Features

Longform A Supplemental Science lesson at John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy in Detroit.

Parks bring free and low-cost nature education to underserved schools in Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan's parks are working to connect students in underserved communities to nature and science programming.

Feature Story A room at Big Bay Point Lighthouse.

New website shows off Michigan's B&Bs to promote industry comeback

Bed and Breakfast lodgings are an important part of Michigan’s economy, with 130 locations bringing in $70.3 million annually. The Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association is highlighting members with a new website.

Feature Story Ethel's Baking

Students get a taste of manufacturing careers at iconic bakery during MFG Day

From auto industry spaces to baking hot spots, over 2,000 high school students toured manufacturing companies across Macomb County for this year's MFG Day/Week.

Development News The Sterling Heights Skate Park opened in November of 2017 — the first cornerstone amenity that was completed on the Recreating Recreation timeline.

Sterling Heights parks and recreation director named president-elect of this statewide organization

"His dedication to our community has transformed our parks, and we have seen firsthand the positive impact parks and recreation have on the quality of life for our residents," says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Development News The Edgar Poe-inspired festival debuted in 2020 and has since become an annual tradition in downtown Farmington each October.

Grand Raven Festival returns to downtown Farmington with all of its tricks and treats

It’s October, which means that Edgar the Grand Raven has made its annual return to downtown Farmington.

Feature Story Fathers are important figures in children’s lives

Better fathers mean stronger communitiesNonprofit Journal Project

Stronger fathers mean stronger kids. The Children’s Center in Detroit has a dad-focused program that links fathers to the resources they need and gives them a place to connect, share concerns, and encourage each other to invest more deeply in their children’s lives.

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Feature Story Champions of Wayne students with Wayne Memorial High School staff and mentors at the Student Achievement Banquet on June 20, 2024

Visionary Wayne Memorial High School program helps students succeed by paying themNonprofit Journal Project

At Wayne Memorial High School, Champions of Wayne pays students $250 per semester to work with mentors to meet personalized goals.

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Longform Dayton, Jamillyah, and Dallas Palmer outside their new home in Pontiac.

Oakland County's housing affordability problem is growing. How can we solve it?

Leaders in the government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors are coming together to make housing more attainable for all county residents.

Feature Story Oak Park

Oak Park’s Nine Mile redesign indicates transformative direction for the city

The City of Oak Park has completely reimagined a large segment of the Nine Mile Road Corridor, ushering new bike lines, pocket parks and economic opportunities into their growing community. 

Feature Story Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his wife Dr. Sonia Hasan enjoying "The Art of Dining" exhibit at the DIA.

The Art of Dining: New DIA exhibit a Middle Eastern feast for the senses

Featuring nearly 230 works, this tantalising free exhibit (to Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne residents) illuminates connections between art and cuisine from ancient times to the present day, demonstrating how food transcends cultures, backgrounds, and borders. We take a sneak peek. 

Feature Story Roxana Park

How a block grant helps Macomb build parks, add solar street lights

Within the last five years, Macomb County has received an annual grant amount of around $1.8 million. Here's what the county does with it.

Development News “Spirit of Sterling Heights” by Marcia Wood

Sterling Heights council member honored with Sinclair Service Award from Michigan Municipal League

“Being recognized for something you love doing is an unexpected honor,” says Sterling Heights council member Barbara Ziarko.

Longform People plant trees during a volunteer work day at Palmer Park in Detroit.

Climate change hits Detroit harder than other cities. Here's how parks are working to change that.

Southeast Michigan's parks are working to address climate equity by mitigating climate change's disproportionate effects on already underserved populations.

Longform Elizabeth Agius

Michigan organizations, universities, and agencies growing the public health workforce

Michigan, as well as the rest of the world, is going through a health care workforce shortage. The Michigan Health Council’s (MHC) Michigan Health Care Workforce Index projects that nearly all 36 health care occupations will experience workforce shortages between now and 2033.

Longform GHS Urgent Care

Funding gap threatens care for Michiganders utilizing community mental health

Michigan’s community mental health agencies face deep revenue gaps this year — a projected $93 million.

Longform A rendering of the future Fresh! by Gleaners.

Fresh food pantry set to open near Detroit, building upon other innovative Michigan models

Gleaners Community Food Bank has broken ground on Fresh! by Gleaners, an innovative concept that will make free, fresh food available to people living in Wayne and Macomb counties.

Feature Story Josh Chapman, President and CEO, YMCA of the Blue Water Area

Blue Meets Green collaborative feeds economic prosperityNonprofit Journal Project Feature

The Blue Meets Green collaborative considers all sectors while cultivating a prosperous St. Clair County.  

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.