shelter/restroom facilities, discovery area playspace/outdoor classroom and natural stormwater management features.

Feature Story Early Education teacher Carla Wasson colors with students at Village of Shiny Stars

Child care workers experiencing relief from COVID-19 funds are worried about Michigan's fiscal cliff

"It's a true gap," says "Mama" Zina Davis, who runs a Detroit child care center and knows first-hand what providers and teachers are facing, not just in terms of pay, but in respect for their roles. "We shouldn't be competing with McDonald's."

Feature Story The HCAC is offering swimming lesson scholarships.

HAC Foundation launches campaign to increase access to swim programs

The Holland Aquatic Center (HAC) Foundation has announced its newest campaign that will lay the groundwork for future support to individuals and operations at the state-of-the-art indoor swimming facility.

Longform Jamie Winkler, executive director of the Salvation Army Great Lakes Harbor Light System, in a short term residential care room at the Salvation Army's Harbor Light facility in Detroit.

Medical respite care helps Michigan’s most vulnerable recuperate after hospitalization

A handful of Michigan facilities offer daily wound care, help filling and taking prescriptions, or support with substance use disorder treatment for those in need.

Feature Story GRDC employees Tom Ridgeway and Becki Kenderes stand at site of proposed lot.

Resilient Neighborhoods: Green infrastructure would address parking, drainage issues on Grand River

Plans for a green parking lot on Grand River continue, despite unforeseen challenges.

Feature Story Anthony Clark Jr., a former GRCC student who received a scholarship, is now studying at GVSU.

New Michigan Achievement Scholarship could help make college more accessible

The new Michigan Achievement Scholarship could provide students with $2,750 to $5,500 a year to help cover the cost of tuition, helping to remove financial barriers to getting a life-changing college education.

Longform Pill organizers at the Region VII Area Agency on Aging.

Inflation Reduction Act will cut crucial health costs for older Michiganders

Starting in 2023, the act will lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare, cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for insulin, and allow over-the-counter sales of hearing aids for the first time.

Feature Story Library-3

Library reference desk areas transform to live music stages with VIBES concert series

Designed to showcase West Michigan musical talent, the VIBES collection is expanding to include a pop-up mini concert series. On Thursday nights, the VIBES Reference Desk Mini Concerts transform library branches to live music settings.

Development News Restaurant-Week

Grand Rapids’ Restaurant Week to put social zones prominently on display

Grand Rapids Restaurant Week shows off social districts that were developed during COVID lockdowns and expanded to permanent status since.

Feature Story Coach Lee Montgomery was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

Lee Montgomery brings inclusive coaching style to adaptive sports

Coach Lee Montgomery has volunteered as the coach for the city of Kentwood Recreation Program’s wheelchair basketball team, a passion he continues in the same capacity with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s team. 

Feature Story KDL

KDL’s mission remains strong amongst book ban movements

Public libraries exist to serve their communities. At the heart of their mission, the goal is to provide materials and resources that reflect and represent their diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations. A recent uptick in book-banning discussions is putting pressure on libraries, including Kent District Library, threatening their future funding and millages. 

Feature Story This year Meijer added Meijer is adding accessible, adaptive children's costumes to its selection of costumes. (Meijer)

Accessible and adaptive Halloween costumes are a treat for everyone

Lucia Rios remembers what Halloween was like before retailers began offering adaptive and accessible Halloween costumes. Thankfully, her mom always had creative ideas to make the holiday fun. 

Feature Story Lucia Rios speaks at the Disability Inclusion and Hispanic Heritage Lecture at Hope College on Oct 4. (Hope College)

Lucia Rios shares her journey to becoming an accessibility advocate

Lucia Rios speaks at Hope College’s Disability Inclusion and Hispanic Heritage Lecture about her journey to becoming an accessibility advocate.  

Longform Laurie Arora, PACE Southeast Michigan vice president of public affairs, philanthropy, and organizational development; and Sadie Shattuck, PACE Southeast Michigan's grant and communications specialist, look over health literacy handouts.

New project aims to increase health literacy among Southeast Michigan's older adults

A new project called "The Power of Understanding" uses proven health literacy tools to empower participants to become engaged as advocates for their own health.