Stories

Partner Content A farm stand at Butzel Family Recreation Center in Detroit, sponsored by Henry Ford Health, Come Play Detroit, and Eastern Market.

Henry Ford Health SNAP-Ed collaborations creating healthy change

From creating free farm stands in Detroit to promoting healthier drinking water in the Jackson area, the Henry Ford Health initiative Generation with Promise is supporting healthier families and communities across Michigan.

Development News Grow logo

GROW is now Grow: New name reflects long-standing organization’s evolution

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, GROW is rebranding as Grow because it serves all genders across nine West Michigan counties.

Feature Story young money finances

Nonprofit shares more than their two cents about finances with young people

Young Money Finances is a Grand Rapids-based mobile nonprofit that aims to educate and empower young people ages 10-17 in financial literacy. Their goal is to provide students with resources and tools not always provided in traditional classrooms.

Feature Story ollie howie

A Q & A with New Community Transformation Fund Director Ollie Howie

This Q & A session with New Community Transformation Fund Managing Director, Ollie Howie, provides an update on how the Fund has been developing and its goals as well as his recommendations for business owners.

Feature Story Benjamin's Hope friends enjoying the accessible swing set at the Park Township campus.

Mother finds accessible play space to accommodate the entire family

Jess Ronne found a play space where her son Lucas, who is autistic, could come along with his siblings. The accessible playground and barn at Benjamin’s Hope in Holland is a place designed for those with disabilities but welcomes everyone.

Feature Story To help people better understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities, the United Ways in Michigan have launched the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge. 

United Ways, Disability Network partner for Disability Equity Challenge

To help people better understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities, the United Ways in Michigan have launched the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge. 

Feature Story Paul Ecklund

Advocate works behind the scenes to create a more inclusive community

From affordable housing to accessible transportation, big-picture thinker Paul Ecklund works to make lasting changes by changing systems.   

Feature Story KDL

Community resources promote literacy, education and family fun at KDL

Oftentimes, the summer can mean a learning drought for many children. Kent District Library provides many free items to help students utilize literacy resources and maintain reading grade levels.

Feature Story Dune Harbor Park has officially been open to the public and a part of the Norton Shores community since March. The initial feedback has been positive.

Muskegon County’s newest park opens in Norton Shores

Dune Harbor Park has officially been open to the public and a part of the Norton Shores community since March. The initial feedback has been positive, says Bob Lukens, Muskegon County community development director.

Development News get the lead out

Collaboration hopes to tackle childhood lead poisoning in Kent County

Healthy Homes has forged a new collaboration with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) to reduce childhood lead poisoning in Kent County.

Innovation News mary free bed

Grand Rapids’ first children’s rehabilitation hospital will help patients thrive during & after care

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital are partnering to build the state’s first children’s rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids.

Feature Story Temple Grandin takes a tour of Benjamin’s Hope in Holland. (Courtesy)

Temple Grandin makes memorable visit to Benjamin’s Hope

Temple Grandin, whose work inspired the founder of Benjamin’s Hope, visits the Holland farmstead community for adults with autism. She’ll return for a 2023 event.

Feature Story Zeeland native Jim Kaat, right, poses with his father in 1965. Kaat will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year.

Zeeland native Jim Kaat to be enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame — finally

Mythic. That’s how Zeeland-born-and-raised pitcher Jim Kaat describes his first wide-eyed visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Development News Tastefull

First woman, minority-owned non-dairy frozen dessert shop in the state opens in Wyoming Park

Woman-, minority-owned Tastefull Vegan Frozen Dessert Shop in Wyoming serves naturally sweetened vegan ice cream and frozen desserts without the top eight food allergens.


Innovation News Rev. Richard L. Killmer

Sacred Spaces Grants seek to further environmental justice statewide

A grant of federal funds targeting 10 low-income Michigan congregations of various faiths will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping improve the energy efficiency of their facilities. 

Feature Story Ken James is Muskegon Community College’s inaugural chief diversity officer.

MCC’s new chief diversity officer promotes celebration of all cultures

Ken James is Muskegon Community College’s inaugural chief diversity officer. With nearly 30 years as a DEI professional, James is bringing “the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion” to the institution’s four stakeholder groups.

Feature Story Spring Lake's newly opened Tanglefoot Park features a universally accessible kayak launch. (Tyra Jonas/Spring Lake Village)

Accessibility to waterways becoming a priority in state and local parks

Recent projects in Spring Lake and Grand Rapids are examples of how accessibility to waterways is becoming a priority in state and local parks. Increasing accessibility is a priority for the state, which is providing grants for these projects.

Innovation News CommunityCenterConstruction

Transforming outlooks: Dégagé Ministries’ expansion improves access with dignity

Improvements to Dégagé Ministries’ entrance and facilities are helping hundreds of people who come through the doors each day, seeking rest, nourishment, support and guidance.

Feature Story Kent county welcome plan

Welcome Plan aims to be a living document that adapts to New Americans’ changing needs

Kent County welcomes new hire, Welcome Plan Coordinator, Hollin De La Cruz as of June 13. The Kent County Welcome Plan is focused on removing barriers and leveraging community input to help New Americans feel more invited in the community.

Feature Story KDL STEAM

KDL’s STEAM Work Lab offers hands-on activities to foster children’s curiosity

Just because school is out for summer doesn’t mean the learning needs to stop for children. In the summer months, the Kent District Library provides a safe space for youth to explore their curiosity with STEAM Lab programming.