Stories

Feature Story Danielle Atkinson

Mothering Justice "Mamas' Agenda" addresses childcare and early childhood education

A grassroots policy advocacy organization, Mothering Justice provides mothers of color in America with resources and tools to make equitable policy changes. One of its agenda items is early childhood education.

Feature Story West Ottawa High School Vice Principal and co-founder of I Am Academy was one of 112 nationwide finalists for the Remarkable Women award.

Lindsay Cherry is a 'Remarkable Woman'

I AM Academy co-founder and West Ottawa High School Vice Principal Lindsay Cherry was one of 112 "Remarkable Women" finalists. The Holland resident was flown to Los Angeles for a two-day celebration and awards ceremony.

Feature Story Small-Healthcare

Industry trends push many new jobs onto the annual HotJobs! List

If you want to learn about the career opportunities across West Michigan, the 2024 HotJobs! List is a good place to start.  

Feature Story Small-volunteers

Michigan West Coast Chamber to host annual volunteer blitz

The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce will host its third annual Community Impact Day on Wednesday, May 15, from 1-4 p.m. throughout West Michigan.  

Feature Story Herrick District Library will host a free plant and seed swap 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20.

Seed and plant swap Saturday at HDL North


Feature Story Loch Hame was the first home built in the Highland Park cottage neighborhood in Grand Haven.

The very first cottage at Highland Park worked with the park's natural beauty

In her book, The Historic Cottages of Highland Park, Karen Lowe explores the history of this unique enclave along the shores of Lake Michigan. The interesting history of Highland Park starts at the very beginning with an oak tree that was incorporated into a home instead of being sacrificed to its building.

Feature Story Small-Amanda

How health journey led to book on solving sleep issues

Most people know Amanda Chocko from her work at Lakeshore Advantage and its SURGE business incubator, but she’s also a nutritional therapy practitioner who has a new book on improving sleep quality. 

Feature Story Hillery Ross, How YOU Birth Doulas Services' administrative coordinator, and Allison Keessen, treasurer for How YOU Birth Doula Services.

Initiative rapidly expands doula ranks in Muskegon County, with major implications for birth equity

Muskegon-based How YOU Birth Doula Services is working to improve outcomes for parents and babies by leveraging Michigan's recently added Medicaid coverage for doula services. 

Feature Story Breanna Lentz, center, was diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's Disease and died before she could attend high school. Her sister, Shelby,  has established a foundation and a scholarship in Breanna's honor.

Brave Like Breanna — new scholarship honors those who struggle against adversity

Breanna Lentz would have been a 2024 Plainwell High School senior. Diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's disease, Breanna died before that could happen. Her sister created a foundation in honor of Breanna and a scholarship to help others struggling to overcome adversity.

Longform Dr. Theresa Hastert (right) helped develop the Michigan Community Outreach to Address Financial Toxicity (MI-COST). Ali Fakih (left) is a research assistant with MI-COST, and Cornelius Wilson (center) sits on its Community Advisory Board.

Here's how Michigan organizations are working to reduce cancer treatment's crushing financial burden

In Michigan, several efforts are underway to help cancer patients prepare for, manage, and alleviate the financial struggles associated with treatment.

Longform Small-Amanda

At-home vaccinations bring peace of mind to Muskegon family, vulnerable across the state

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services has collaborated with Disability Rights of Michigan to support vaccinations for homebound residents.

Longform Small-Kristen

How data collection is playing a key role in advancing health equity

A new push to gather health care data about people with disabilities is spotlighting a disparity in health care equity that is often overlooked by the medical community. 

Feature Story Veronica Bilicki oversees the Patient as Caregiver program.

Henry Ford Health program helps unpaid caregivers stay healthy

The Patient as Caregiver project helps unpaid caregivers carry on in their roles, reducing the amount of hired care needed and helping people age at place in their homes.

Feature Story Lt. McBride was hastily and unfairly given a dishonorable discharge in Aug. 1865. It took an act of Congress to expunge the discharge from his record and get him the pension he had earned.

Historic Highland Park residents included artists and industrialists

Every cottage at Grand Haven's Highland Park has a story. This week's excerpt of Karen Lowe's book about the historic cottage association explores a man wrongfully accused and a local artist.

Feature Story Harbor Lights Middle School students created a sound bath experience to help with relaxation and healing.

Shore Story: Teacher, students create sound baths for healing, relaxation

Carrie Ledet explains how she and her students immersed themselves in learning about sound baths, going through the instruments in the West Ottawa's Harbor Lights Middle School band room to create the most relaxing experience.  

Feature Story Small-Fennville

League of Women Voters plans 3 informational events before May 7 election

With Ottawa County’s special election less than a month away, the League of Women Voters of the Holland Area has several events aimed at explaining what’s on the ballot.

Feature Story WMS-small

‘Around the World’ concert will feature diverse traditions and styles from across the globe

West Michigan Symphony (WMS) will take music enthusiasts on a journey across multiple continents with “WMS Around the World Part II” on April 19 and a Lunch ’n’ Learn on April 17. 

Feature Story SmallZeelandPublicSchools

Foundation grants will support after school and summer education programs

CFHZ is awarding $145,000 to three organizations to “foster equitable access to high-quality education, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive,” says Yadah V. Ramirez, the Foundation’s Director of Community Impact.

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MiCareerQuest connects 8,000 students with hands-on exploration into future career opportunities

Over 8,000 middle and high school students across West Michigan had the opportunity to experience more than 300 high-demand careers first-hand at this year's MiCareerQuest.

Longform Josh Williams

Addressing the Gap: The need for increased mental health support for LGBTQ Michiganders

With all the positive work being done, the fact remains that 51% of LGBTQ Youth in Michigan are afraid to talk about their mental health with someone else.