Stories

Feature Story (From left) Peggy Helsel, development director at DAKC; Jenny Gauld, designer at Steelcase; Kamara Sudberry, global inclusive design leader at Steelcase; and Vicky Schmidt, a high-level paraplegic and longtime DAKC test pilot.

Beyond compliance: Area nonprofit and corporation are redefining inclusive workplaces

For the Steelcase team, accessibility is far more than ramps and automatic doors. Through an innovative partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), Steelcase is reimagining what it means to create truly inclusive workplaces.

Feature Story webinar-1

Empowering voices: Black disability history workshop returns

Disability Network Southwest Michigan brought back a popular workshop on Black disability history, led by Frances Vicioso, highlighting intersectionality and civil rights contributions.

Feature Story Prowlers and St. Clair County CMH

This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access

The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach. 

Feature Story Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Allegan County Survey to shape funding, policies, and community programs for years ahead.

Allegan County survey seeks public input for future

Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Allegan County Survey to shape funding, policies, and community programs for years ahead.

Feature Story Community Action House staff have office hours at Herrick District Library to better serve the public.

How a library and a church are tackling housing insecurity

Community Action House celebrates six years of its Refresh program with First United Methodist Church of Holland and expands access through Herrick District Library.

Feature Story The Miskelleys have turned their journey of grief and transformation into a service to counteract the disconnect often found in traditional mental health care.

Family that turned grief into lifesaving mental health support is expanding services

At its annual gala, nonprofit Be Better; will celebrate four years of saving student‑athletes’ lives with innovative, personalized mental health care solutions.

Feature Story Sophomore MPS students Kaeden Smith (left) and Ja'Ziiyah Wyrick apply math concepts to build flower boxes in their Geometry in Construction class.

Muskegon Public Schools reimagines learning with new career-focused education

Muskegon Public Schools transforms education with career-focused academies, earning recognition and ensuring every student graduates with a clear future path.  

Feature Story CultureWorks classes cultivate creativity by emphasizing the creative process rather than just the final product, encouraging experimentation and problem-solving.

CultureWorks inspires students through Visiting Artist Series

CultureWorks' Visiting Artist Series connects students with industry professionals, offering hands-on insight into creative careers through panels and workshops.

Feature Story St. Patrick’s Day is here, and several Lakeshore communities are hosting celebrations in honor of the Celtic saint, including the Erin — Go — Bark Parade in Douglas on March 8.

March things to do: Dine in the dark, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (and Pi Day), and so much more

Whether you like history discussions, dressing in green and marching in a parade, getting together with your girlfriends, taking a quick dip in an icy lake, or something entirely different, you’ll find plenty of options for fun in this month’s calendar.  

Feature Story One year after Allegan County took over shelter operations, collaboration with Wishbone Pet Rescue continues to enhance adoptions, volunteer programs, and community outreach.

Public-private partnership supports Allegan County Animal Shelter

One year after Allegan County took over shelter operations, collaboration with Wishbone Pet Rescue continues to enhance adoptions, volunteer programs, and community outreach.

Feature Story Children First Lakeshore and Good Hands Plainwell received $1,500 for their backpack nutrition programs.

Increasing food security — one backpack at a time and with the help of a new ACCF grant program

Two backpack nutrition programs are the first organizations to receive the Allegan County Community Foundation's Food Security Program grants. Two more grant cycles are planned for this year.

Longform small-clinic

How an unused dental chair sparked an inclusive clinic at a Cleveland juvenile detention center

MedWish Medworks turned an unused dental chair into inclusive dentistry for youth at Cuyahoga Juvenile Detention Center, providing critical care for long-neglected health needs.

Feature Story The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program provides young people with meaningful relationships that help them navigate school, career, and life.

Mentorship matters: How Big Brothers Big Sisters changes lives at Allegan High School

The Bigs program provides students with dedicated mentors who foster safe spaces, offer guidance, and empower them through meaningful support.

Feature Story Local author Melanie Hooyenga poses with a copy of her new novel "The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway.”

Grand Haven author brings hometown to life in novel

Melanie Hooyenga’s suspenseful novel, “The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway,” follows a teen trapped in a haunting double life in Grand Haven.  

Feature Story Donna Bogle enjoys the little acts of kindness and small stores.

SHORE STORY: Small store, small acts, big impact

Donna Bogle sees the light that little acts of kindness bring to people's lives. In her Shore Story, she recounts two such beacons of hope.

Feature Story Netherlands-based mezzanine flooring specialist Profielnorm US LLC. is building its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the city of Plainwell.

Dutch company’s new facility in Plainwell part of region’s $244M economic investment

Profielnorm USA’s expansion is one of 16 business growth projects backed by Lakeshore Advantage in 2024 that resulted in over 550 jobs created or retained in Ottawa and Allegan counties.

Feature Story Herrick District Library's main facility renovations include a new two-story playhouse in its children's department.

Herrick District Library plans renovation celebration

The library will celebrate with staff and the public Thursday, Feb. 20, with food, live music, balloon animals, princesses and more.

Feature Story Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Feature Story Renee Thompson with Disability Advocates of Kent County makes adjustments to the new walker being loaned to Ronny Richardson through DAKC's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet.

Finding belonging through empowerment: One journey with Disability Advocates of Kent County

For Ronny Richardson, Disability Advocates of Kent County's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet didn't merely provide him with needed medical equipment; they extended personalized support to empower him and help him fully participate in his community. 

Feature Story Sandra March has a new home that will bring financial independence and the ability to enjoy a few simple luxuries.

Affordable housing in Spring Lake brings stability for seniors and families

The $16.4 million project will serve individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of Ottawa County’s median income.