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Feature Story lunch at the library

KDL’s summer feeding program helps to fill gaps in student nutrition

Sarah SpohnWednesday, May 25, 2022
Children need food to help fuel their bodies and minds, but over weekends and during summer months, many students who receive free or reduced lunches suffer without proper nutrition. Kent District Library’s summer Lunch at the Library program offers youths ages 2-18 free nutritious meals.
Innovation News microsoft teams

GRow1000 returns for its third year to help shape careers of next generation

Megan SarnackiTuesday, May 24, 2022
GRow1000 returns to employ young adults ages 15 to 24 in professional career opportunities and mentorship. One partner organization, Spectrum Health, explains how participants can benefit from this program.
Partner Content Families enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm stand.

The intersection of communities, educators, and food policy councils for just, healthy food systems

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, May 23, 2022
A food policy council can influence, improve, or remove barriers in the food system that cause disparities, inequities, poor nutrition, or economic hardships. 
Feature Story banking program

Banking program provides accounts with little or no fees to underserved communities

Sarah SpohnWednesday, May 18, 2022
In May 2022, Gov. Whitmer announced the Michigan Open Account Coalition, which seeks to connect unbanked or underbanked Michiganders with access to financial services.
Feature Story Sarah Sass

Muskegon professionals find success, happiness close to home

Shanika P. CarterMonday, May 16, 2022
Why are professionals choosing to live in Muskegon? Lake Michigan beaches, bike trails, great restaurants, and an inclusive community, they say.
Feature Story The test kitchen highlights open spaces under the counter and sink for chairs or wheelchairs, lowered ovens, and cabinets with pull-down wire shelving.

Community, inclusion inspire new Home Accessibility Center to support those with disabilities

Shandra MartinezMonday, May 16, 2022
A new Home Accessibility Center will serve as a showroom to give contractors and families a place to learn how existing kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms can be renovated to ensure those with disabilities can continue living at home.
Development News more youth

New City Neighbors doing even more justice by youth

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, May 16, 2022
New City Neighbors' newly renovated farmhouse on one acre at 1115 Leonard St. NE in the Creston neighborhood offers space for additional youth programming and clubs, expansion of its community café and opportunity to grow more food. 
Feature Story Residents can purchase composting bags for $5 for one bag or $12 for three bags.

Ottawa County launches food composting program

Shandra MartinezFriday, May 13, 2022
Ottawa County’s new food composting program is the only local public health-led residential composting program of its kind in West Michigan.
Longform Dee Meux, a certified nursing assistant at Samaritas, wears Glass smart glasses.

Smart glasses help family caregivers connect to professional help for loved ones aging at home

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, May 12, 2022
Caring for an older relative despite having no formal caregiving training can be stressful, but a new pilot project in the Grand Rapids area is using smart glasses to help.
Feature Story civic engagement

Fostering collaboration, commitment and continued community engagement from GR to the lakeshore

Matthew RussellWednesday, May 11, 2022
The LEADeres program is preparing Latino professionals to drive positive change. It has helped form business leaders, educators, a county judge and others who play a role in shaping the identity and future of this region.
Innovation News 3501 Fruit Ridge development

Fostering healthy growth by nurturing ethical business relationships

Leandra NisbetTuesday, May 10, 2022
To meet the needs of the market, Honeycrisp Ventures shifted its business model to incorporate new commercial construction development. By listening to community needs, maintaining strong partnerships and operating ethically, they have been able to provide positive results for their tenants and smoothly navigate challenging times.
Feature Story Team members from Zeeland High School's robotics team — known as Built on Brains, or B.O.B. — were one of two teams to compete at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics World Championship in Houston last month.

Robotics students are next tech workforce

Andrea GoodellMonday, May 9, 2022
Two area robotics teams competed at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics state and world championships, but that's just the beginning. Many tech companies mentor the students now and seek them out when it comes time to hire later.
Feature Story Jocelyn Hines (right) poses with her parents (left) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Hines received the 2019 Youth Volunteer of the Year award.

MSU grad launches Muskegon Young Black Professionals to support community

Shanika P. CarterThursday, May 5, 2022
Muskegon native and MSU grad Jocelyn Hines was inspired to launch Muskegon Young Black Professionals after seeing a similar networking organization in Detroit.
Longform Students at North Elementary School in Birch Run participate in an InPACT physical activity break.

New program helps Michigan kids maximize physical activity in the classroom

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, May 5, 2022
A program called InPACT offers schools strategies that deliver 20 minutes of daily physical activity in the classroom.
Feature Story A student takes part in GRCC's free college prep summer program. (GRCC/Steve Jessmore)

GRCC’s free summer program prepares new high school grads for college success

Shandra MartinezThursday, May 5, 2022
A free Grand Rapids Community College summer program for graduating high school seniors is aimed at boosting foundational math and reading skills and preparing them for success.  
Feature Story Teleah Mitchum stands by a mural at the E. Warren Farmers Market.

Resilient Neighborhoods: East Detroit nonprofit gets creative to help local businesses grow

Caroline BissonetteTuesday, May 3, 2022
From screwdrivers to digital expertise, this East Side Community Development Organization has embraced some unique approaches to helping local businesses expand and thrive.
Development News McKay Tower

Tribal purchase of McKay Tower honors the past and secures the future

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, May 2, 2022
The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (the Gun Lake Tribe) and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), purchased downtown Grand Rapids' McKay Tower in January 2020.
Feature Story Every polling place in Michigan is required to have accessible equipment to help those with disability cast their ballots independently.

Poll worker training key to smooth voting experience for people with disabilities

Paul R. KopenkoskeySaturday, April 30, 2022
Election inspectors are equipped with tools during training — known as disability etiquette — that they can use to assist voters with disabilities. 
Special Report Mental health report

Special report: COVID-19's silver linings for mental health care in Michigan

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, April 28, 2022
More robust mental health care delivery and reduced stigma are among the silver linings emerging from the COVID cloud.
Feature Story Elaine

Published Together: The inspiring power of youth voices

Elaine Sterrett Isely, Deputy Director, West Michigan Environmental Action CouncilWednesday, April 27, 2022
In addition to providing new perspectives, focusing on the power of intergenerational dialogue allows an organization to learn, grow and further its positive impact on the community.
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