Features

Longform CEDAM’s Emily Reyst with Boot Camp graduate Christine Holmes, Woodbridge Neighborhood Development director of policy and property development.

CEDAM Real Estate Boot Camp readies Michigan’s emerging developers

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is addressing the demand for affordable housing across the state. It’s real estate development boot camp provides tools and training for developers and community members within their neighborhoods.   

Feature Story Gina

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Gina Wilson Steward

"You can't just go to your office and go home. You have to be in the community," advises Gina Wilson Steward, owner and publisher of The Telegram, based in Ecorse, to new small business entrepreneurs. 

Feature Story Sarah

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Sarah Elmoussawi

"When I came to Dearborn, I couldn't find anything related to Arabic jewelry so I decided to start my business," says Sarah Elmoussawi, owner of Loujain Accessories.

Development News The Upton House Museum in Sterling Heights.

Get ready for the holidays while stepping back in time at this historic site in Sterling Heights

“We encourage our patrons to take a step back in time and embrace the spirit of the season, while also creating your own history at the Upton House," says Tammy Turgeon, Sterling Heights Public Library director and Historical Commission staff liaison.

Development News Civic Center Park in Madison Heights.

Madison Heights wins $250K grant to build bandshell at Civic Center Park

“Live performance art has a special place in a city like ours — it heals, brings people together, and provides an incredible outlet for our youth,” says Mark Bliss, Madison Heights Mayor Pro Tem and Founder of the Madison Heights Arts Board.

Longform Dr. Jordan Braciszewski demonstrates an iPad app used to screen children for mental health issues in Henry Ford Health clinics.

Michigan providers use innovative technologies to expand access to behavioral health

Telehealth, which ramped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, is here to stay and many agencies and providers are finding new ways to implement it.

Feature Story Tim McKee, owner of Hazel Perk Cafe in Hazel Park.

Hazel Park's recent surge of small business openings could be a sign of what's to come

Stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hazel Park's small business surge picks up where it left off – and then some.

Feature Story Katrina Watkins, Executive Director of Bailey Park Neighborhood Development Corporation

Nonprofit Relief Fund awards announced: Small nonprofits are big winners this time aroundNonprofit Journal Project: Feature

More than 2,000 applicants vied for grants from the Nonprofit Relief Fund, created to provide post-pandemic support to small nonprofits.  Award announcements were made in early October. Grantees are able to use the unrestricted funding where it's needed most.

Longform Amy Romain, program director of behavioral medicine, Sparrow Health System/MSU Family Medicine Residency, and Emalie Karp, Sparrow Health System/MSU Family Medicine Residency behavioral medicine faculty member.

Michigan initiatives create new supports for parents experiencing postpartum depression

Over 23,000 Michigan women and their families per year are affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but several innovative initiatives are working to change that.

Feature Story Oak Park

Oak Park seeks to elevate parks with new recreation initiative

Oak Park launched its Elevate Oak Park plan in 2022 and after a long period of community engagement has begun to seek funding to complete its plan.

Feature Story Doudou Kane

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Doudou Kane

"Right now, the business is good for the community. Everybody's supportive," says Doudou Kane of the Inkster family-owned and operated KG’s African-American Grill. ​​​​"The business is booming."

Feature Story Georgina Garcia

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Georgina Garcia

"My number one thing is always support the small businesses because we're just like everybody else," says Georgina Garcia, president of Taco Especial Mexican Restaurant, based in Ecorse. "We're not trying to get rich and become millionaires. We're just trying to survive and, instead of always going to the big chain, support the small mom-and-pop shops, too."

Feature Story Amen

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Shadia Amen

"I'm learning, as a business owner and entrepreneur, you have to do that in order to get where you need to go, take out your loans, look for extra capital," says Shadia Amen. Her Dearborn photography business is steadily growing, and she has advice for others.

Feature Story Que Shelby

“Elevate Your Voice” Entrepreneur Spotlight: Que Shebley

"My father was an entrepreneur," says Que Shebley, founder of the brand by the same name, based in Dearborn, Michigan. "He owned small footwear specialty shops in the Middle East, and I always wanted to continue that journey, but bring a more modern approach to the new, modern shopper."

Longform Right here in Michigan, Detroit’s pre-K programs are among the best.

Detroit early education programs serve as excellent models for PreK for All

Many great examples of pre-K programs that have been well executed exist across the nation. Right here in Michigan, Detroit’s pre-K programs are among the best.

Feature Story Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan

NAMI Michigan's Kevin Fischer, "Michigan’s CMHs are the front door"

MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders’ mental health.  

Feature Story Youngblood Vineyards

Youngblood Vineyard’s new expansion raises spirits year round

Macomb County’s Youngblood Vineyards’ new indoor tasting room has allowed the winery to expand into a full event space. Starting on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple behind the vineyard have remained creative and connected to the community to keep growing.  

Feature Story x

Electric vehicles, recycling, and more trees: Sustainability efforts continue in Sterling Heights

Recent news demonstrates that sustainability efforts continue to develop in Sterling Heights.

Development News The new pickleball courts at Miller Park in Southfield.

Southfield to celebrate $2.5M in renovations and upgrades at five city parks

It’s been a busy year for the City of Southfield Parks and Recreation Department.

Feature Story Glenore Trails Haunted Forrest

10 spooktacular places to visit for Halloween

Roam through a creepy forest, glittering with lights. Explore the remnants of an old insane asylum. Or follow a tamer path and partake in the fall festivities at a historic village. Here are 10 spooky attractions to experience the season, from family-friendly to truly terrifying. 

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.