Stories

Longform Deb Messing oversees Sanilac County Community Mental Health communications efforts to the county's rural residents. Healthy Communities

Rural mental health providers overcome stigma, rugged individualism, and distance to provide care

Julie RiddleTuesday, December 3, 2024
Here's how three Michigan community mental health agencies serving rural populations have found ways to meet their unique needs by developing innovative programs and effective outreach.
Feature Story Heather Bausick, solid waste and recycling coordinator at the Allegan County Health Department. Healthy Communities

Allegan County's expanded hazardous waste program increases participation

Shandra MartinezMonday, December 2, 2024
Allegan County’s expanded hazardous waste program allows all residents to dispose of items safely, increasing participation and supporting environmental protection.  
Feature Story Todd Rockhill advocates for clients facing housing and substance use challenges at Allegan County's OnPoint. Healthy Communities

Over the years, OnPoint’s care evolves to meet Allegan County needs

Shandra MartinezMonday, December 2, 2024
OnPoint’s staff like Laura Furey and Todd Rockhill reflect on how their jobs have evolved to focus on person-centered mental health and housing services in Allegan County
Feature Story Community Action House will use a grant from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to expand staffing and infrastructure for the Food Club & Opportunity Hub and respond to a growing demand for services. Community Development

$217K in grants fund programs across Holland and Zeeland

The Lakeshore Monday, December 2, 2024
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area has awarded $217,000 in grants to nonprofits addressing housing, basic needs, and youth services.
Feature Story For Les Tucker, playing Santa is about making people feel seen, heard, and loved in some small way, even for just a few minutes. Arts and Culture

Bringing holiday magic to life: My journey as Santa Claus

Les TuckerMonday, December 2, 2024
Les Tucker shares his experience at an iconic Santa Claus school and his love for bringing Santa's joy to children each Christmas.  
Feature Story The Village of Spring Lake is wrapping up a multi-year infrastructure project with more construction possible in the future. Community Development

Spring Lake replacing aging subterranean infrastructure

Andrea GoodellMonday, December 2, 2024
The Village of Spring Lake is looking to wrap up the first phase of a multi-year infrastructure project that has replaced a half mile of 80-year-old water and sewer lines. What comes next will depend on funding.
Feature Story Disability Network Southwest Michigan’s Kelly Linton, an ADA specialist and systems advocate working with Wheel the World, takes measurements. Community Development

How Wheel the World is changing accessibility in Kalamazoo, one business at a time

Shandra MartinezSaturday, November 30, 2024
Kalamazoo businesses partner with Wheel the World and Disability Network Southwest Michigan to improve accessibility, creating inclusive spaces that welcome everyone.
Feature Story Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity launched its home repair program in the city of Allegan. Community Development

Lakeshore Habitat home repair expands into Allegan

Andrea GoodellFriday, November 29, 2024
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity launched its home repair program in the city of Allegan. The program, funded primarily by a grant from Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), will provide affordable home repair relief to low-income households in the city of Allegan.
Partner Content Rendering photo of the Boston Square community hub. Courtesy photo. Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

Nonprofits and neighbors provide insight, pride, propel 49507 community development

Sarah SpohnMonday, November 25, 2024
IFF, a community development financial institution based in Illinois, has invested and shown a commitment to uplifting communities by providing financial support all over the state, including Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Part of IFF’s investment in Grand Rapids has been focused on the 49507 zip code, centered in a collection of neighborhoods southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. They're working with local nonprofits including Amplify GR and LINC UP and neighborhood residents to help propel development.
Feature Story small-karen Diversity

Advocate uses her experiences to help others with disabilities gain independence through work

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 25, 2024
Karen Wynne helps individuals with disabilities navigate the Ticket to Work program, empowering them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Longform A gathering for Michigan State University's Generations Connect program, which matches MSU undergraduate students with elders in the community, at the East Lansing Public Library. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan universities join global "age-friendly" movement, making campuses more welcoming to elders

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 21, 2024
As Michigan prepares for rapid growth in its population of older adults, three Michigan universities have joined a global movement to make higher education institutions more "age-friendly."
Feature Story MCC students Kaili Prins, left, and Marissa Aney-Johnson joke with Muskegon Community College mascot Jay the Jayhawk. The two students spoke during the event. Kids and Education

Addressing nursing shortage: Partnership creates pathway for nurses to earn degrees

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 18, 2024
A new partnership between GVSU, MCC and Trinity Health Muskegon is helping nurses earn bachelor’s degrees. The first cohort is getting their education for free thanks to state funding to address the nursing shortage.
Feature Story From vintage ornaments and trains to holiday Barbies and a forest of bottlebrush trees, the MMA Festival of Trees is sure to spark your joy. Arts and Culture

December things to do: Tours, shopping, ballet, parades and a lot of lights

Melody WilsonMonday, November 18, 2024
Buckle up. A majority of events this month include the word “holiday.” There are theater productions, exhibits, movies, crafts, music, a live nativity, Santa sightings, and more light displays than you can shake a stick at.
Feature Story Lakeshore Advantage hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13 to unveil its new headquarters, alongside incubator spaces that are for lease to startups and entrepreneurs. Economic Development

Lakeshore Advantage unveils Next Center, a hub for startups and economic development

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 18, 2024
Lakeshore Advantage opens the Next Center, a cutting-edge hub in Holland aimed at fostering innovation, startups, and economic growth in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Feature Story In addition to sharper scans, the new MRI provides entertainment options for patients, allowing them to listen to audio through headphones during scans, helping them to relax and stay still. Healthy Communities

Cutting-edge MRI tech reduces wait times at Holland Hospital

Shandra MartinezSunday, November 17, 2024
Holland Hospital is among the first facilities in Michigan to use MRI technology that not only improves patient comfort and reduces scan times by a third but produces higher-quality imaging.
Feature Story Linda Pynnonen serves food at the Community Kitchen like she has for the past 30 years. Community Development

Decades of dedication: Couple honored with Governor’s Service Award

Shandra MartinezSunday, November 17, 2024
Ottawa County residents Wayne and Linda Pynnonen, 30-year volunteers at Community Action House, received the Governor’s Service Award for their dedication.
Longform Care Model Training recipients Dinora Quintanilla (far left) and Kim Poplaski (far right) with Care Model Training facilitator Vanessa Jimenez (center). Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

New training helps Kent County providers better connect residents in need to resources

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 14, 2024
Health Net of West Michigan's new Care Model Training provides frontline navigators with tools and tactics to better help residents access health care and social services.
Feature Story A delighted client receives her Meals on Wheels Western Michigan delivery. Healthy Communities

Giving the gift of time and healthy meals across Allegan and Kent counties

Kelsey SandersWednesday, November 13, 2024
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, which delivers community and nutrition to seniors in Allegan and Kent counties year-round, is looking for volunteers.
Feature Story Small-old-reeds-lake Economic Development

Grant fuels West Michigan’s agricultural revival with impact study

Shandra MartinezTuesday, November 12, 2024
A $125,000 grant will be used to create a strategy to boost Muskegon and four other counties’ agricultural growth, part of a long-term plan to strengthen the regional economy.
Feature Story Hannah Lombard is one of the students benefiting from the Early Middle College program. Kids and Education

Early Middle College program gives Allegan County students a head start on college success

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 11, 2024
The Allegan Area ESA Early Middle College program removes financial and logistical obstacles, enabling students to earn college credits tuition-free while still in high school.  
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