Features

Feature Story Program leader for GiGi's Kitchen gives directions to participants to prepare food and teach the importance of health and wellness

Volunteers provide all-ages support to people with Down syndromeNonprofit Journal Project

Volunteers do “all of the magic” at GiGi’s Playhouse, an achievement center with developmental and recreational programs for people with Down syndrome.

Longform Tara Poore, manager of Children’s Services, left, and Megan Ford, manager of Autism and Intellectual

Michigan student loan repayment program helping to tackle mental health workforce shortage

Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.

Feature Story A 2022 EcoCorps participant helps remove baby's breath at Elberta Beach.

Non-profit SEEDS provides green job experience for Michigan’s future workforce

The green job market is growing across Michigan. A non-profit called SEEDS follows suit with its EcoCorps program, which teaches future workers the skills needed to succeed in the eco-friendly industry.  

Feature Story CW Marsh owner Dan Wehrwein (right)  stands with a company employee to showcase a prototype seal designed for the Hoover Dam project.

Muskegon manufacturer carries forward a 125-year legacy

Established in 1900, Muskegon's oldest manufacturer produces durable leather seals, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.  

Feature Story Pivot Roasters coffee beans tumble in a drum roaster.

Pivot Roasters: A Blue Water Area business with global roots

Local entrepreneur Rachael Odish shares her journey launching Pivot Roasters, a Port Huron-based business offering high-quality coffee products worldwide.

Partner Content Big Abe LeBlanc in front of the truck he used to deliver fresh fish to customers.

Big Abe's Net

What happened on a September morning more than three decades to change fishing on the Great Lakes forever? 

Feature Story (From left) Keith Rothstein, Menaka Abel, and Wooyoung Jung

Lakeshore Advantage adds fresh expertise to drive regional growth

Lakeshore Advantage welcomes three industry leaders to its board, adding expertise in energy, retail, and food processing industries.  

Partner Content Expert presenters share evidence-based information traversing the lifespan from early intervention and initial diagnosis to quality of life for older autistic adults.

Navigating Autism Today Conference connects autism community to facts, friendships, and resources

The Autism Alliance of Michigan Navigating Autism Today (NAT) Conference connects autistic people of all ages and their loved ones with education, resources, and community.

Feature Story Among the attractions in East Tawas is Tawas Point State Park and the Tawas Point Lighthouse, offering spectacular views of Lake Huron.

Could East Tawas be the next port for Great Lakes passenger cruises?

East Tawas has joined Cruise the Great Lakes, an international cruise marketing program, with hopes of luring passengers to the Lake Huron community. 

Longform munisingbikeriders

Trailblazer: Rhonda Lassila and the Munising Bay Trail Network

Thanks to the efforts of Rhonda Lassila and the Munising Bay Trail Network, the woods and hills around the Alger County community have become a mountain biking and outdoor mecca. 

Feature Story Hudsonville Mayor Mark Northrup speaks at an open house for Holland Hospital's new location in his city.

Hudsonville's growth spurs Holland Hospital to open downtown primary care facility

Holland Hospital opens a new downtown Hudsonville facility, offering primary care, advanced diagnostics, same-day appointments, and walk-in services.

Feature Story NHBP Gathering

Tribal Voices Amplified: A new era of representation in Michigan legislative historyNHBP among 12 tribes included

 Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation with the establishment of Bill 5600. Tribes will consult on laws regarding issues such as land, water, wildlife, and economic development.

Feature Story discgolf

Disc golf course caps tiny school district’s forestry lessons

For Farwell Area Schools students and others, the school forest is about more than forestry and tree management these days. It's also a serene, shaded place to play disc golf, a sport growing in popularity across the country.   

Feature Story almawelcomedesk

With expansion Alma hospital is poised for growth

MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma has completed a $34 million expansion, which includes a 51,200-square-foot surgical suite. 

Feature Story Gregory Hall reaquired his beloved Virture Cider and is returning the brand to its independent roots.

Virtue Cider’s Next Chapter: Gregory Hall brings the brand back to Allegan County roots

Virtue Cider founder Gregory Hall reacquired the Fennville brand, blending old-world techniques with local heritage to craft sustainable, creative ciders.

Feature Story New Port Huron Mayor Anita Ashford.

Port Huron makes history with election of first African-American mayor, Anita R. Ashford

Anita Ashford reflects on her journey from community volunteer to historic mayor, vowing to continue her legacy of service and leadership in Port Huron.

Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.

Feature Story “Friendsgiving dinner” with a group of teen participants in One Michigan’s CALM program

‘Our kids are very stressed’: Program boosts immigrant youth mental healthNonprofit Journal Project

The threat of losing relatives to deportation compounds mental health stresses for immigrant teens. A youth-designed program uses conversation and community to help.

Feature Story Janelle Smith (seated) and Kate Litwin

Cross-sector partnerships key to prosperity in downtown HowellNonprofit Journal Project Feature

A bustling downtown Howell – including a fanciful outdoor play space – has been built from strong partnerships.  

Feature Story Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman are the long-time hosts of Under the Radar Michigan, airing on PBS.

The duo behind Under the Radar Michigan

For more than a decade, the duo of Tom and Jim have been traveling Michigan, sharing the stories of people and places -- the hidden gems of the Great Lakes State.