Features

Feature Story ACCESS Mobile test site for COVID-19.

Dearborn's ACCESS supports vulnerable members of community through pandemic

As a nonprofit offering a comprehensive slate of social, economic, health, and educational services in Metro Detroit, ACCESS did some heavy lifting to adapt its operations to the "new normal" of COVID-19.

Feature Story Members of the Royal Oak Multicultural Parents Association meet via Zoom.

Royal Oak parents work to promote diversity and inclusion in Royal Oak Schools

Established in 2017, ROMPA has been working to improve three main focus areas — a complete and culturally competent curriculum for all levels, racial disparities in academic achievement and discipline, and diverse staff.

Development News Dodge Park has re-opened.

Sterling Heights forms new sustainability commission

Sterling Heights has formed a new resident advisory group to help shape sustainability plans for the city. 

Development News Care packages, Macomb, Meals on Wheels, COVID, Coronavirus, Seniors

500 essential care packages delivered to seniors in Macomb County

For senior residents in Macomb County, the 500 care packages recently delivered to house-bound Meals on Wheels participants is a way to feel supported through COVID-19. 

Development News Artist MaryLou Stillwagon Stropoli and the beginnings of her mural

Witness 'Art in Action' at community art fair in downtown Farmington

There are two new murals going up in downtown Farmington. And for those curious to check in on their progress, a two-day art fair serves as even more of a reason to come and see them in person. Art in Action is a community art fair designed by the community itself.

Development News A moment from BGCSM Summer Camp

Boys & Girls Club returns to Pontiac, offers free memberships to city youth

Thousands of Pontiac youth, ranging in ages from 4- to 21-years-old, will be provided free memberships to the Club.

Detroit and Ferndale face needs of homeless as they look to improve 8 Mile and Woodward

As local governments of Ferndale and Detroit team up to improve the 8 Mile and Woodward area, homeless people who stay there weigh in on what that future looks like.

Feature Story Ford, robots, Sterling Heights, dog

Ford to introduce four-legged robots to Sterling Heights plant

Ford is introducing two four-legged robots, nicknamed Fluffy and Spot, to a Sterling Heights plant in early August, to help engineers scan the facility for retooling. The dog-like designs can also roll over and shake hands.

Feature Story Pine Coast Cafe

Pine Coast Cafe opens in Dearborn amid pandemic, plans for socially distant service

"We put a ton of thought into every ingredient, into every sandwich, the way it's layered, the way it's built, the breads."

Feature Story Dan and Katie Merritt, Green Brain Comics

Green Brain Comics Q&A: Crowdfunding and life during COVID-19

Green Brain Comics has enrolled in the MI Local Biz program, a crowdfunding-and-matching grant initiative designed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help businesses like theirs survive the economic fallout from coronavirus. We asked them about their crowdfunding efforts and life during COVID-19.

Development News The historic Farmington State Bank Building

New owners of historic bank building to begin moving employees to downtown Farmington

While renovations of their new historic bank building-home won’t be ready until next spring, GLP Financial is currently preparing to move its employees to downtown Farmington not in 2021 but on Tuesday of next week.

Feature Story Rochester Riders meet on Zoom.

Rochester Riders fight to improve local transit, opt-in to SMART

Bringing public transit to Rochester area will greatly benefit the community in terms of access, the environment, and personal economic payoff, activists say.

Feature Story downtown-shot

Patio season: How to enjoy the summertime weather in downtown Farmington

What was once merely a perk of living in Farmington – that is, an inviting, walkable downtown – has become, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a lifeline for both residents and businesses.

Feature Story The pandemic and protests against systemic racism underscore the uncertainty and opportunities in building diversity and inclusion in architecture and design.

Pandemic, Black Lives Matter movement highlight opportunities for more equity in architecture

“We’re all in recovery mode. Particularly with the coronavirus, it’s placed a magnifying glass on the disparities that we’re seeing in our cities in particular. Now more than ever, particularly in light of the tragedy of George Floyd and so many others and specifically Black Lives Matter. [It’s an] inflection point in society.”


Feature Story From left, Jason Ridgeway, Chris Turner, and Bob Hoey

Reflecting on the past to move forward: 5 key places, moments in Detroit's history of racial tension

By exploring the past, this faith-based tour aims to help people understand modern-day racism.

In The News Liberty Park, Amazon, Sterling Heights

Amazon to launch new station in Sterling Heights

A new Amazon delivery station in Sterling Heights is predicted to bring economic growth and jobs for the city. 

Development News inkdet

'Detroitish' since 2005: T-shirt and apparel company moves to Hazel Park

Ink Detroit is on the move, leaving their Hilton Road location in Ferndale for a bigger building in Hazel Park.

Feature Story Lile's Ham sandwich, Dearborn. Photo by Doug Coombe.

Lile's Sandwich Shop in Dearborn keeps it simple during pandemic

Harry Lile had to take his turkey sandwich off the menu due to meat shortages. But he's still serving up ham.

 
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.