Stories

Longform Dr. Jordan Braciszewski demonstrates an iPad app used to screen children for mental health issues in Henry Ford Health clinics.

Michigan providers use innovative technologies to expand access to behavioral health

Telehealth, which ramped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, is here to stay and many agencies and providers are finding new ways to implement it.

Longform Robert Sheehan, executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

Community Mental Health has made big strides over the past 12 months in MichiganMI Mental Health recaps CMH successes of the series' first year

New partnerships, expanding programs with schools and law enforcement, and the designation of 17 community mental health organizations (CMHs) as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration sites are a few of the highlights Michiganders

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Women of Color GIVE to invest $65K into BIPOC community

Women of Color GIVE plans to distribute $65,000 to Ballet Folklorico, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, and Latin Americans United for Progress. The final amounts will be determined by members on Dec. 13. 

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GRCC student's career reaches new heights through Pre-Lineworker Training Program

After graduating from Zeeland West High School in 2022, Jack Aalderink took advantage of the GRCC pre-lineworker program. GRCC is providing an information session about the energy technician program at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6. Registration is required.   

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$7M in investment by three companies will create 40 jobs

Three manufacturers’ expansion projects will collectively invest $7 million and create 40 jobs, representing growth in the region’s furniture, health care, and metal manufacturing clusters.

Feature Story Construction

New survey reveals biggest barriers to employment in the region

A new survey by West Michigan Works! shows the biggest barriers to employment for workers are finding child care, wages and benefits, and a skill mismatch. 

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‘I can finally vote by myself’: Disability advocate works to improve 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 Datasha Chapman, a member of Calvin University's Lay Ambassadors for Mental Health program, chats with a colleague.

Mental health ambassadors and prenatal coaches: Michigan orgs tackle social determinants of health

Michigan organizations are innovating to address the non-medical factors that influence people's health in alignment with the state of Michigan's Social Determinants of Health Strategy.

Feature Story The Muskegon Parks & Recreation Department kicks off its open skating at Trinity Health Arena on Sunday, Nov. 5, and the first Sunday of the month through March.

November things to do: Skating, celebrating, film, beads, reads, and holiday kickoffs

The November calendar is chock full o’ stuff to do. There’s an exhibit-closing event, an annual gathering, a turkey trot, and several tree-lighting events throughout West Michigan.

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Sustainability, equity are new ingredients in a restaurant’s success

More Michigan restaurants are putting sustainability into practice with a focus on employment equity, reducing waste, and sourcing local. But this commitment takes time, money,  and people ― and restaurant owners may find themselves in short supply of all three.

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.

Longform Sherlynn James works hard to help her Black and brown clients overcome barriers to home ownership.

Dismantling racism means removing barriers to home ownership

Owning a home is a huge part of the American Dream for those that call Michigan home. It is also one of the keys to building wealth, which many Black families have learned and now strive for.

Longform Right here in Michigan, Detroit’s pre-K programs are among the best.

Detroit early education programs serve as excellent models for PreK for All

Many great examples of pre-K programs that have been well executed exist across the nation. Right here in Michigan, Detroit’s pre-K programs are among the best.

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

Zeeland manufacturer helps WMU team build Formula One-style race car

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. 

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Holland Mayor has unexpected visit with prime minister during Netherlands trip

Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks traveled to the Netherlands as part of a “friendship cultural connection” with the city of  Assen, a mission of Holland’s International Relations Commission.

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Grant boosts efforts to restore Muskegon's historic Torrent House to 'former glory'

A collaboration has resulted in a new grant to advance efforts to restore Torrent House  in downtown Muskegon to its “former glory.”

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How $6.1M will support 17 placemaking projects across West Michigan

Three economic development organizations have collaborated to bring $6.1 million in state funds to spur the development of 17 placemaking projects totaling over $41 million across West Michigan.

Feature Story DJ "La Tejanita - Sweet Lu" Lupita Reyes speaks on the air during her radio program "Alegria Latina" at the 92.7 FM The Van/WHTC 1450 AM studio in Holland, Michigan, Nov. 28, 2021. (J.R. Valderas)

LAUP founder Lupita Reyes honored with scholarship

The legacy of LAUP founder Lupita Reyes is being honored with a new scholarship, and the Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative is asking for community support in raising $25,000 for the endowment by Nov. 1.