Many West Michigan Native Americans find culturally-specific treatment at the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Health Clinic on State St. NE., where they take advantage of free health and dental care, as well as a community eager to rally around Michigan American Indians with support rooted in a shared cultural perspective.

At the age of 18, Amy Acton suffered from an electrical burn. She reveals that "I often found myself wondering why this happened, why I survived and the other person didn’t, and how I could help prevent something like this from ever happening again." Now, serving as Executive Director of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Amy uses her experience as inspiration — highlighting the importance of peer support in every burn survivor's recovery process.

Last week, we explored how local advocates are working to conserve native plants. This week, check out how powerful partnerships and education are helping make this happen.

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is stepping in to provide those skills  —in Spanish. Thanks to up to $94,628 in support from the City of Grand Rapids’ Economic Development Corporation (EDC), “Transformando West Michigan Phase I: Feeding Minds, Mouths and Pockets” is currently working with 21 representatives from 11 existing food businesses to provide essential skills for a successful owner of a food business.

WMCAT, Mercy Health, and The SOURCE are partnering in WMCAT’s Workforce Development program to launch adults into careers that provide a living wage, opportunity for advancement, and the means to create a stable family environment.

Grand Rapids Pride Center and Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan taking action for older LGBT adults via Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant.