Why Canada? O Canada: Kalamazoo Canadian realizes dream for local Canadiana Fest

Nainamo bars, poutine, All-Dressed Potato Chips. If you know, you know. Many Canadian delicacies have a unique fusion of flavors. Local chef and Southwest Michigan Second Wave Food Writer Channon Mondoux, a Canadian herself, wants to have a big all-flavors Canadian party for native-born and the 'Canadienvious' so she's bringing the first-ever Canadiana Fest to Kalamazoo.

A Ministry of Music: ‘Love IS All That Matters’ to Kalamazoo’s Bob Rowe

Folk musician Bob Rowe was in the midst of a demanding music career when a transformational moment opened a pathway to combine music, ministry, and the elderly. For over four decades and as a culmination of what he holds sacred, Rowe has been performing at nursing homes in Southwest Michigan, often with his band, Green Valley Boys. "I have the heart of a priest and the soul of a musician — that is how I have lived my life.”

Voices of Youth: Through words and art, Battle Creek youth share what matters to them

Southwest Michigan Second Wave is thrilled to launch its third cohort of stories from Voices of Youth Battle Creek, a student-paid journalism-training program. Over the next four weeks, we will be publishing the students' passionate stories and artwork that reflect on issues that matter most to them. Read on to learn more.

Voices of Youth Battle Creek: Pandemic-related impact on teen mental health

The pandemic's long-term shutdowns may be over, we all hope, but there's been some collateral impact among adolescents who were forced into isolation at one of the most social times of their high school lives. Voices of Youth writer Lauren Davis, a senior at Lakeview High School, speaks with peers and experts about these lingering effects and what can be done to help.

MiGen Executive Director Angela Gabridge and Program Director Kat Mehrer.
Detroit nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ older adults adopts new name reflecting statewide focus

The Ferndale-based nonprofit MiGen is working to create safer, healthier communities for LGBTQ+ older adults across Michigan.

Kalamazoo’s Children’s Nature Playscape adds sensory appeal for reopening this spring

The Children's Nature Playscape on Bronson Park officially kicks off its third season this weekend with some fun additions including nature-inspired instruments, a sensory garden, and a Portland Loo for those other types of nature calls. The season opening takes place Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with normal hours beginning May 8.

Bike racks support active living in Grand Traverse County.
Active communities are healthier communities

Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Promoting Active Communities assessment offers a set of online tools to help Michigan communities create safe places for people to be active.

Michigan’s community mental health agencies take action to reduce stigma around getting care

During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, many Michigan CMHs are offering opportunities to take action to "stomp out stigma" that prevents Michiganders from seeking mental health care.

Lucia Rios holds State of Michigan Special Tribute signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials. (Shandra Martinez)
Disability Inclusion Series Editor Lucia Rios receives 2023 Ability Award

Lucia Rios is honored for her decades of work educating people about accessibility issues and mentoring the next generation of disability advocates.

A HUD grant is funding home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties. (DAKC)
Disability Advocates Kent County helps low-income seniors age in place

Disability Advocates Kent County is using a $975,000, 3-year HUD grant to fund home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties.

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Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
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Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
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