Features

Feature Story Kalamazoo Philharmonia

Bloom of Youth: Kalamazoo Philharmonia features music across time with musicians across generations

“Music feeds the soul, feeds the brain, and it can be a wonderful way to commune with people,” says Joanna Steinhauser, concertmaster of the 'K Phil,' a multi-generational, Kalamazoo College community orchestra. “Students can sometimes live inside a bubble in college, but this gets them out of that bubble and to share something beautiful with the community.”

Feature Story Kingdom Builders Child Care

Kingdom Builders to open childcare facility in early 2024

“We need to make sure our children and families are at the forefront,” says Dr. Tino Smith. “I have always been a follower of Frederick Douglass and agree with his words — It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and I would extend that to broken people given the times we are in.”

Feature Story Suipi's East End Eatry

Suipi's East End Eatery serving up award-winning fare in Battle Creek

Winner of Best Noodles in Battle Creek's recent Restaurant Week, and taking home 4th prize in the first regional Food Prize, Suipi's East End Eatery, which opened in May, has added a new Burmese-inspired East Asian flavor to Battle Creek's food scene.

Feature Story Miranda-Grunwell-SMALL

‘I can finally vote by myself’: Portage disability advocate improves accessibility at the polls

Disability advocate Miranda Grunwell has voted in every election for the past 22 years, since she turned 18. But it hasn’t been easy because of a severe learning disability. 

Longform Housing Solutions Dignity in Motion

Bikes give Dignity in Motion for Kalamazoo unhoused

Dignity in Motion was formed when Judy Lowery realized that people who are unhoused not only need shelter, they need transportation. Its waiting list is now at 27 people requesting bikes. The demand is year-round — last winter, they gave away about 30 bikes.

Feature Story Renewable Energy

FireKeepers thinking seven generations ahead in major renewable energy move

“The Tribe is always seeking to look ahead to seven generations into the future as they plan for things,” says Jim Wise, FireKeepers' VP of Marketing. "Equally important, is (the Tribe's) love of Mother Earth which is exhibited by our ability to take vast amounts of energy needed from 100 percent renewable sources.”

Feature Story BC Children's Spa

New Battle Creek children's spa will primp and pamper the youngest set

“I have a passion for kids. My mom was always good at that and it trickled down to me,” says Shannon Patrick, owner of Primped and Proper. “I wanted to introduce kids to the importance of taking care of their personal appearance. It won’t be a full-service spa, but I want them to know what it feels like to be pampered early on.”

Feature Story Dr. Grace Lubwama

Dr. Grace Lubwama reflects on new role as Kalamazoo Community Foundation leader

Philanthropy doesn't mean you have to have a lot of money, says Dr. Grace Lubwama, new CEO and President of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Every person can leave a legacy. "But if you have a heart of charity, and care about this community, and want to see this community thrive," she says, "the community foundation is your partner on that journey."

Longform Amy Romain, program director of behavioral medicine, Sparrow Health System/MSU Family Medicine Residency, and Emalie Karp, Sparrow Health System/MSU Family Medicine Residency behavioral medicine faculty member.

Michigan initiatives create new supports for parents experiencing postpartum depression

Over 23,000 Michigan women and their families per year are affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but several innovative initiatives are working to change that.

Feature Story Housing Coaltion Michelle Davis

A key housing organization says Kalamazoo POD community will not happen in time for winter

HRI has evaluated many locations in Kalamazoo County where a POD (Place of Dignity) Community could be placed, but so far, none proved feasible. The small modular homes will remain in storage this coming winter as the search continues.

Feature Story Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan

NAMI Michigan's Kevin Fischer, "Michigan’s CMHs are the front door"

MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders’ mental health.  

Feature Story The Bronco Racing team stopped in Zeeland to visit gold-level sponsor Plascore.

WMU team build Formula One-style race car with help of Zeeland manufacturer

The WMU team has been working with Plascore since 2007 to take advantage of the lightweight energy-absorption honeycomb technology that makes its race vehicles safer. 

Longform SWMI Journalism Collab Genemarkers

Genetic testing: a new tool in prescribing mental-health meds

It often takes months of experimentation to find an effective psychotropic drug. Up to half of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to the first antidepressant prescribed. Kalamazoo's Genemarkers is among those offering a promising tool to address that issue: a test that can result in prescribing drugs with greater accuracy.  

Longform SWMI Journalism Collab Genemarkers

Pruebas genéticas: una nueva herramienta para recetar medicinas para la salud mental

A menudo se necesitan meses de experimentación para encontrar un fármaco psicotrópico eficaz. Hasta la mitad de los pacientes con trastorno depresivo mayor no responden al primer antidepresivo prescrito. Genemarkers de Kalamazoo se encuentra entre los que ofrecen una herramienta prometedora para abordar ese problema: una prueba que puede dar como resultado la prescripción de medicamentos con mayor precisión.

Longform SWMi Journalism Collab BlackWellness Network

BlackWellness Network helps Black patients find clinicians

There are three components to BlackWellness Network: Bridging the gap in the level of care provided to African-American; breaking the negative stigma that has traditionally been attached to seeking mental health services, and building stronger Black and Brown communities.

Longform SWMi Journalism Collab BlackWellness Network

La Red BlackWellness ayuda a los pacientes de raza negra a encontrar profesionales de la salud

BlackWellness Network tiene tres componentes: cerrar la brecha en el nivel de atención brindada a los afroamericanos; romper el estigma negativo que tradicionalmente se ha asociado a la búsqueda de servicios de salud mental y construir comunidades negras y marrones más fuertes.

Longform SWMI Journalism Collab LGBTQ teens

Finding support as you find your authentic self: LGBTQ+ resources for youth

Just over 40% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year; young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color reported even higher rates than their peers. Help is available.

Longform SWMI Journalism Collab LGBTQ teens

Encontrando Apoyo Mientras Encuentras Tu Autenticidad: Recursos LGBTQ+ para Jóvenes

Poco más del 40% de los jóvenes LGBTQ consideraron seriamente intentar suicidarse el año pasado; Los jóvenes transgénero, no binarios y/o de color reportaron tasas incluso más altas que sus pares. Hay ayuda disponible.

Longform Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative Urgent Care

Urgent Mental Health Care: ISK and police partner to build a community safety net

A primary goal in creating the center was to divert people having mental health problems from incarceration and from visiting emergency departments at area hospitals. In its first month, the Kalamazoo County police including those from the and township of Kalamazoo, Portage and the Sheriff’s Department received 346 calls flagged as behavioral health issues.

Longform Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative Urgent Care

Atención de Urgencia de Salud MentaISK y la policía se asocian para crear una red de seguridad comunitaria

Un objetivo principal al crear el centro fue desviar a las personas con problemas de salud mental del encarcelamiento y de las visitas a los departamentos de emergencia de los hospitales del área. En su primer mes, la policía del condado de Kalamazoo, incluidos los del municipio de Kalamazoo, Portage y el Departamento del Sheriff, recibieron 346 llamadas marcadas como problemas de salud conductual.

Battle Creek

New leader of Battle Creek’s Burma Center talks challenges and opportunities

“My biggest passion and mission for the Burma Center is to empower our people and make these people valued in this community and make sure that their voices are heard so that they can thrive alongside other people here so they can be successful like other families." For the full story, click hereFor more stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo's Healthy House for Women offers women in recovery a loving place to stay

"Our core values are to be sober, safe, and self-sufficient. I think there is a balance between self-sufficiency and community. I don’t want the women to think they can do everything by themselves.". Read the full story here. Read more stories here.