Features

Feature Story librarysign

Beyond books: Rural libraries expand services to meet community needs

Many libraries in rural Michigan have expanded their services in recent years to offer everything from prom dress rentals to costume swaps to seeds for spring planting. 

Feature Story Dr. Rehab (Ruby) Alhajjar is the founder of FlowShield-Nano and holds a doctorate in biological sciences, specializing in water microbiology and nanotechnology, from Michigan Technological University.

Houghton entrepreneur develops real-time monitoring of water contaminants

A Houghton startup has developed a prototype of a monitoring device that can test for contaminants in water and beverages in real time.   

Feature Story Shannon and Todd Postill are the new owners of Family Tradition Tree Farm located in Kimball, Michigan.

Tree Farm in Kimball springs back to life with new owners

Formerly known as Tollander Tree Farm, Family Tradition Tree Farm in Kimball is taking root under new ownership, blending a long-held family business with new traditions.

Feature Story Downtown Zeeland shown at dusk.

Downtown Zeeland sees record $30M investment in transformative year

Downtown Zeeland celebrates a record $30 million investment in 2024, a year highlighted by major developments, thriving businesses, and community milestones.

Feature Story Meresa Salisbury attends the Baldwin Senior Expo earlier this year.

Disability Network West Michigan’s new Lake County office brings support to rural residents

Disability Network West Michigan’s Lake County office empowers individuals with disabilities, providing essential resources and personalized support while fostering independence.

Feature Story "We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."

A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

Feature Story Robert Sheehan

Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.

Feature Story Rebel Dogs has a distinctly Detroit approach to ethical animal advocacy

Rebels with a cause: How Rebel Dogs has changed the animal advocacy landscape in DetroitNonprofit Journal Project

Rebel Dogs was started by a couple of engaged citizens who wanted to alleviate the suffering of stray dogs. Today, it’s a comprehensive dog-rescue operation that helps Detroit pet owners on multiple levels.

Feature Story christmasimage

Alma author’s life-on-the-farm lessons find way into debut children's Christmas book

Life on the farm wasn’t always easy, but it certainly was memorable for Janet Defever, who grew up on the family dairy farm in Alma. The experience brought life lessons about gifts, second chances, and forgiveness she will never forget. Today, she shares these lessons in her debut children’s book, “Second Chance Christmas.”  

Feature Story hypecompetition

New pitch competition fuels dreams for young entrepreneurs in Southwest Michigan

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber debuted a new pitch competition -- HYPE -- aimed at bolstering the dreams of young aspiring entrepreneurs. Thousands of dollars were awarded to help new businesses grow.

Longform Tech Savvy Seniors

Albion elders becoming Tech Savvy thanks to Albion College students

 “I feel like us just being present in areas that seniors utilize a lot is making them feel more comfortable. They may be a little wary and feel like we’re going to rush through it. Being empathetic and understanding of their experiences is how we get around this,” 

Longform Small-team-smile

New series explores efforts to address oral health inequities

A new State of Health series highlights innovative approaches and partnerships tackling systemic barriers to oral health care for underserved populations.

Feature Story Holland-based Worden Company is celebrating 75 years of crafting custom library and commercial furniture with innovative designs.

Worden Company: ‘Becoming’ more after 75 years in business

Holland-based Worden Company celebrates 75 years of crafting custom library and commercial furniture with innovative designs.

Longform The program reduced postpartum depression by 50% among participants.

MSU public health researchers seek to expand successful preventive postpartum depression program

ROSE program trains expectant mothers on how roles and relationships change postpartum and teaches assertiveness skills so expectant mothers can ask for the support they need.

Longform Small-team-smile

New series explores efforts to address oral health inequities

A new State of Health series highlights innovative approaches and partnerships tackling systemic barriers to oral health care for underserved populations.

Feature Story Artwork from children in Taiwan.

4-H art exchange program connects rural Michigan students with their peers in China and beyond

For more than three decades, school children across Michigan have been exchanging their artwork with students in China and elsewhere. Thanks to the Michigan 4-H China Project, students don't have to travel across the globe to gain cultural awareness.

Feature Story Community Action House will use a grant from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to expand staffing and infrastructure for the Food Club & Opportunity Hub and respond to a growing demand for services.

$217K in grants fund programs across Holland and Zeeland

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area has awarded $217,000 in grants to nonprofits addressing housing, basic needs, and youth services.

Feature Story dowagiacstatue

Dowagiac: Cooking up a new vision

Dowagiac, a small city in Cass County, is on the rebound. The city has been proactive working with businesses and developers and is home to a host of new projects, everything from new housing to park improvements to downtown renovations.

Feature Story stormykromerhats

Stormy Kromer uses U.P.-grown wool to create new cap

Two of the U.P.'s family-owned heritage brands have come together to create a limited-edition cap, crafted from wool produced in the Upper Peninsula.

Feature Story Newcomer Mohammed arriving at the airport to a welcome from Ruth, a member of the Cassopolis, Mich., private sponsor group that worked with Zaman during the 90-day resettlement period

Welcome to Michigan: It takes a community to integrate refugees to U.S. cultureNonprofit Journal Project

Welcoming refugees to Michigan is part and parcel Zaman International's work with Welcome Corps