Features

Feature Story Outdoor-Cinema-01

8 Things: Outdoor fun to squeeze into your summer

Metro Detroit SHINES in the summer, and we know how to do it well. Here are eight ways to get out and embrace the season before it comes to an end. 

Feature Story The bar at Apothecary.

Meet the entrepreneurs who are about to turn Farmington into a coffee destination

“It's so exciting to see our own coffee culture building in the community — because how many good things follow a cup of coffee, right? How many good things come after a morning conversation over some coffee? It is so, so cool that we're going to be getting that in our downtown. And especially with the people that are behind it all,” says Miguel Williams, owner-operator of Apothecary Espresso & Coffee.

Development News The I-275 Metro Trail.

These four metro Detroit trails and greenways just received $600K in grants

“Investing in southeast Michigan’s quality of life is crucial to building our reputation as a world-class place to live and work,” says Community Foundation President Ric DeVore.

Feature Story Gustavo Ruizvelasco co-owns Que Pasa with his wife, Indira Zepeda.

Dining Destination: Where to eat in Sterling Heights

The city's rich diversity is reflected in the vibrant mix of food businesses, plating up everything from Filipino favorites to popular Italian subs.

Feature Story weatherization

Has Detroit's weatherization assistance program worked, and what happens to it now?

Metro Detroit households are paying more on energy bills than the national average, and for low-income households, the energy burden is 3.7 times higher than others. It's why the weatherization program started. But with only one in four applicants meeting the requirements for assistance, is it working? And what happens to the money left on the table?

Development News “Our new programs will demonstrate that the arts are alive and will thrive in Pontiac for decades,” says Steven Childs, Vice President of Main Street Pontiac, and chair of the organization’s Promotions Committee.

Application window opens for local artists to submit to Canvas Pontiac: $26K in prizes

“Our new programs will demonstrate that the arts are alive and will thrive in Pontiac for decades,” says Steven Childs, Vice President of Main Street Pontiac, and chair of the organization’s Promotions Committee.

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Founders Festival has something for everyone — Kids, grown-ups, and even our furry friends

The 58th annual Greater Farmington Founders Festival is set to return to the streets, sidewalks, and parks of downtown Farmington on Thursday, July 14, and continue through Saturday, July 16. Here’s what we know so far.

Feature Story Velocity, Robotics

Robotics program aims to fuel talent pipeline, reduce stigma in STEM education

Marjie Jenkins coordinates a robotics education program, and sees the nonprofit as a way to remove some of the disparity between “the haves and have nots" in her county. With a focus on reducing STEM stigma and increasing gender parity in the field, she hopes to leave a legacy.

Feature Story Macomb County Pride Festival in 2021.

Macomb County Pride hosts opportunities for LGBTQ+ community to connect year round

The newly-established nonprofit was formed to fill the gap in resources for the county’s LGBTQ+ community. Macomb County Pride offers a variety of opportunities for people to connect in a supportive environment, and not just during Pride Month. 

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PHOTOS: Sterling Heights public art walk

Sterling Heights has a wealth of public art, and much of it is proudly on display in the center campus of the city. Take a stroll with our photographer, Steve Koss. 

Feature Story YMCA Bluewater, Child Care

Child Care Shortage: Nationwide crisis hitting home across Southeast Michigan

“Right now, we’re in dire straits," says the executive director of Child Care Network in Ann Arbor. She isn't alone. As the nationwide child care crisis rolls on, here’s what Michigan child care providers are experiencing regionally in Port Huron, Detroit, and Ann Arbor.

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Major League: 6 trending sports to try in Sterling Heights this summer

Looking for a new hobby this summer? Try out some popular sports that are trending among Sterling Heights residents.

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Photo essay: ‘Taking it easy’ on a Friday night in downtown Farmington

We sent photographer David Lewinski to check out the scene in downtown Farmington for the return of the Rhythms in Riley Park concert series.

Feature Story A DIY bike repair station along the Rouge River Gateway Trail in Dearborn.

Dearborn’s Gateway Trail is just that: A gateway to the city’s history, culture, businesses and more

“We're all trying to figure out the best and safest ways to get the community to our parks. But these connections also provide an opportunity for economic development, as you arrive at these downtown businesses,” says Wayne County Parks Director Alicia Bradford.

Feature Story Participants of the men's ensemble rehearse.

Shakespeare in Prison program offers far more than an escape

"Honestly, at first, a guy like me would get teased doing something like that," Gabriel Odlum, a returning citizen, says of performing in a Shakespeare in Prison program. "But it was empowering to know, regardless of where you're at, that type of stuff is valued. Through it, we found out who we were, and what our strengths were."  

Development News “We only hope that this event will grow as the district does, too,” Katie Riedy, property manager for the Iron Ridge District, says about Food Truck Fridays.

New ‘Food Truck Fridays’ event an opportunity to check out Ferndale’s nascent Iron Ridge District

“This is an up-and-coming district, a walkable and workable area for the community and ourselves as well,” says Katie Riedy, property manager for the Iron Ridge District. “We’re really hitting our stride of things coming together now.”

Feature Story Hazel Park

PHOTOS: How Hazel Park makes the most of murals

As our cities look to improve placemaking projects, Hazel Park's bright and beautiful murals (from bicycles to bunnies) are getting a chance to shine. 

Development News “I believe this work of art contributes to our community's identity, facilitates a sense of pride in residents, and celebrates the significant role pollinators play in our ecosystem,” says Amanda Harrison, a member of the Rochester City Council.

A celebration of public art and pollinators: New Ouizi mural goes up in Rochester

“I believe this work of art contributes to our community's identity, facilitates a sense of pride in residents, and celebrates the significant role pollinators play in our ecosystem,” says Amanda Harrison, a member of the Rochester City Council.

Development News The water slide at Dunworth Memorial Pool in Dearborn.

‘Small initiative, big impact’: Mayor waives children’s admission fees for Dearborn pools

“This is a small initiative that we believe will have a big impact,” says Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud.

Feature Story Pure Heart Foundation

Lessons learned while covering Southeast Michigan's nonprofitsThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Looking back over the stories the series has captured during the past year, project editor Sarah Williams shares three valuable takeaways about how nonprofits are serving their communities, moving forward.

 
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.