It’s been a long process since Juan Carlos Angulo first moved to Michigan from Mexico City. Three years later, Rapid Growth follows up with him on his demanding journey from work visa to U.S. residency.

For those with no, limited, or negative credit, having access to capital is increasingly challenging. As such, predatory loans have seen an uptick and are targeting segments of the population. Local organizations including North Kent Connect and Home Repair Services are working to assist community members improve their financial literacy and avoid predatory practices.

On a rainy Saturday morning while many folks were warm and dry safely ensconced inside all over the city, a group of individuals, many of whom had traveled from all around the state, were standing outside in a line during this fall downpour waiting to get inside LINC UP’s gallery for the first Expungement Resource Fair.

Collaboration between City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Wege Foundation, and Children & Nature Network created Burton Elementary and Middle Schools' outdoor classroom and more at Plaster Creek Park.

By structuring their new project with donations and opportunity zone investments, Dana Doll, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective — who focuses on connecting New American women with their new community—is excited to partner with investors and donors in restoring a 100 year old building on the South Division Corridor. With the help of Michelle Hoexum, CEO of Propeller, they will be building out new spaces, enabling them to partner with other leaders who are working with New American families.

Anyone can be a geek, and at more than 4,000 members strong, the West Michigan Geeks meetup group proves that many are. This group has been growing steadily since 2014, helping geeks of all stripes meet and share interests. As well, a resurgence in tabletop gaming has brought new players off line and on the board, making new friends out of fellow players.

As part of their ongoing mission to serve as many kids as possible, Head Start received a grant allowing them to open two more locations for the 2019-2020 school year.