On the Ground helps to tell the stories of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for Southwest Michigan.
Published by Southwest Michigan Second Wave, the mission of On the Ground is to connect readers to the area's most visionary and active people, businesses, and organizations — elevating a wide diversity of voices and contributing to the community conversation about what it means to call Southwest Michigan home.
Our journalists engage residents through regular listening sessions, events, and conversations to build trusted relationships that shape the community’s unique, solutions-oriented stories. We want to know what you think because what you think matters.
The On the Ground Battle Creek team includes Project Editor Jane Parikh and Photographer John Grap. The On the Ground Kalamazoo team includes Project Editor Al Jones and Photographer Fran Dwight. The Managing Editor for both series is Theresa Coty O'Neil.
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
We’re always looking for story content. Send your Battle Creek or Calhoun County ideas to otgreporter18@gmail.com. Send your Kalamazoo or Kalamazoo County ideas to editor@swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com.
FOCUS Forward, a holistic, trauma-informed support program by Starr Commonwealth, is addressing the rising “Failure to Launch” crisis by helping vulnerable 16- to 24-year-olds overcome barriers like housing, transportation, and poverty to pursue education, stability, and employment.
Honoring Amanda Ostrander’s legacy, her family presented a $17,000 donation to Oaklawn Hospital to help local diabetes patients access essential care, medication, and urgent support.
A recent “Know Your Rights” panel in Battle Creek brought together community leaders, legal experts, and organizers to educate residents on how to protest safely and effectively — emphasizing nonviolence and the power of collective civic action.
Diop Harris II has been selected as the 2025–26 Peter J. Christ Leaders Fellow with the Battle Creek Community Foundation, continuing his longtime engagement with local leadership through hands-on community development, mentorship, and advocacy.
A public-private partnership led by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital is reviving the former Kids Campus as the Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Child Care, set to open in 2026 to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare in Battle Creek.
“Realistically, there’s no amount of foundation funding that’s going to make up for what we have lost and will lose,” says Robert Elchert, Executive Director of the SHARE Center. However, partnerships and pivoting have helped with the gap.
The NAACP Battle Creek 90th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner will bring community leaders together to celebrate civil rights achievements, honor local heroes, and inspire immediate action on today’s most pressing social justice issues.
Blending passion with purpose, Martina Reed’s new studio, Dancescape, brings high-energy dance classes to kids and adults in Battle Creek, creating an inclusive space where all ages can move, grow, and groove.
After 30 years behind the chair, Angie English transformed her passion for helping others into Bloom Beauty & Wellness, creating a space where beauty, wellness, and community come together.
Once considered an overlooked option by parents, Minges Brook Elementary has transformed into a nationally recognized leader in student health and trauma-informed education.
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