Features

Partner Content AAoM held a back-to-school event at Corner Health in Ypsilanti on Aug. 16.

Health and wellness are the building blocks for a successful school yearAAoM helps little Michiganders with autism be prepared.

Prioritizing children’s health and wellness is the first step toward ensuring they are prepared for a successful school year and able to fully participate in learning.

Longform Michigan's goal is to have the voluntary universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds in place by 2027.

PreK for All: Other states and cities share models for Michigan’s universal preschool program

A wealth of knowledge is available from other states and cities in building a universal preschool program for Michigan.  

Feature Story The HURON Lightship.

Explore local history: Free admission returns to 3 Port Huron Museums sites

Several historical sites in Port Huron will once again offer free admission helping to promote local history to residents and visitors alike.

Feature Story “My grandparents actually started grapes on our property in the late 1950s," says owner Becky Wrubel. "I always remember my grandma saying, ‘If you take care of the grapes, they're going to take care of you.’”

Explore the wineries of St. Clair County

In this guide, discover four St. Clair County wineries that are bringing their own unique flavor to craft exceptional, one-of-a-kind products.

Feature Story Dream Camp students take time out from play to pose for a photo.

Harrison Center is a new beginning for SONS Outreach

The Harrison Center in Port Huron has become the primary residence of local nonprofit SONS Outreach where leaders say the new establishment will help boost programming and revitalize the community.

Partner Content “The change in her from a year and a half ago till now is tremendous,” Sarah says. “I see a smile, a genuine smile on her face again. I see her having fun with friends again."

“I didn't really want to die, but I felt like it was the only choice I had”16-year-old talks about battle with mental health amidst growing children’s mental health crisis

When Isabelle sent a text message during school saying she was going to end her life, she didn’t know if there would be anyone who cared enough to answer. Someone did answer, and the St. Clair County Community Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit quickly responded, getting her the help she needed. However, Isabelle isn’t alone – the number of adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis is rising and SCCCMH is working hard to keep up with the increasing referrals.

Feature Story Debra Johnson, President of the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County

Helping those with Alzheimer's and dementia through caregiver educationQ&A with Debra Johnson: Nonprofit Journal Project

For caregivers of people with dementia, education is the key. A St. Clair County association provides support and resources.

Feature Story Whiskey Coffee Company's signature coffee, Black Suit Blend, is comprised of a combination of coffee beans sourced mostly from South America

Port Huron coffee company undergoes redevelopment, reopening with new products and storefront

A well-established business with a new name, coffee shop and eatery Sub Sliders recently opened in Port Huron.

Feature Story Members of the Lilly family pose for a photo outside of the newly-opened Lexington's LillyPad.

Blue Water Area couple opens Lexington’s LillyPad, bringing new life to neglected motel

After more than a decade of lying vacant, a motel in Lexington has reopened for business. Thanks to the efforts of a Blue Water Area couple who are working to revitalize the property, Lexington’s LillyPad offers a new option for accommodation in the coastal community.

Feature Story Actors Carol Sizer and Bill Klein rehearse "Memory of a Dance," a play about dementia commissioned by the Southwest Michigan-based Region IV Area Agency on Aging to spread community awareness of the experiences of people living with dementia.

PODCAST: Building more dementia-friendly communities

Many people living with dementia don't feel valued or respected in their communities. But some activists in Michigan are working to change that by creating dementia-friendly communities, where the general public better understands dementia and people living with dementia have more opportunities to engage in public life.

Feature Story St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH) helps people of all ages with their mental health concerns.

Addressing mental health conditions may reduce risks for dementia for older adults

Mental health issues are a predictor of dementia. St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH) helps people of all ages with their mental health concerns.

Feature Story Tepfirah Rushdan and Lindsay Pielack, Co-directors of Keep Growing Detroit

If you want to go far, go together: Nonprofits practice shared leadershipFeature: Nonprofit Journal Project

Read about how Southeast Michigan nonprofits are using collective labor and innovation to move their missions forward through shared leadership models.  

Longform Early Education Matters,

Pre-K for All will improve long-term health, education, and social outcomes for children

Pre-K for All is really about ensuring that all Michigan children enjoy academic success.  

Feature Story Dr. Hank Paulson is a neurologist at University of Michigan Health and director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

PODCAST: Inside the rapidly expanding field of dementia research

One of the most frustrating and scary things about dementia is that we still know breathtakingly little about it. But the medical community in Michigan, as in the rest of the U.S., is currently working at unprecedented speed to change that.

Partner Content Sensory rooms in doctor’s offices can improve the experience for ASD families.

Corner Health sensory room makes accessing healthcare easier for people living with autism

For people on the autism spectrum, simple healthcare tasks such as routine vaccinations or annual check-ups can be a challenge. Sensory rooms are one way to overcome that challenge.

Development News “Bunny’s Book Club” by Tatjana Mai-Wyss is the current book featured along the Wildflower Trail at Pine River Nature Center where a StoryWalk was recently installed.

StoryWalk comes to Pine River Nature Center offering new activity fostering reading and recreation

The installation of a StoryWalk at Pine River Nature Center in Goodells offers an interactive approach to enhance literacy and recreational activities for local youth.

Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.

PODCAST: Building support for dementia caregiving challenges

Becoming a caregiver to a person living with dementia is a challenging process. We talked with Michigan caregivers about their struggles, their successes, and the resources and support they need to do their vital work.

Longform SUDs were a topic of discussion at the June 2023 CMHAM conference.

Opioid settlement dollars will strengthen community mental health response to opioid use disorders

Medication-assisted treatment, Narcan kits, and recovery housing are some of the programs that could be funded through opioid settlement dollars. 

Feature Story Since being diagnosed with dementia, Monica Downer (center, being interviewed) has become an activist for awareness of her disease.

PODCAST: Dementia disparities in communities of color

Dementia is challenging for everyone, but it takes a particularly heavy toll in communities of color. Here's how people living with dementia, researchers, and activists are working to change that in Michigan.

Feature Story Live entertainment at the Military Street pocket park in downtown Port Huron.

Emerging pocket parks add more space for community connection

Pocket parks are popping up around St. Clair County giving visitors and residents a new way to connect and enjoy the outdoors.