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How an unused dental chair sparked an inclusive clinic at a Cleveland juvenile detention center

MedWish Medworks turned an unused dental chair into inclusive dentistry for youth at Cuyahoga Juvenile Detention Center, providing critical care for long-neglected health needs.

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Opera premiere in Battle Creek gives voice to the Tangled Roots of slavery

“Our African history runs deeper than slavery, but it is a part of it. The spirituals are intertwined throughout our history,  our faith, and became anthems of the civil rights movement. There are classical, jazz, and hip-hop themes  intertwined within the score.”

Providing emergency overnight shelter comes at a price for Battle Creek’s SHARE Center

“The SHARE Center is the last hope for many people, and the organization faces a very real threat of de-funding by the Federal government, which will result in more needless suffering, more death."

Yes, housing really is more unaffordable in Kalamazoo — here’s why

In Kalamazoo County. Incomes have risen 19% since 2019 — but housing prices are up 46%. Finding housing that doesn’t break the bank used to be a problem for low-income folks. Now, even households with a decent salary are in a pinch. Kalamazoo County is not alone — its housing woes are a microcosm of the nationwide housing crisis.

Sí, la vivienda es realmente más inasequible en Kalamazoo -aquí está el porqué

En el condado de Kalamazoo. Los ingresos han aumentado un 19% desde 2019, pero los precios de la vivienda han subido un 46%. Encontrar una vivienda que no cueste mucho dinero solía ser un problema para las personas de bajos ingresos. Ahora, incluso los hogares con un salario decente están en apuros. El condado de Kalamazoo no está solo: sus problemas de vivienda son un microcosmos de la crisis inmobiliaria a nivel nacional.  

¿Realmente qué se considera como vivienda asequible en el condado de St. Joseph?

«Somos más poderosos como condado y podemos tener un mayor impacto al tener a todas estas personas talentosas, inteligentes y dedicadas colaborando en estos temas», dice John Carmichael.

Joyful Streets, Real-World Struggles: “Happy Cities” author on the journey to transform Kalamazoo

"What I've noticed in Kalamazoo is, the city has been taking action to make some changes that in the short term some people might find uncomfortable, but in the long term are going to set the city on course for more vitality, more health, more equity, and I would say more happiness for the people who choose to live here."  

Battle Creek Truth Racial Healing and Transformation still a change agent in a changing world

Local equity leaders remain steadfast while tackling questions of what's next for DEI and racial healing.  “Fearmongering and overwhelm are deliberate tactics meant to discourage progress — but we refuse to be derailed. We are committed to moving forward."

Nonprofits can’t do it all — Encourage BC supports those who address needs in Battle Creek

“Some are standalone organizations and some are individuals who want to do great work in the community but don’t have the capacity to build out an organization around their work. These folks are able to do these different projects, have relationships with their donors, and get educated about philanthropy through this work. We want to give them as much autonomy as possible."

Renee Thompson with Disability Advocates of Kent County makes adjustments to the new walker being loaned to Ronny Richardson through DAKC's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet.
Finding belonging through empowerment: One journey with Disability Advocates of Kent County

For Ronny Richardson, Disability Advocates of Kent County's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet didn't merely provide him with needed medical equipment; they extended personalized support to empower him and help him fully participate in his community. 

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