Features

Development News "This is a school district leading the electric charge in an area needing clean air solutions,” says Elizabeth Hauptman from Moms Clean Air Force, a member of the Michigan clean school bus coalition.

Pontiac schools to replace all diesel buses with electric buses for 2024-25 school year

"This is a school district leading the electric charge in an area needing clean air solutions,” says Elizabeth Hauptman from Moms Clean Air Force, a member of the Michigan clean school bus coalition.

Development News Ford House offers views of the sky from the shores of Lake St. Clair.

Ford House partners with Michigan Science Center on solar eclipse viewing party

“When two cultural institutions like Ford House and the Michigan Science Center come together, we can literally point the community’s eyes skyward and be inspired,” says Ford House President & CEO, Mark J. Heppner. “We won’t have the opportunity to experience this for another twenty years. So, being able to share this moment is truly special.”

Longform Kelsey Lehman and Autumn Carson

Podcast a "not-so-clinical approach to conversations surrounding all things mental health."

Podcast hosted by three friends covers a range of topics like finding a therapist, tips for loved ones, and misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medications. 

Feature Story Robert Sheehan, executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

Proposed licensure changes aim to ease Michigan's social worker shortage

Mental health and social work advocates are pushing for legislative change to shift Michigan's social worker licensing process from a test-based approach to a practice-driven alternative that has proven successful in other states.

Longform Rabbi Yudi Mann.

West Bloomfield synagogue will train Jewish leaders on providing behavioral health support

A new initiative at The Shul seeks to provide more tools for Jewish community leaders to better offer behavioral health support to their community.

Feature Story Detail from the Trailblazer mural from artist Wendy Popko aside Ventimiglia's Italian Foods. The scene depicts park life in Sterling Heights, a place where dogs have no shortage of places to explore.

Sun's out, pups out: The most dog-friendly spots in Sterling Heights

A nice day, after all, is most often relative to the day that precedes it.

Feature Story Mary Lou Stropoli, co-founder and president of Skep Space and a member of Farmington’s Public Art Committee, was tasked with transforming GLP Financial Group headquarters into an art gallery.

How downtown Farmington's creative community is coming back stronger than ever

It’s a nonprofit arts organization success story. And in the world of downtown development, how often can you say that?

Development News Sterling Heights' new community center opened in January 2020.

Sterling Coffeehouse series returns with fresh slate of concerts lined up through April

The Sterling Coffeehouse series of free and ticketed concerts has returned to the Sterling Heights Community Center this season.

Feature Story Elizabeth Agius, WSU School of Social Work associate director of research administration, with Larry West, Peers to Higher Education project manager.

Wayne State University program helps peer support specialists pursue higher ed in mental health

The Peers to Higher Education program helps peer support specialists find funding and child care to support them in building a career in mental health.

Longform Kids play on the Detroit Riverfront.

Equity initiatives seek to make Southeast Michigan parks better, safer, and more welcoming for all

Southeast Michigan parks' equity initiatives vary depending on the communities they serve, but they have similar positive results for all residents.

Feature Story New and old collide in Hazel Park.

How Hazel Park's housing market continues to evolve with its residents

“The seeds that were planted five to 10 years ago are bearing fruit now,” realtor Derek Werenka says about city-led efforts to reinvigorate the Hazel Park housing market.

Longform Melvin Henley

Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

Partner Content The conference will include four break-out sessions offering a choice among 15 different topics.
Longform Dr. Kelsey Sala-Hamrick is the Michigan Public Health Institute's MI ACE project director.

200-partner collaborative raises awareness about impact of adverse childhood experiences in Michigan

Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them. 

Feature Story Joe Koliba

5 ways to enjoy the indoors during winter

The winter blues are real. We find five fun indoor spots to connect in Macomb County to beat the cold Michigan months. 

Longform MDHHS staff early 20th century.

State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.   

Longform MiGen staff and community in MiGen's office space/Senior Center at Affirmations.

Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ senior center is now open in Ferndale – and another one is coming to Detroit

The Senior Center at Affirmations expands programs and services for LGBTQ+ seniors in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Feature Story One of two prospective locations for a large-scale mural planned alongside the Hazel Park Library.

Public art, parks, and more: 3 ways Hazel Park is building on its reputation as The Friendly City

"Adding that pop of color, giving people something to feel inspired by, bringing art and giving us something to think about — honestly, I just think it's wonderful,” says Hazel Park Library director Corrine Stocker.

Development News “We want to hear from everyone – families, young people, seniors, local businesses, community organizations – because everyone’s voice matters in shaping the future of our city,” says Mayor Michael Taylor.

Sterling Heights seeks community input as it develops new Master Land Use Plan

“We want to hear from everyone – families, young people, seniors, local businesses, community organizations – because everyone’s voice matters in shaping the future of our city,” says Mayor Michael Taylor. “The broader the community input, the stronger and more effective our master plan will be.”

Longform Child at NEST Child Care and Parent Institute in Detroit

Michigan makes the leap to improved educational opportunities with MiLEAP

MiLEAP consolidates the expansion of Pre-K for All, Sixty by 30, which would see 60% of working-age Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030, and all education in between. 

 
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.