Features

Longform Melvin Henley

Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

Development News CMU RC List

The Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub receives federal entrepreneurial hub grantGovernor Whitmer designation unleashes vital resources for local entrepreneurs

The Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub has been selected as one of 27 regional grantees to receive funding from the Small Business Support Hubs program. See how 11 partnering area organizations aim to create a dynamic ecosystem for small businesses to thrive by providing essential resources such as networking opportunities, events, programs, and dedicated spaces.

Longform Dr. Kelsey Sala-Hamrick is the Michigan Public Health Institute's MI ACE project director.

200-partner collaborative raises awareness about impact of adverse childhood experiences in Michigan

Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them. 

Feature Story PT List

Mt. Pleasant pottery studio provides a haven for creativity and relaxation

For about a dozen years, The Painted Turtle has been a haven for creativity and relaxation in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Discover the business’s origins and their plans for what’s next.

Longform MDHHS staff early 20th century.

State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.   

Feature Story MM Bin

Materials management: We’re not talking about just trash anymoreQ&A with Isabella County Material Recovery Facility director, Jake Borton

The Isabella County Material Recovery Facility is setting its sights on becoming a regional hub for sustainability efforts when it comes to materials management. Discover more about how the MRF is implementing a new legislature, shifting the focus away from landfill capacity, and toward more sustainable methods of recycling.

Longform Child at NEST Child Care and Parent Institute in Detroit

Michigan makes the leap to improved educational opportunities with MiLEAP

MiLEAP consolidates the expansion of Pre-K for All, Sixty by 30, which would see 60% of working-age Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030, and all education in between. 

Feature Story virtual job fair image

Virtual Job Fair represents 40+ employers seeking behavioral health services professionals

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is sponsoring a Behavioral Health Services Virtual Job Fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024. 

Feature Story Broadway Lofts on Broadway Street in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

If we build housing, economic development will come

Regional leaders gathered at SVSU to talk about the positive impact housing has on economic development. During the Housing Summit, they talked about successes in each area—including Isabella County—and exchanged ideas about public tools to help private developers.

Feature Story ICFH

Isabella Citizens for Health expands health access in Mt. Pleasant and rural mid-Michigan

Federally qualified health center organization Isabella Citizens for Health has been working on an expansion of their Mt. Pleasant facilities—doubling the size of their footprint which offers integrated care for both medical and mental health. Discover their growth and plans for 2024 to offer health care across the region.

Partner Content The Grand Rapids location will expand AAoM’s  Upbound Staffing employment program.

Upbound Staffing creates inclusive connections for employers and job seekers

Upbound Staffing helps prepare job candidates living with autism for all parts of a career search and assists businesses in making their work environments more inclusive.

Feature Story Boys in preschool

الأطفال في سن ما قبل المدرسة الذين يعيشون مع التوحد يستفيدون من التعليم المبكر بشكل كبير

تحدثت "تهم التعليم المبكر" عن هذا الموضوع المهم مع هيذر إيكنر، مديرة التعليم على مستوى الولاية في تحالف التوحد في ميشيغان (AAOM) وأم لطفلين يعيشان مع التوحد.

Feature Story Kids

What do breastfeeding, sanitation, vaccines, and lead paint have in common? Public health.

Q&A with Norm Hess, executive director of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.

Feature Story Boys in preschool

Por qué los preescolares con autismo se benefician de la educación temprana

Early Education Matters habló sobre este importante tema con Heather Eckner, directora de educación estatal de la Autism Alliance of Michigan (Alianza para el Autismo de Michigan, AAOM) y madre de dos niños autistas.

Longform A Meals on Wheels Western Michigan volunteer makes a delivery.

Inflation, aging population, and loss of COVID funding impact Michigan Meals on Wheels programs

Many Meals on Wheels providers report that challenges have arisen as their client lists continue to grow thanks to an aging population, even as pandemic relief funding dries up.

Feature Story SOMI Polar Plunge 2023

February fundraising festivities across Mt. PleasantFind a new way to give back to the community

So many organizations throughout Mt. Pleasant are constantly working hard to give back to the community, including hosting annual fundraisers to raise funds to make their impact happen. Discover the details behind Bowties & Bourbon, the Optimist Club’s annual dinner, SHAgala, the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, and annual Rotary Club dinner—all happening this February.

Feature Story MP Aquatic

Frequently asked questions about the proposed Mt. Pleasant aquatic center: Answered

Pending the results of a February 27 millage proposal, the Mid-Michigan Aquatics Recreational Authority hopes to bring a competitive-sized swimming pool and teaching/therapy pool to Mt. Pleasant. Wanting to know more about this wave-making change? Here are some FAQs, answered.

Longform The MALPH staff: Jodie Shaver, Vickie Johnson, Edward Witherspoon, Gwen Tithoff, and Norm Hess.

Michigan Association for Local Public Health helps build health across the state

Michigan Association for Local Public Health advocates for policies, initiatives, and collaborations that build health across the state and individually through trainings and workforce assistance.

Feature Story Boys in preschool

Why preschoolers living with autism benefit from early education

 Early childhood education presents a golden opportunity to set up  children living with autism for academic success.

Longform Melanie Brim, former president and CEO of the Michigan Health Council.

How can Michigan solve its growing health care workforce shortage?Nonprofit Journal Project

One study found that nearly all of the 36 Michigan health care occupations it analyzed are projecting workforce shortages between now and 2032. What can be done?