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Feature Story Stories of hope, currated by Publisher Tommy Allen.

Hope is a four-letter word: Publisher Tommy Allen shares reasons to be hopeful

Tommy AllenThursday, November 28, 2024
Publisher Tommy Allen has gathered a collection of stories that remind us that even during uncertain times, hope is more than a sentiment — it’s the driving force behind progress.
Longform A gathering for Michigan State University's Generations Connect program, which matches MSU undergraduate students with elders in the community, at the East Lansing Public Library.

Michigan universities join global "age-friendly" movement, making campuses more welcoming to elders

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 25, 2024
As Michigan prepares for rapid growth in its population of older adults, three Michigan universities have joined a global movement to make higher education institutions more "age-friendly."
Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 25, 2024
AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.
Feature Story Michigan’s hospitals and community mental health agencies collaborate to ensure all of a patient's health care needs are met.

Michigan hospitals and community mental health agencies collaborate for whole-person care

Monique BedfordFriday, November 22, 2024
With support from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, many of Michigan’s hospitals and community mental health (CMH) agencies are collaborating to ensure all health care needs for patients are met.
Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, November 22, 2024
When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  
Feature Story Danielle Sheffield, Board Chair of Feeding America West Michigan, envisions the new facility as a community hub and a beacon of hope.

Feeding America West Michigan expands headquarters to better tackle food insecurity

Tommy AllenWednesday, November 20, 2024
Feeding America West Michigan's new Kentwood headquarters increases meal distribution capacity and fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions to combat hunger.
Feature Story MCC students Kaili Prins, left, and Marissa Aney-Johnson joke with Muskegon Community College mascot Jay the Jayhawk. The two students spoke during the event.

Addressing nursing shortage: Partnership creates pathway for nurses to earn degrees

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 20, 2024
A new partnership between GVSU, MCC and Trinity Health Muskegon is helping nurses earn bachelor’s degrees. The first cohort is getting their education for free thanks to state funding to address the nursing shortage.
Feature Story A pre-event meeting has sparked several new collaborations for attendees.

Grand Rapids Giving Day aims to raise $250,000 and spark 100,000 acts of kindness

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 20, 2024
Nonprofit leader Erika Plunkett helps launch Grand Rapids Giving Day, uniting 50 nonprofits to raise $250,000 and inspire kindness.  
Longform Care Model Training recipients Dinora Quintanilla (far left) and Kim Poplaski (far right) with Care Model Training facilitator Vanessa Jimenez (center).

New training helps Kent County providers better connect residents in need to resources

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 18, 2024
Health Net of West Michigan's new Care Model Training provides frontline navigators with tools and tactics to better help residents access health care and social services.
Feature Story Diversity has also taken a front seat in the area’s evolving demographics, says TaRita Johnson, The Right Place’s senior vice president of talent and diversity, who oversaw the project.

Diversity, education fuel evolution of Grand Rapids’ workforce

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 18, 2024
The Right Place’s TaRita Johnson talks about the potential of a report that explores the shifting face of the Grand Rapids talent landscape, which is benefiting from diversity and a rise in education.
Feature Story Joel Elsenbroek , apprenticeships project manager for West Michigan Works!, accepted the Certificate of Recognition from John Ladd, administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.

West Michigan Works! honored by White House for expanding apprenticeships

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 13, 2024
West Michigan Works! received White House recognition for advancing apprenticeships, supporting 276 apprentices across diverse fields, and building a skilled workforce.
Feature Story A delighted client receives her Meals on Wheels Western Michigan delivery.

Giving the gift of time and healthy meals

Kelsey SandersWednesday, November 13, 2024
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, which delivers community and nutrition to seniors year-round, is looking for volunteers.
Feature Story Vicki Briggs, a board member of the Wyoming Historical Commission, shares images with the public that capture the history of this place.

Wyoming Veterans Memorial revitalized with new tree plantings and an impressive new grant

Tommy AllenWednesday, November 13, 2024
The Wyoming Historical Commission and Tree Amigos rededicated the Veterans Memorial, honoring local heroes with new tree plantings and a community ceremony.
Feature Story Jaime Counterman is Hope Network’s first chief advancement officer.

Meet Hope Network’s first chief advancement officer

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 13, 2024
A Q&A with Jaime Counterman, who aims to build a new philanthropy vision at Hope Network as the organization’s first chief advancement officer.
Longform In Detroit, a truck drives on Jefferson Ave. while smoke billows from Zug Island.

Wayne County air quality monitors alert residents and inspire clean air action

Rylee BarnsdaleMonday, November 11, 2024
Wayne County is tackling its air quality crisis with a new network of 100 hyperlocal monitors, launched in partnership with environmental service company JustAir to track pollution in real time.
Feature Story Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director.

GRPL’s new deputy director brings global experiences to the role

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 6, 2024
Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director, bringing global insights and a decade of experience to elevate the library’s services and impact.
Feature Story FinLit will include a variety of digital tools to help young adults become more comfortable with their personal finances, including a quiz identifying a “Money Mindset” that provides insights about spending habits and relationships with money.

Students develop FinLit, GVSU’s $2M financial literacy program

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 6, 2024
A new $2 million financial literacy tool, FinLit, created by students, aims to empower GVSU students with essential money skills.
Feature Story The apprenticeship program connects child care providers with local training institutions to foster hands-on learning environments.

Apprenticeship program aims to ease West Michigan’s child care shortage

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 6, 2024
West Michigan Works' apprenticeship program addresses the child care worker shortage by giving new staff hands-on experience, supporting workforce stability.
Feature Story Alex Aguilar-Delgado says securing The Rapid's Wave card was a snap at GRCC.

New free bus pass eases transportation strain for GRCC students, employees

Shandra MartinezTuesday, November 5, 2024
GRCC and The Rapid partner to provide students with free bus passes, improving access to education by easing transportation challenges.
Longform K-Connect's data dashboard for Kent County.

Local health statistics are a click away as community health dashboards proliferate in Michigan

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 31, 2024
Community health dashboards are readily available online resources that compile various health data for different regions.
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