Calhoun County Administrator Kelli Scott looks ahead to 2023

Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott looks beyond some of the setbacks and challenges brought on by the pandemic to the county’s goals for the horizon: broadband, transportation, housing, and more.

Susan Sheppard, COO of Arbor Circle, which recently facilitated a statewide collaboration to better support medically fragile foster children.
Michigan project highlights needs of medically fragile foster children

A recent collaboration is working to address the many challenges faced by medically fragile foster children, who may live with chronic disorders or developmental disabilities.

Michigan musician Kait Rose
Kait Rose, one “Bad Mother,” making her voice heard throughout West Michigan

Michigan musician Kait Rose is becoming more comfortable with herself and her music and expanding her horizons in 2023 with The Band of Thorns.

Third-grade students at Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy in Detroit trying a yummy fruity roll-up tasting.
Detroit Public Schools Community District Farm-to-School initiatives grow through SNAP-Ed

The DPSCD Farm-to-School initiative increases the amounts of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and legumes used in school breakfasts and lunches.

Public servants may get first dibs as Emma Jean Hull Flats in Benton Harbor begin pre-leasing units

A Whirlpool Corporation housing initiative named after Benton Harbor’s former mayor, The Emma Jean Hull Flats, a Whirlpool Corporation housing initiative named after Benton Harbor’s former mayor, are available to rent for Hometown Heroes first – teachers, police officers, firefighters and others who serve the city. And applications are open now.

Kalamazoo’s neighborhood activator plans to be very active this year

Kalamazoo's Neighborhood Activator Jacqueline Slaby is taking her title seriously by activating city current neighborhood plans and seeking to include new neighborhood plans, like Stuart and Westwood.

2023 outlook: Local leaders hope to tackle three of Kalamazoo’s toughest problems

As 2023 gets underway, Kalamazoo leaders have some hopes and plans for the community and a common vision for housing, safety, and equity.

Kalamazoo Bahá’ís encourage Meaningful Conversations to promote spiritual growth, community action

As part of a monthly series, Faith in Action, sponsored by the Fetzer Institute, Southwest Michigan Second Wave speaks with Kalamazoo area Bahá’í about their online series, Meaningful Conversations, and the value of spiritual inquiry as a basis for community transformation.

West Michigan design leadership: Discover impressive opportunities

Three impressive West Michigan design leaders share their perspectives on the opportunities for design in our area. Tara McCrackin, Marjorie Simmons, and Frances Close are all inspired by innovation.

Holley makes history as City of Battle Creek’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work is not “all roses and daisies,” but the City of Battle Creek’s first DEI Officer Kimberly Holley is prepared to create a garden of opportunity all can enjoy.

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