Julie Molenda

SBAM Nurture Benefits program enhances compensation for child care providers

The Small Business Association of Michigan Nurture Benefits will expand access to health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings for Michigan's child care providers.  

Heart of West Michigan United Way Chief Administrative Officer Becki Postma, Kent County Community Action Director Gustavo Perez, and Heart of West Michigan United Way Eviction Prevention Program Manager Alyssa Bryan.
Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force addresses unmet needs behind evictions

Evictions plummeted during the pandemic and soared again after federal protections ended. That led a coalition of Kent County organizations and individuals to form the Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force.

Justin Nance at the Van Wert Health Fair.
Ohio hygienist trains future workforce through outreach role

Justin Nance blends teaching and patient care to combat workforce shortages and inspire the next generation of dental hygienists in Ohio.

Bee-yond eighth grade: Lakeview students launch all-ages spelling showdown

Two Lakeview High School students are launching a first-of-its-kind Community Spelling Bee on August 23, open to Calhoun County residents of all ages. Inspired by their own experiences aging out of traditional bees, they aim to create an inclusive event that celebrates a lifelong love of words and learning.

Lock Arms and Unite for Autism: Campaign commits to continued advocacy and support

AAOM’s current fundraising campaign, Lock Arms and Unite for Autism seeks to raise $31,000 to support its services for the one in 31 people diagnosed with autism in Michigan. 

Simranjit Kaur, the author of this story.
Creating safer spaces for domestic violence survivors of marginalized identities

People from non-Asian communities may not always understand the cultural factors that impact domestic violence survivors from South Asian and other marginalized communities. Student writer Simran Kaur digs into the issue for our Voices of Youth series.

Over 200 people attended a recent Town Hall in Kalamazoo with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Voices of Youth: U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sees politics as public service

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed recently hosted a Town Hall in Kalamazoo. Braylon Youker of Voices of Youth attended the event and spoke with El-Sayed about his vision — a bold and comprehensive plan that weaves together public health policy, climate action, and a push for Medicaid for All.

Making good scents: Kalamazoo’s The Aroma Labs spreads its smell of success across the Midwest

At The Aroma Labs, custom scents become bottled memories. What began in a Kalamazoo kitchen is now a scent-sational business spreading across the Midwest.

Head Start and similar programs build academic skills as well as social and emotional strengths. 
60 years of Head Start. What’s next?

As Head Start marked its 60th anniversary this past May, the program’s legacy stands as more than a historical benchmark. It offers a powerful example of how early learning can drive equity, resilience, and long-term impact. 

‘Battle Creek vs. Everybody’ concert bringing everybody together for peace and healing

The "Battle Creek vs. Everybody" concert on July 26 will unite local and regional Black artists to promote healing and peace through music. Organized by R.I.S.E. Corp., the free event is part of a broader effort to combat violence and build community.

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