Stories

Load More Stories
Feature Story Deb

Published Together: COVID-19's impact on the deaf and hard of hearing

By Deb Atwood, Executive Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing ServicesTuesday, April 28, 2020
Deb Atwood, Executive Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, explores communication and accessibility of information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing amid COVID-19.
Feature Story share-the-stimulus

#ShareTheStimulus campaign offers ways to ‘invest in our community’

By Shandra MartinezTuesday, April 28, 2020
Ottawa County nonprofit and government leaders are encouraging people who don't need their COVID-19 relief checks to use the extra money to help those who are struggling.
Feature Story Liz Hoffswell is a small business expert.

What small business owners need to know about stimulus loans

By Liz HoffswellTuesday, April 28, 2020
Small business owners should apply for their PPP loans ASAP,  says Liz Hoffswell, a certified business consultant. In her column, she explains the Paycheck Protection Program and other CARES Act stimulus loan options. 
Feature Story Randy

Mental health under COVID-19: Creating intentional group work while quarantined

By Randy Flood, MA, LLP, Director, Men's Resource Center of West MichiganMonday, April 27, 2020
Psychotherapist, Consultant, and Writer Randy Flood explores the power of an intentional work group amid quarantine.
Partner Content Bay Mills' 2019 "Honoring Our Veterans" powwow.

Rec-Connect program encourages culturally appropriate recreation in Bay Mills Indian Community

By Sarah RiggMonday, April 27, 2020
Demonstrations of new physical activities are just one way the Rec-Connect program aims to inspire more physical activity as part of healthy living in the community in a culturally-appropriate way.
Feature Story Walk

In your neighborhood: The 43rd Annual Walk for Good Food

By Estelle SlootmakerSaturday, April 25, 2020
Over the past 42 years, the Access of West Michigan Walk for Good (formerly the Hunger Walk) has raised more than $6 million for dozens of local and international nonprofits addressing hunger and food insecurity. In light of COVID-19, instead of congregating in the center city, people who have registered to walk will chart their own 5K courses within their own neighborhoods, all the while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Feature Story Mindset

Mindset Meals founders talk healthy eating, partnership, and delivery during quarantine

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorFriday, April 24, 2020
Healthy eating duo Eric Freeman and Mallory Malloy explore their journey to local meal prep company Mindset Meals. Still delivering during COVID-19, Mindset Meals provides healthy, pre-portioned meals for those seeking a fresh spin on takeout during quarantine.
Feature Story Bing

Published Together: The benefits of flowers for Michiganders' quality of life

By Bing GoeiFriday, April 24, 2020
CEO of Eastern Floral and Board Member of the West Michigan Asian American Association Bing Goei explores the benefits of flowers for quality of life, as well as his plans for providing this resource during COVID-19 shutdowns.
Feature Story kathryn-agar-kitten1

Fostering kittens during the pandemic

By Kathryn AgarThursday, April 23, 2020
GVSU student Kathryn Agar is spending her extra time at home to care for orphan kittens. She shares how fostering is challenging but rewarding volunteer work. (Spoiler alert: lots of adorable kitten photos)
Innovation News GVSU Charter

GVSU Charter Schools Office urges its educators to be innovative as distant learning begins in MI

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorThursday, April 23, 2020
GVSU Charter Schools Office says it has kept education moving forward since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feature Story Paul

Published Together: What COVID-19 is telling us about equity

By Paul T. Doyle, CDP, IDIThursday, April 23, 2020
Certified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant Paul T. Doyle discusses how COVID-19 has widened racial disparities and increased the need for equity and systems change.
Partner Content Students prepare for a food tasting.

MARESA promotes healthy eating and fitness in the rural Upper Peninsula

By Greg TaskerThursday, April 23, 2020
The Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Services Agency (MARESA) is working with 18 elementary schools in seven counties in the central UP to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. 
Feature Story Jeff Robinson of Hybrid Machining removes a 3D printed face mask from a printer donated by Reed City on March 30, 2020 at Hybrid Machining in Holland. Robinson is donating his time and his space to help create more face shields and masks for essentia

Volunteers launch 3D printer network to fill gap amid PPE shortage

By Shandra MartinezWednesday, April 22, 2020
It began as a small group of West Michigan volunteers making Personal Protective Equipment on their 3D printers to protect the health of frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. And then it quickly grew into 3Dc19.com, a multi-state network of volunteers. Meet the people who made this happen. 
Partner Content An educator leads a Linking Lessons session.

Linking Lessons brings healthy lifestyle basics to Metro Detroit teens

By Claire Charlton and Louis RicardWednesday, April 22, 2020
Linking Lessons puts registered dietitians, chefs, and other community health educators in Michigan middle and high schools to teach kids about how to make impactful changes in their diets and physical activity.
Feature Story Skylar

Creatives at home: Tackling the brokenness of the criminal justice system amid COVID-19

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorWednesday, April 22, 2020
Forgive Everyone Co. is a local t-shirt company founded by Calvin University senior Skyler Rich that donates 20% of proceeds toward re-entry efforts like housing and employment for the formerly incarcerated. His new line of shirts, "Decarcerate," is aimed at raising funds to free people in prisons at risk for developing COVID-19.
Feature Story The Knickerbocker Theatre promotes a safety tip on its marquee.

COVID-19: Signs of the Times

By Mike LozonTuesday, April 21, 2020
Local writer and photographer Mike Lozon documents the messages on Holland area signs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Longform Susan Salhaney and Ewa Matuszewski at Judson Family Center in Warren.

Improving Michigan's health care system requires changing how we think about health

By Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, April 21, 2020
The model of integrated health is creating positive outcomes through a more holistic approach to care, but providers say our society is just beginning a larger, necessary paradigm shift.
Feature Story lucia-rios-photo

Finding community during quarantine

By Lucia RiosMonday, April 20, 2020
Lucia Rios' milestone birthday didn't quite turn out as imagined but it was memorable. She credits caring friends and coworkers for helping her get through quarantine.
Special Report Clarissa

Upward Mobility: Preparing West Michigan’s Latinx professionals for success and leadership

By Kendra R. McNeilSaturday, April 18, 2020
Congrats to the 2020 class of LEADeres, a non-credit leadership lab at Ferris State University’s Latino Business and Economic Development Center designed to support Latinx professionals as they pursue their individual career and life goals. Since its inception, the program has been committed to helping Latinos develop the skills, resources, and confidence needed to become leaders at work and in the community.
Development News Black Book Box

The City of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhood Match Fund offers COVID-19 resiliency grantsSubmit ideas through April 19. Projects take place May 1 to August 31, 2020

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorFriday, April 17, 2020

The City of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF)  is providing focused support for community projects that help Grand Rapids’ most vulnerable residents meet their basic needs for resiliency, wellness, and safety in light of COVID-19.

Load More Stories
Focus Areas
Copyright © Issue Media Group. All rights reserved.