Stories

Feature Story Nailah Henry

Washtenaw County leads the way with ADAPTS mental health model

ADAPTS project utilizes system dynamics modeling to reshape how communities address mental health needs by offering a comprehensive framework for resource planning and crisis intervention.

Feature Story The Disability Network Southwest Michigan team poses for a holiday photo.

DNSWM campaign highlights staff’s lived experiences and community impact

Disability Network Southwest Michigan's ‘We Are Who We Serve’ campaign highlights staff’s experiences and commitment to empowering persons with disabilities.

Feature Story “A Holiday I Do” is a Michigan-made holiday movie showcasing familiar destinations and small businesses in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Metro Detroit.

Michigan-made holiday movie highlights LGBTQ+ friendly communities, universal message of love

“A Holiday I Do” is a Michigan-made holiday movie showcasing familiar destinations and small businesses in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Metro Detroit. The movie puts a unique, inclusive LGBTQ+ spin on the traditional Hallmark-style holiday love story.

Feature Story Herrick District Library’s next Maker-in-Residence will be civic engagement artist Sara Alsum-Wassenaar.

New maker creating geodomes at Herrick District Library

Herrick District Library's next Maker-in-Residence Sara Alsum-Wassenaar, who considers herself a “hacker-designer” as well as an artist, will be crafting a 3D model of a joint for geodesic domes that will be available for anyone to 3D print at the library.

Feature Story The Warm Friend shown in 1968.

The Warm Friend Tavern — 300 years in the making and the man who built it

Former Holland City Manager Terry Hoffmeyer remembers The Warm Friend before it was The Warm Friend.  

Feature Story Gregory Hall reaquired his beloved Virture Cider and is returning the brand to its independent roots.

Virtue Cider’s Next Chapter: Gregory Hall brings the brand back to Allegan County roots

Virtue Cider founder Gregory Hall reacquired the Fennville brand, blending old-world techniques with local heritage to craft sustainable, creative ciders.

Feature Story Hillside Learning Center in Allegan is being honored for implementing a curriculum that helps students with severe physical disabilities increase mobility and independence.

MOVE curriculum is giving students with disabilities more mobility

Hillside Learning Center in Allegan is being honored for implementing a curriculum that helps students with severe physical disabilities increase mobility and independence.   

Feature Story The Grand Landing site at the intersection of US 31 and Adams Street in Grand Haven has been in the sights of hotel developers since 2006.

Grand Haven's Grand Landing could finally land a hotel

At the Grand Landing site at the intersection of US 31 and Adams Street, Elite Hospitality has now proposed a 131-room Hilton hotel complex, including a Hampton Inn and Home 2 Suites.   

Longform Nailah Henry & Nancy Baum

Michigan building a better crisis continuum for mental health care

As mental health needs rise across Michigan, state officials, health care providers, and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people in crisis.

Feature Story The city of Grand Haven has selected CopperRock Construction to redevelop Chinook Pier. The city will retain ownership of the property.

Grand Haven chooses CopperRock to develop Chinook Pier, plans inching forward

Grand Haven's waterfront will receive a facelift with the redevelopment of Chinook Pier, but many of the crowd favorites, such as mini-golf, will remain.

Feature Story Sarah Lewakowski is the executive director of Mosaic Counseling.

Grant bolsters mental health services for youth in Ottawa and Kent counties

Mosaic Counseling expands youth mental health services with $250,000 GHACF grant, part of $745,000 in community impact awards from GHACF.

Feature Story K. Jones and The Benzie Playboys are among the performers this year at Winter Wheat, taking place at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Saturday, Jan. 11

Grand Rapids’ Winter Wheat Festival celebrates Michigan's musical heritage

The Winter Wheat Festival, in Grand Rapids on Jan. 11, brings Michigan’s rich music traditions to life with live performances, dancing, and community connection.  

Feature Story Rollon Corp. to invest $16 million in Norton Shores facility, creating 43 jobs and showcasing Muskegon County's skilled workforce.

Skilled workforce draws Rollon Corp. to Norton Shores for $16M manufacturing facility

Rollon Corp. to invest $16 million in Norton Shores facility, creating 43 jobs and showcasing Muskegon County's skilled workforce.

Feature Story Housing stress is likely adding to the mental health toll many in Ottawa County are feeling, according to the 2024 Healthy Ottawa Plan.

Housing joins list of health concerns in Ottawa County

By addressing housing, it is very likely providers would be addressing mental health as well and vice versa. Social determinants such as strain, lifestyle, and housing often direct health outcomes. Mental health remains a top health challenge along with access to care, according to the newly released 2024 Healthy Ottawa Plan.

Feature Story Nathan Dlouhy appreciates how DAKC's Interview Day helps him to be his best self.

DAKC event empowers young adults with disabilities through mock interviews and job connections

A Disability Advocates Kent County event uses mock interviews to build confidence among young adults with disabilities and connect them to job opportunities.

Feature Story LaShawnda Bates, wearing a yellow dress, stands in front of a table with health brochures on it.

Bronson Cancer Care Equity Project breaks down barriers to health care

Bronson’s Cancer Care Equity project addresses health disparities through community partnerships, improving accessibility, communication, and inclusivity in cancer care.

Feature Story SMALL-Michelle-Stempien

New director charts path for Holland Museum’s future

A Q&A with Michelle Stempien, Holland Museum’s new executive director, about her vision for making the museum a community gathering space.

Feature Story Uncle Goose owner Pete Bultman believes their blocks promote critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.

Uncle Goose: Building a legacy of play, imagination and sustainability

Rooted in Grand Rapids' manufacturing legacy, Uncle Goose crafts handcrafted wooden toys that inspire imaginative play, promote learning, and prioritize sustainability.  

Feature Story The Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents its exhibit “We Hope You Fail Better,” featuring works by picture book authors Brad and Kristi Montague.

January things to do: It’s time for Winterfest, a home show, farm markets, a chili cookoff, and more

Don’t miss the movies, exhibits, art, theater, and music — including a couple of tribute bands — happening this month. The calendar also includes activities for kids at local libraries.  

Feature Story Dance PlayHouse Company dancers.

In Grand Haven, dance takes a new stage

Dance PlayHouse, a new Grand Haven nonprofit, is bringing accessible dance education and professional performances to the Lakeshore.