Stories

Longform R2AAA elder-abuse victims specialist program manager Angela Shepherd, R2AAA assistant director Kara Lorenz-Goings, and R2AAA executive director Julie Wetherby.

Safe Haven programs offer rare respite for Michiganders experiencing elder abuse

Michigan elders experiencing abuse often have comparatively few community resources to turn to for help. But the Safe Haven model offers them safe, temporary housing to escape and get back on their feet.

Development News devMittenFlorallogo.JPG

Mitten Floral blossoms in Wyoming with blooms from West Michigan

Mitten Floral, at 3547 Burlingame in Wyoming, features flowers for weddings and all occasions, workshops, and a table and materials for customers to create their own flower arrangements.

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New space focused on parent-child interaction through play-based learning opens in Caledonia

Start-up business Cognificent Kids promotes strong cognitive development skills in young children through enrichment classes and play-based learning experiences.

Feature Story Dr. Katherine Sage

RapidChat: Dr. Katherine Sage on life as a young physician

As an American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) emerging leader and Grand Rapids boomerang, Dr. Katherine Sage aims to bring a unique outlook and fresh ideas to the world of foot and ankle health, including community outreach, volunteering, and having choice in your health care systems, insurance companies, and physicians.

Feature Story Betty White at Gildas Club

10 years and a whole lot of laughs later: LaughFest celebrates a milestone

2020 marks the 10th anniversary of LaughFest, a Gilda's Club Grand Rapids festival that has generated over $2 million in proceeds for the nonprofit, and facilitated open and honest conversation, community support, and above all, laughter when patients and their families need it most. 

Feature Story Quincy Byrd stands with his wife, Sara and children Daisy (left), Holly and Ethan. (Courtesy photo)

From homeless to helping: Holland leader shares his Habitat story

Holland City Council member Quincy Bryd understands the affordable housing crisis better than most. A decade ago, his family was facing homelessness after he lost his job. 

Feature Story A worker adds installation in a new mixed-income housing project being built in Holland.

Nonprofits join forces to tackle affordable housing shortage in Ottawa County

The Rodriguez-Matos family will finally move into their own home thanks to the work of local nonprofits that are joining forces to more quickly move the needle on available affordable housing in the Holland area.

Feature Story Basil at hotel

Immigrant entrepreneur makes a big difference in Spring Lake

Chaldean immigrant Basil Bacall sees his hospitality business as a way to give back, whether that is through supporting refugees or participating in local efforts like Spring Lake’s Art in the Park.

Feature Story Alyson and Mallory Caillaud-Jones

How local food entrepreneurs are showing up for equality on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is March 8, 2020, with a theme of Each for Equal. Several women-owned food businesses are coming together to celebrate, collaborate, and give back. Three of these entrepreneurs share their insights on why gender equality is important, how collaboration benefits everyone, and how businesses can help make change.

Feature Story Momentum1

Why Momentum Center’s approach to improving mental health is working

Those who take part in the Grand Haven nonprofit's activities report a decrease in depression and anxiety as their social connectedness increases.

Feature Story Jessica Christopher

One story of recovery: ‘She gave me a chance when I didn’t think I would get one’

When Jessica Christopher applied to be part of the staff at the Momentum Center for Social Engagement, she worried her past would be an obstacle. It turned out to be an asset. 

Longform Community integrated paramedics Kim Whalen and Lt. Kevin Bailey of the Bloomfield Township Fire Department conduct a patient visit.

Michigan paramedics are using a new model to promote good health before emergency strikes

Through an increasingly popular new model called community-integrated paramedicine, Michigan paramedics are using their downtime to proactively promote good health and nip emergency room trips in the bud.

Development News Dogtown

Dogtown Studio makes music dreams come true

Grand Rapids' Dogtown Studio produces affordable music videos for musicians promoting their music online. In 2019, they produced videos at no cost for 50 musicians. In 2020, they're implementing a model that benefits musicians while making the business sustainable.

Innovation News kitchen

Space and opportunity: West Michigan’s collaborative environment is helping small businesses expand

West Michigan's collaborative environment is creating a culture of innovation by which small business owners can connect and form strategic partnerships to help one another expand and grow.


Feature Story GVSU ethics professor and director of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative Michael DeWilde.

GVSU professor engaging emotional empathy to foster greater understanding of sexual harassment

GVSU ethics professor and director of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative Michael DeWilde encourage his students to practice emotional empathy to better understand sexual harassment.

Feature Story HQ

Youth drop-in center HQ evolves with commitments to local partnerships and expansion of services

With innovative programs and community partnerships like their Comprehensive Health Initiative, nonprofit youth drop-in center HQ continues to grow and innovate to serve youth in housing crisis.

Feature Story Firestation

How a Spring Lake fire station is inspiring communities to use solar power

The station's success with solar energy has inspired similar projects across North Ottawa County. Muskegon solar provider Chart House Energy has made the decision easy for area municipalities by giving them the option of paying no upfront costs.

Feature Story ElondaWillis

UIX: The designers and retailers weaving sustainability into fashion

Fashion is a choice, one which these designers and retailers have made with an eye for sustainability. From choosing raw materials, to designing the garments, to sourcing them from overseas, the journey from fabric to fashion can be complicated, but these businesses are proving that it doesn't have to rely on human suffering and pollution.

Feature Story Bali Kumar

How PACE could spur energy innovation along the Lakeshore

Bali Kumar explains how businesses and nonprofits can take advantage of the Michigan PACE program to finance sustainable building projects that often don't qualify for traditional bank loans. 

Development News Food summit

Food Summit grows connections to support a just West Michigan food system

A collaboration between students from all majors, faculty, and staff, the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project grows food for students while growing awareness of sustainable food systems through initiatives like its Jan. 31, 2020 Growing Connections Food Summit, which was sponsored by Grand Valley's Office of Sustainability Practices. The summit brought more than 100 people together at GVSU’s downtown campus to discuss growing a healthy food system for all.