Stories

Feature Story Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) training for staff at Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Park. Pictured from left to right: Jeff VanDyke and Brad Hastings.

Accessibility champion recognized for impact in Muskegon community

Brad Hastings, advocacy and outreach coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan, is honored with Muskegon’s Future 15 Award for his work in disability advocacy and improving community accessibility.

Partner Content Nicole Milton

FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality

FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.  

Feature Story Project Connect Flyer

Project Connect brings together Sanilac County residents and resources

Taking place 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 26 at the Sandusky Fairgrounds, Project Connect will share resources, services, food, health care access, and more with county residents in need.

Feature Story Local public health works alongside families.

U.P. campaign affirms “Local Public Health Cares”

The six Michigan health departments covering the whole Upper Peninsula teamed up to promote the importance of public health in their communities and raise awareness about the many services they provide.

Feature Story  Dr. Annie Bishop, of Rise Wellness Chiropractic, is pictured with Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas.

Rising diaper costs impact families: West Michigan diaper drive offers support

Since the pandemic, diaper prices have surged by 48%, costing families up to $1,000 a year per child. A diaper drive in September hopes to collect 15,000 diapers to distribute to families in need.

Feature Story Lord of the Rings-themed crafts and a "walk to Mordor" (with Tolkien buttons as prizes) will be part of Herrick District Library's Lord of the Rings Week.

Take an unexpected journey to the Herrick District Library for Tolkien fun

Herrick District Library is celebrating all things of Middle Earth with a week of Tolkien events. From walking to Mordor to creating hobbit crafts to competing in a Lord of the Rings trivia night, patrons can find something unexpected every day Sept. 16-20.

Feature Story The 190-unit mixed-income development broke ground last month along Holland Township’s Lakewood Boulevard and will be completed in phases over the next two years.

Affordable housing options expand with Holland's Lakewood Place Apartment Village groundbreaking

To be completed in phases in 2025 and 2026, Lakewood Place Apartment Village will be one of the region’s largest mixed-income housing developments alongside commercial and park space, creating a connectivity along Holland Township's Lakewood Boulevard.

Feature Story Ripple Effects

New Community Inclusion Center in Portage creating Ripple Effects

"We don’t get to choose how other people parent because we don’t know their child or their child’s needs so really it’s a place where you be the family that you are and we want to encourage you, pat you on the back, let you know to keep going."

Feature Story READ Ottawa Executive Director Ally Velderman

READ Ottawa has new, familiar executive director

READ Ottawa is welcoming Ally Velderman back to West Michigan as its new executive director.

Feature Story The Going PRO Talent Fund grants will benefit several industries, with manufacturing receiving the most awards, 54.

GoingPro grants boost workforce development across West Michigan

Benteler Automotive is one of 94 regional employers that have been awarded $4.8 million in the Going PRO Talent Fund grants. These awards will support skill development and workforce capabilities across multiple industries.

Feature Story Hadley Streng, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation president.

Area community foundations give out $910,000 at Scholarship Ice Cream Social

This year, the GHACF, in collaboration with the Allendale Community Foundation and Coopersville Area Community Foundation, awarded more than $910,000 in scholarships to 234 area students.

Partner Content Hero Walk family team

Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness

Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.

Feature Story PHN-Sinan-Mikhael-administers -MMR-VaccineLIST

Immunizations have long spared Michiganders from disease and death

In March 2024, Michigan experienced its first confirmed case of measles since 2019, reporting five unrelated cases throughout the state as of April 10. These cases were only some of many throughout sixteen other states, leading public health officials across Michigan to quickly respond.

Feature Story Northern Lakes CMH's behavioral health homes serve residents of six Northern Michigan counties.

Behavioral Health Homes: A transformative approach in Michigan

Behavioral health homes provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of individuals, ensuring a coordinated and patient-centered approach. 

Feature Story Sweet Temptations workers make sweet treats every day.

40 years of sweet treats on the Grand Haven Boardwalk

Some say the Grand Haven Boardwalk and Sweet Temptations Ice Cream go together like peanut butter and jelly — or maybe chocolate and vanilla swirl. The pair is celebrating their joint 40th anniversary this year.

Feature Story SMALL-CMS

Consumers Energy to offer public tours of Campbell Complex as coal era nears end

Consumers Energy is offering public tours of its J.H. Campbell Complex, marking the beginning of the final phase before closing its last coal-fired facility.

Feature Story Last year, the Fresh Fridges program distributed over 37,451 pounds of wholesome food to these partners.

How ‘Fresh Fridges’ are expanding access to nutritious foods

Lakeshore Food Rescue's "Fresh Fridges" program expands cold storage for nonprofits, ensuring access to fresh, healthy food for Ottawa County families while reducing food waste.

Feature Story Alejandro Fleites Marcelo and Karinna Martinez were the only students from the Grand Rapids area selected for the 2024 Bank of America Student Leaders Program, an eight-week summer internship.

Holland students make a big impact at LAUP through Bank of America internship

Two Holland students gained leadership skills and community impact through their Bank of America internships, working with LAUP and attending a national summit in Washington.

Feature Story Volunteers lend a hand at LHFH’s Critical Home Repair Program.

Critical Home Repair program expands to Allegan County

A $50,000 grant from the Allegan County Community Foundation has enabled Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity to hire its first home repair coordinator and extend service to Allegan County.

Feature Story A high jumper competes in the 2024 Hartford Nationals.

West Michigan to Host 2025 and 2026 National Adaptive Sports Championship

Grand Rapids will host the 2025 and 2026 Hartford Nationals, showcasing adaptive athletes and highlighting the city’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and world-class sporting events.