Stories

Longform b2b

How Michigan became a land of trails

"These are investments that are going to pay dividends for generations. You don't get a chance very often to make these things happen."

Innovation News GROW

GRow1000 connects youth to jobs now and careers in the future

City of Grand Rapids' 6-week program enlists businesses and organizations to employ and connect with 1,000 youth ages 15 through 21 from the 49503, 49507, 49508, and 49509 ZIP codes, neighborhoods hit hardest by disproportionate outcomes.

Feature Story Patrick Cisler is executive director of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.

Why counting young people is critical to success of 2020 census

Young adults don’t always recognize the civic responsibility of filling out a form, but the federal government uses answers to measure population and determine federal funding distribution to local governments.

Feature Story Jennifer Owens is president of Lakeshore Advantage.

Grants up to $20,000 available for small businesses impacted by COVID-19

Lakeshore Advantage will be awarding the grants totaling $3.5 million to more than 160 small businesses in Allegan and Ottawa counties. Applications for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program will be accepted July 15-Aug. 5.

Feature Story Liz Hoffswell is a small business expert.

What small businesses and nonprofits need to know about EIDL funds

As a part of the CARES Act, the EIDL program offers economic support for eligible small businesses and non-profits that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Business expert Liz Hoffswell explains what you need to know. 

Feature Story John

Schools, summer, and Grab and Go Meals: A Q&A with GRPS' John Helmholdt

When Governor Whitmer ordered schools closed for the remainder of the school year this spring, GRPS quickly pivoted to continue offering meals to families. As they approach another uncertain school year, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs John Helmholdt looks back on how the school supported the community in the spring, and how they continue to do so with Grab and Go meals this summer.

Partner Content Students listen to a lesson about MyPlate.

National Kidney Foundation of Michigan introduces nutrition and fitness to classrooms

Presenting a program called PE-Nut in classrooms, the foundation uses a whole-school approach to motivate students, parents, and educators to eat healthier and be physically active. 

Feature Story The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness honored Gene Ekema, who until recently was homeless himself, as its 2020 Volunteer Champion.

How volunteering helped turn a homeless man’s life around

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness honored Gene Ekema, who until recently was homeless himself, as its 2020 Volunteer Champion.

Feature Story Dennis Knight

When staying home is not an option: How Grand Rapids homeless navigate the COVID-19 pandemic

When one is experiencing homelessness, abiding by social distancing guidelines can be extremely difficult, and not having a place to live makes quarantining nearly possible. Local individuals and nonprofits share how COVID-19 is affecting the homeless population, and the unique challenges they seek to overcome.

Feature Story Micah Foster

Published Together: Is Grand Rapids a nice place to live?

"A shift is occurring in our society. We must dismantle and re-engineer new systems that are free of structural racism," says Micah Foster, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. In this vulnerable op-ed, Foster shares his personal experiences with racism, and the dialogue necessary to effect lasting change in our communities.

Longform Winona Bynum at Old City Acres farm in Belleville.

Michigan's local food economy rises to meet COVID-19's challenges

Small Michigan farms have already adapted rapidly to address some of the challenges the pandemic has presented, and local food advocates see many opportunities ahead to continue strengthening local food systems.

Development News Flip

Flip Dog Yoga offers a new vision for yoga

Flip Dog Yoga strives for a welcoming, inclusive space that, since COVID-19, has moved online and to Briggs Park.

Partner Content Seniors exercising

Program aims to get adult foster care home residents in Copper Country moving more and eating better

Residents have learned many healthy lessons through a program that offers nutrition and physical activity education and encouragement tailored to the needs of clients with cognitive impairments. 

Feature Story A presenter addresses attendees at LEDA's annual summit.

Foundation grants $105,000 to groups focused on racial equity

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area is giving $105,000 to five organizations and initiatives working to address racial equity and implicit bias.

Longform People walk and bike down Washington Street in Ann Arbor.

Pandemic prompts Michigan communities to open streets for safer exercise and transportation

Several communities have closed select streets to automobiles, and advocates hope that the pandemic may prompt long-term positive changes in how we use public space for health and fitness.

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Hunting and shooting ranges help drive conservation funding in Michigan

"We have a saying here: If you don't have shooting, you don't have hunting; if you don't have hunting, you don't have conservation, and if you don't have conservation, you don't have wildlife.”

Feature Story Brandon Davis

Exploring equity & accountability in GR: Brandon Davis discusses his evolving role in historic times

It's been weeks since Grand Rapids' most widely attended protest highlighted the need for greater racial equity and police accountability in our city. As community members move to effect lasting change in the wake of unrest, Director of the Office of Public Accountability for the City of Grand Rapids Brandon Davis explores his new and evolving role with the city and the community. 

Feature Story Deedee

Change is "at your fingertips": 3 Grand Rapids activists speak out

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and other Black men and women due to police misconduct, new activists are finding their voices. And across the country and here in Grand Rapids, activism takes many forms. Whether speaking out, attending a protest or organizing one, or supporting the marginalized, GR activists discuss why it's important to keep showing up.

Feature Story Wyoming

How completing the census will impact Wyoming's growing Latinx population

Although today the data obtained from the census is used to ensure how many dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources, many communities — especially the Latinx community — are hesitant to participate. The city of Wyoming is working to encourage its growing Latinx community (22.8%) to be counted in order to provide funding for programs for this often marginalized population.

Feature Story Wyoming

Cómo completar el censo afectará a la creciente población Latinx de Wyoming

Aunque hoy los datos obtenidos del censo se utilizan para asegurar cuántos dólares en fondos federales se destinan a hospitales, departamentos de bomberos, escuelas, carreteras y otros recursos, muchas comunidades, especialmente la comunidad Latinx, dudan en participar. La ciudad de Wyoming está trabajando para alentar a su creciente comunidad latina (22.8%) a ser contada a fin de proporcionar fondos para programas para esta población a menudo marginada.