Southwest Michigan Native American Tribal leaders and Western Michigan University are inauagarting a long-desired Graduate Certificate in Tribal Governance. “This program is not only for Native citizens but also for people who don’t have any affiliation with Tribal Communities,” says Ben Brenner, member of the Gun Lake Tribal Council. “I hope it will be the spark that guides people back home to their Tribes."
After seven people died in Kalamazoo from suspected fentanyl overdoses last week, people are scared, says Gwen Lanier, co-founder of Mothers of Hope. "We’re probably going to get some people who haven’t been here in a long time.” And providing hope in crisis is part of the reason Mothers of Hope has succeeded and grown in its mission to offer fellowship, non-judgemental support, and respite for people with drug addictions for 25 years.
A unique and artistic barbershop in Marshall is drawing clientele from around Southwest Michigan. In the front, CAMP, a family-friendly barbershop, and in the back, Huntsman's Hound for the "distinguished gentlemen" where clientele can expect to be shaved with razors containing Japanese Feather Blades and with a "teaspooon more of exclusivity," says owner Noah Saber who had plenty of help in bringing his vision to life.
For 40 years and now with 40 faith institutions involved, the Northside Ministerial Alliance has connected churches with the community through programming and projects with the mission to eliminate poverty, racism, and injustice in Kalamazoo. In this Faith in Action story, Second Wave speaks with NMA pastors about how faith influences this vital work that Bishop T.D. Lockett describes as "building bridges, breaking barriers, and promoting unity in our community,"
Marking its 25th Anniversary, the Lillian Anderson Arboretum near Oshtemo Park off of West Main, owned and cared for by Kalamazoo College, has quietly become a trail treasure, with its 140 acres (plus and addition 150-plus surrounding acres) that includes winding paths through woods and around water. As with most nature preserves, The Arb (as it is known) has a story. Read on to find out more.
Established to address COVID-19-related health disparities, the center has pivoted to address additional unique health needs in predominantly Black Benton Harbor.
One-time grants through the RentAble program, funded by the City of Kalamazoo and overseen by the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, are now available to help individuals and families offset rent increases, housing application fees, and pay security deposits. Grants can also be used to help catch up on past-due rent, past-due utility bills, and other related expenses. Read on to find out how it works.
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is here to help ensure Michiganders with autism reach their greatest potential.
Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan 5K invites those who walk in unity with loved ones who have died by suicide, those who have their own mental health battles, and those who simply want to raise awareness. Participants include those who walk in unity with loved ones who have died by suicide, those who have their own mental health battles, and those who simply want to raise awareness.
The Sawyer Auger “It’s OK to not be OK” Tour stops in Sandusky May 26 for a free concert aimed at eliminating stigma around mental illness.
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