Page 296 – Second Wave

Kelsey Harness, social services coordinator for Kalamazoo Public Safety's new Community Service Team, looks around a wooded area where unhoused people camped until recently east of downtown Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Public Safety’s Community Service Team looks to build relationships with the unhoused

By Al Jones

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February 2, 2023

KDPS Sgt. Amil Alwan says Public Safety doesn’t have all the answers to homelessness or how to address those suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and other issues. But officers say, “If we build the connections with the community services providers that we have in this area, we can have a unit that can have a hand-off with those other services to help do long-term solutions to these issues.”

Art Center of Battle Creek celebrates 75th Anniversary

By Jane Parikh

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General

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February 2, 2023

On the outside, it may look like the former church it once was, but on the inside, vibrant artwork lines the walls and generations of local artists have practiced art through the center’s many classes. As the Art Center of Battle Creek celebrates its 75th Anniversary, Executive Director Linda Holderbaum reflects on its past, present, and future, and the center’s relevance to the community.

Jenifer Murray, a contracted grant coordinator with Munson Healthcare, works on programs for new parents in her office.

Northern Michigan works to build supportive services for parents in “maternity care deserts”

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Health

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February 2, 2023

Many in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula live in areas with a serious lack of resources, facilities, and practitioners for pregnant people, new parents, and infants.

be nice. business program boosting mental health in Michigan’s workplaces

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Health

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January 31, 2023

The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. business program brings mental health to the workplace.

Lucia Rios's first time driving her new car. Her nephew Angelo Mata is in the front seat. He helped her identify how to work with the new technology.

Living with a disability is expensive

By Lucia Rios

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Equity

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January 31, 2023

From buying a car to getting groceries, these necessities cost more when they need to adapt to someone who uses a wheelchair. Lucia Rios explains the hidden costs of living with a disability.

The DNSWM brain injury support group celebrates its first in-person meeting in the fall since the pandemic. (DNSWM)

How the pandemic made brain injury support groups more accessible

By Shandra Martinez

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Equity

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January 31, 2023

After going virtual during the pandemic, the brain injury support group hosted by Disability Network Southwest Michigan has shifted to a hybrid model as in-person meetings resume so more people can attend.

Kalamazoo County Housing Millage portal opens for creative new solutions

By Al Jones

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Building Communities

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January 25, 2023

In a move to consolidate housing funding requests for housing, the Kalamazoo County Housing's AmpliFund Portal is seeking to become a one-stop funding source for ARPA and county resources.

Downpayment Assistance in Kalamazoo expands to help more people buy homes

By Al Jones

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General

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January 25, 2023

As the affordable housing crisis continues, some Kalamazoo organizations are finding new ways to provide downpayment assistance to help first-time home buyers purchase a new home.

Survivors of sex trafficking have a S.A.F.E. Place to go for support

By Jane Parikh

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General

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January 25, 2023

Michigan ranks among the top 10 states for rates of human trafficking.January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. On the Ground Battle Creek Project Editor Jane Parikh takes a close look at myths, risks, local resources, and supports to raise awareness of this issue. Please Note: This story contains description of scenes of abuse that are not suitable for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Kalamazoo Middle Eastern music groups connect cultures and people

By Mark Wedel

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General

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January 25, 2023

Bahar Ensemble and its educational youth group Orchestra Rouh have made Middle Eastern music one of the many sounds of Kalamazoo's community. After going virtual over the pandemic, both gear up for a busy 2023.