Beyond the Headlines in 2024: Journalists reflect on stories that impacted them
A look back at the stories of 2024 through the eyes of your Southwest Michigan Second Wave writers.
Community Development
Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.
Latest in Community Development
For Christmas, this Kalamazoo group is booking hotel rooms for the unhoused
A local advocacy group is working to provide a safe and warm Christmas setting for up to 100 unhoused people in the greater Kalamazoo area. Find out how Kalamazoo Together for the Unhoused is working to raise money, collect contributions, and schedule volunteer efforts for its third annual Heads in Beds for Christmas.
Queer Activist in Battle Creek prepares to go silent to stay safe
Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are taking steps to protect themselves from the threat of Project 25 to roll back rights. As a response, one Queer Activist in Battle Creek plans to keep a low profile while reducing household expenses and getting important papers in order.
PHOTOS: It’s harvest time in Southwest Michigan and Calhoun County farm and school celebrate
If you don't yet have a pumpkin, these photos might get you in the mood. Photographer John Grap captured some harvest joy at Of the Land, a homestead, farm, and farm school, in Battle Creek.
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FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality
FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.
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Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness
Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.
Breaking her silence to help other victims of sex trafficking in Battle Creek
“We build a rapport and connect them to services they need. It’s not so much about education. It’s about awareness and doing street outreach to connect with victims. As they pursue recovery we want them to know they’re not walking that journey alone,”
Regional Housing Partnerships addressing need for affordable housing
As part of the Region I Regional Housing Partnership, the Capital Area Housing Partnership and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission are tasked with developing local action plans to address the housing crisis. City and state government, neighborhood developers including Forsberg Real Estate, and area nonprofits are working together to address homelessness in greater Lansing and to attract residents to Eaton Rapids.
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Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up
Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.
Hope Starts Here puts Detroit’s young children first
The Hope Starts Here initiative brings together a team of advocates and champions who are leading the charge for Detroit’s early childhood systems. A collaboration among The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, and a host of agencies, community based organizations, and most importantly, Detroit residents, Hope Starts Here formally launched in 2017.
For Christmas, this Kalamazoo group is booking hotel rooms for the unhoused
A local advocacy group is working to provide a safe and warm Christmas setting for up to 100 unhoused people in the greater Kalamazoo area. Find out how Kalamazoo Together for the Unhoused is working to raise money, collect contributions, and schedule volunteer efforts for its third annual Heads in Beds for Christmas.
Queer Activist in Battle Creek prepares to go silent to stay safe
Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are taking steps to protect themselves from the threat of Project 25 to roll back rights. As a response, one Queer Activist in Battle Creek plans to keep a low profile while reducing household expenses and getting important papers in order.
PHOTOS: It’s harvest time in Southwest Michigan and Calhoun County farm and school celebrate
If you don't yet have a pumpkin, these photos might get you in the mood. Photographer John Grap captured some harvest joy at Of the Land, a homestead, farm, and farm school, in Battle Creek.
Partner Partner Content FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality
FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.
Partner Partner Content Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness
Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.
Breaking her silence to help other victims of sex trafficking in Battle Creek
“We build a rapport and connect them to services they need. It’s not so much about education. It’s about awareness and doing street outreach to connect with victims. As they pursue recovery we want them to know they’re not walking that journey alone,”
Regional Housing Partnerships addressing need for affordable housing
As part of the Region I Regional Housing Partnership, the Capital Area Housing Partnership and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission are tasked with developing local action plans to address the housing crisis. City and state government, neighborhood developers including Forsberg Real Estate, and area nonprofits are working together to address homelessness in greater Lansing and to attract residents to Eaton Rapids.
Partner Partner Content Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up
Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.
Hope Starts Here puts Detroit’s young children first
The Hope Starts Here initiative brings together a team of advocates and champions who are leading the charge for Detroit’s early childhood systems. A collaboration among The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, and a host of agencies, community based organizations, and most importantly, Detroit residents, Hope Starts Here formally launched in 2017.
