Cuban immigrant Ariel Martinez Ochoa of Battle Creek was honored for his work in healthcare after just three years in the U.S., but his dreams are on hold as he awaits a long-delayed Green Card. Despite the recognition, immigration backlogs threaten to stall his next steps.
For 100 years, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra has been making music for the community. Its sold-out June 2 concert featuring renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma was a triumph.
In 2024, 32,882 veterans experienced homelessness in the United States, and 68 of those were in Kalamazoo County, though local officials say they are sure that number has since increased. Many unhoused veterans don’t know there are benefits and programs that can help. Here’s how to get connected.
On June 2, the Kalamazoo County Housing Department opened its online portal for projects seeking financial support from the county’s Homes for All Housing Millage. “It’s open and we have money for funding,” says Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema. “We’re really hoping that developers and nonprofits go in and really have some good applications for funding.”
At the Institute of Public Scholarship’s “Remembering the Block” talk on the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy, stories of bruises, brotherhood, and Black pride reminded listeners that real strength is learned both in and outside the ring. And Carlean Gill revisits the glory days of Idlewild.
Spirits, fruit-forward, and lower Alcohol by Volume are market trends in the alcohol industry since the peak of craft beer, and Benchmark of Livonia, which recently acquired Dark Horse and Roak Brewing Co., hopes to capitalize on those trends — but the Mug Club lives on.
“We are the only Veterans organization in Southwest Michigan doing what we’re doing. I like to call us a neutral spot. We don’t care what branch of the service you were in or what your discharge status is. People I’ve talked to have said it’s about time."
Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.
St. Clair County Community Mental Health (St. Clair County CMH) continues to meet veterans’ mental health care needs. A certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), St. Clair County CMH offers veterans a wide range of services regardless of their ability to pay or residency.
A Voices of Youth writer delves into how teens can best help comfort friends in crisis. Experts stress the importance of sincere support, open dialogue, and knowing when to guide someone toward professionals.
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