Stories

Feature Story ygoa

How local yoga instructors address trauma through the mind-body connection

As trauma-sensitive yoga grows throughout West Michigan, treatment accessibility and mental health awareness can offer opportunities for all to heal.

Feature Story Fouad Catrib - Food Entrepreneur

G-Sync: From the Center of the Universe to beyond, food entrepreneur Fouad Catrib shares what’s next

Publisher Tommy Allen joins The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin to interview Fouad Catrib of Marie Catrib’s about his recently launched food startup Marie Catrib's Provisions. 

Feature Story tactical art

The community members behind GR's tactical urban art: Temporary, permanent, and gentrifying artworks

Tactical urban art attracts new people to a neighborhood, but that can sometimes lead to gentrification. How do local artists balance the impermanence of urban artwork?

Feature Story Wyoming Band

UIX: This city-run nonprofit has been supporting community enrichment for over a decade

The Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance has been supporting and funding local initiatives that build culture and connection between West Michigan neighbors since 2011. Programs like the Godfrey-Lee band camp, Pinery Park Little League, and regional tornado preparedness efforts have all been assisted by this city-run nonprofit. The fund has been growing every year, and the plan is to give it all away.

Feature Story Jonathan Jelks

RapidChat: Jonathan Jelks on why entrepreneurship doesn't have to be a lonely road

As a true proponent for creation over competition, Jonathan Jelks — Co-Founder of GR USA, Ambiance GR, The Midwest Tech Project, and most recently, Motu Viget Spirits — confidently works with like-minded younger-generation entrepreneurs to bring diverse culture, businesses, and entertainment to GR.

Feature Story The board for the DAAC in the new building.

These two organizations are partnering up in an epic relaunch

Balancing creative expression and the need for capital, Gaia Cafe and the Division Avenue Arts Collective have partnered up to rebirth their community-loved institutions in Creston.

Feature Story El Granjero

A city in flux: Local advocate talks collaboration and development without displacement

Last month’s Building Bridges series article highlighted the continued growth and development taking place within the city of Grand Rapids as it works through its Master Plan. West Side resident, advocate, and catering coordinator at her family’s restaurant, Paola Mendivil shares her thoughts on the developments taking place and what she hopes to see moving forward.

Feature Story El Granjero

Una ciudad en constante cambio: La importancia de la mutua colaboración y el desarrollo sin desplaza

El artículo de la serie Building Bridges del mes pasado destacó el continuo crecimiento y desarrollo de la ciudad de Grand Rapids a través del desarrollo de su Plan Maestro. Paola Mendivil, residente de West Side, promotora y coordinadora de catering en el restaurante de su familia, comparte sus pensamientos sobre los acontecimientos que están teniendo lugar y lo que espera ver en el futuro.

Development News food policy council pop up farmstand

New Kent County Food Policy Council will champion good food for all

The New Kent County Food Policy Council will inform local policy impacting food production, consumption, and access, and raise public awareness about the local food system’s impact on the area’s environmental, social, and economic health.

Innovation News Autonomous

Autonomous Vehicle Initiative changing the way we view public transportation

Over the next year, until July 2020, the Grand Rapids Autonomous Vehicle Initiative (AVGR) has partnered with May Mobility, a company working towards safe and reliable transportation, to pilot a test study of self-driving public transportation.

Feature Story Chris Martinez

RapidChat: Chris Martinez on his newest role on the Varnum Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council

Identifying both as Hispanic/Latino and as a part of the LGBTQ community, Chris Martinez is an evident fit for Varnum's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. As its newest member, Martinez will provide vital insights from both his personal experience and role in leadership development at the YMCA.

Feature Story Curb-cut raingardens

UIX: These small gardens are keeping our watershed clean with native plants

Small raingardens in front of homes in West Michigan are helping clean and cool polluted runoff water before it reaches one of the most critical watersheds in the area. The Plaster Creek Stewards are behind it all, and their impact is growing.

Innovation News Bates Place Staff Member Josh Holwerda.

New gardening project promotes community engagement for seniors

Allen Manor senior housing facility has started a gardening project in collaboration with Bates Place with the hope that it builds a stronger connection between the residents and their local communities.

Feature Story Andrea Wallace

Andrea Wallace, aka "SuperDre," answers 6 questions from Rapid Growth

In these "Six Questions with Andrea Wallace," local DJ SuperDre shares her thoughts on entrepreneurship, innovation, and working with friends.

Development News MSU Medical Mile

Brownfield approval moves forward new MSU-affiliated medical innovation building

City of Grand Rapids’ Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approval provides $29 million for the Grand Rapids Innovation Park medical innovation building.

Feature Story StockandCandor004list.jpg

RapidChat: Quynh Lai and Ben Wiley of Stock&Candor

Quynh Lai and Ben Wiley of Stock&Candor yearn for their guests to experience food in an entirely new way. The only stipulation: adventurous eaters who can enjoy all foods only. No picky eaters or dietary restrictions allowed.

Feature Story A centering pregnancy group at Covenant Community Care.

Michigan moms-to-be are trading traditional prenatal OB visits for group sessions – and loving it

Centering pregnancy groups offer moms traditional prenatal medical care, but also a social atmosphere that creates strong bonds and has demonstrated positive effects on moms' and babies' health.

Feature Story Andrea Wallace

Local DJ blends beats with business by partnering with fellow entrepreneurs

Andrea Wallace, aka "SuperDre," is back in GR after touring the country for several years. What she brings with her is a wealth of experience in both music and business.

Feature Story Youth delegate Cory Williams.

Young Grand Rapids and Ypsilanti activists gear up for International Congress of Youth Voices

The second annual event will bring together youth from around the world to learn from and network with accomplished writers, activists, elected officials, and other youth delegates.

Development News WMSBF

WMSBF facility tours spotlight local strides towards circular economy

WMSBF took 80 people through the Kent County Waste to Energy Facility and City of Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility to demonstrate how a circular economy reduces, reuses, and recycles its resources in order to eliminate waste.