Features

Feature Story Ashley Carter of Michigan Justice Fund and Adam Grant of A Brighter Way

Boosting resources for legal reform in MichiganNonprofit Journal Project Feature

Michigan Justice Fund is pioneering a collaborative funding model to support justice reform initiatives across the state. By bringing together local and national funders, the fund invests in community-led solutions that address the long-term impact of mass incarceration.

Longform SMALLBrush-Mentone

Indiana nonprofit’s oral health program reaches 39 states

McMillen Health’s Brush program equips families and educators with easy-to-understand oral health tools, transforming access in underserved communities.

Longform Misty Lyn Bergeron and The Big Beautiful performing at The Ark in 2023.

"Hallowed ground": Performers reflect on 60 years of community and creativity at The Ark

To observe The Ark's 60th anniversary, we spoke with close to a dozen local and not-so-local artists about their memories of the beloved Ann Arbor folk venue.

Innovation News Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool in Ann Arbor.

Nonprofit to implement action plan for child care crisis in Washtenaw County

The Ann Arbor-based nonprofit Child Care Network has been chosen to lead Michigan’s Regional Child Care Coalitions for Washtenaw County and several other Michigan counties.

Innovation News A promotional image for the inaugural Creative Mornings Ann Arbor event, featuring speaker Hien Lam.

Creative Mornings launches free monthly community-building event in Ann Arbor

Creative Mornings Ann Arbor, a new free monthly breakfast lecture series for Ann Arbor's creative community, kicks off this week.

Longform Roz Nowosielski picks up trash at Stony Creek Metropark during an Earth Day cleanup event. She walks at the park every day and wanted to help clean it up.

Metroparks highlight new and expanded climate initiatives for Earth Day

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are celebrating this Earth Day by rolling out several new pilot initiatives that are the first steps in an ambitious plan to combat the impacts of climate change.

Partner Content AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

Longform Amanda Moore at Dzanc House.

New Ypsi artists' hub offers workshops, gallery shows, youth programs, and more

Ypsi's recently opened Dzanc House is a multi-faceted arts center and an extension of the Ann Arbor-based nonprofit independent publisher Dzanc Books.

Innovation News Wilson Marine Brighton aprentice Brad Tyler.

Apprenticeship fair offers paid, on-the-job training opportunities in Washtenaw County

A collaborative of 10 Washtenaw County organizations will host its second annual Apprenticeship Fair on May 1 from 4-7 p.m. at Ypsilanti Community High School.

Longform Jason Gold at the Michigan Folk School.

Michigan Folk School builds community by passing on knowledge of traditional skills

The Michigan Folk School in Superior Township's Staebler Farm County Park allows visitors to experience the importance of old traditions in the rapidly changing modern world. 

Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.

Feature Story A still from iFFY's "Best of the London International Animation Festival 2024" program, screening April 18.

Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti returns with documentaries, Michigan films, horror shorts, more

The Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti returns to Riverside Arts Center April 17-19 with two feature films, four short film blocks, and live performances alongside its signature 26.2-hour filmmaking marathon.

Innovation News The Metric Marketing team.

Saline's Metric Marketing makes Inc. list of fastest-growing Midwest companies for third year

Metric Marketing is one of only 12 companies in the state of Michigan, and the only one in Washtenaw County, to make the list.  

Longform Gordon "Big" Dooley with merchandise from his clothing line, Husky Life. Free coaching from the Small Business Success program helped Dooley refine his business plan.

New program offers free support for entrepreneurs in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe counties

From increasing search engine traffic to overcoming burnout, small business owners in Washtenaw County and beyond are benefiting from Ann Arbor SPARK's new Small Business Support program.

Longform The new YCHS AI learning space.

New certification for Ypsi high school opens professional development opportunities for students

Ypsilanti Community High School recently joined the nationally recognized NC3Start certification program for career and technical education (CTE), allowing staff to expand the school’s CTE offerings and emphasize the potential of artificial intelligence education.

Innovation News A heat pump.

Ann Arbor launches new concierge service for residents considering heat pumps

A new free online tool that provides customized options for residents to switch from gas furnaces to more energy-efficient electric heat pumps.

Longform FestiFools in downtown Ann Arbor.

PHOTO ESSAY: Puppets and political commentary at FestiFools 2025

We asked puppet-masters, community members, and other participants about their FestiFools experience.

Feature Story "... at least 17 children at any time are boarding in an emergency department across the state.”

Michigan's hospitals and improved pediatric behavioral health care

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association addresses pediatric behavioral health care with data, advocacy, and grant funding of member hospital programs. 

Innovation News A performance at Midwest House at this year's SXSW.

Ann Arbor SPARK returns to promote Michigan's startup opportunities at SXSW conference

The organization co-sponsored Michigan Day at the conference's Midwest House on March 11.

Innovation News The annual FestiFools parade in Ann Arbor. FestiFools is collaborating with the University Musical Society and Riverside Arts Center to bring a puppet processional to downtown Ypsi on April 19.

FestiFools-style puppet parade coming to downtown Ypsi

The University of Michigan’s University Musical Society will cap its April residency at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse with a joyful, puppet-filled processional through Ypsilanti on April 19.

Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.