Features

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?

Longform Photos of Indigenous family food traditions submitted to the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan.

Michigan's Indigenous children receive culturally sensitive nutrition education through new program

The 13 Moons Curriculum enriches the lives of children up to age 5 with an academic foundation focused on culturally relevant, healthy eating.

Feature Story SE Food Dist

Soaring Eagle celebrates openings of four restaurants within new Food District

Several nationally recognized restaurant brands have opened their first locations in Michigan within the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort’s new Food District. Set up similar to a food court, Chicken Guy!, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, and Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria are now open in Mt. Pleasant.

Feature Story MTFC

Mt. Pleasant group fosters friendships and fun through the power of music

With no auditions required, the Mountain Town Family Chorus is a multi-aged, all-voices, community-based singing group in mid Michigan. Learn more about their four-part a cappella music group—primarily in the barbershop genre—that doesn’t look like the traditionally known barbershop quartet.

Longform Most of Michigan’s counties having childcare deserts, areas that have three or more families competing for one available childcare slot.

Regional organizations help determine the childcare landscape within their own communities

The East-Central Michigan Child Care Coalition is working on expanding childcare organizations, serve more parents, and lower costs to families.   

Feature Story Marie Koper List

Sustainable Sparks: Marie Koper's mid-Michigan vision

Marie Koper, a passionate advocate for preserving natural beauty as well as sustainable solutions, spearheads the Mid Michigan Business and Community Sustainability Partnership (MMBCSP). Committed to bridging the gap between the local economy and sustainability efforts, the coalition aims to integrate smart energy and sustainable practices across the community.

Feature Story Aleis Hansen List

New trails and upgrades await in 2024Q&A with Alexis Hansen, Director of Isabella County Parks & Recreation

Alexis Hansen brings a wealth of experience to the mid-Michigan area from varied recreation roles—including her most recent position as Director of Isabella County Parks & Recreation. The county boasts diverse parks, trails, and plans for upgrades. Explore the exciting enhancements Hansen anticipates in 2024, from trail expansions to facility improvements, aligning with a new five-year recreation master plan.

In The News Holiday Stock

Unlocking winter wonderland: This upcoming season’s escapades throughout Isabella County

Entertainment opportunities for Isabella County residents are just as available in winter as they were in the summer; sometimes all it requires is a little more research and a change in gear. As the saying goes—when life gives you snow, buy skis.

Partner Content MyMichigan List

It Takes a VillageMyMichigan Health volunteers show that community health doesn’t start and end at the doctor’s office

It takes a village to keep a community healthy—from healthcare providers and technicians, therapists, nurses and so many others who care for patients, to nonprofits that distribute food to families in need to organizations that ensure families have transportation. Staff members at MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant know just how much they need to rely on their village to keep local residents healthy; and, they have found ways to help ensure their village thrives.

Feature Story HATS Event

Dog microchip event gives pet owners a chance at reunions with lost animals

The Humane Animal Treatment Society in Mt. Pleasant hosted a free dog microchip event in partnership with Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on December 18. $1,000 was donated by the dealership to cover the costs of 100 microchips for local residents’ furry friends.