Features

Feature Story “We’re trying to build a Ferrari here, and I’m confident at this point that we really are,” says Jesse Hopkins, founder of Clay Avenue Guitar Co.

How this local guitar company is feeling reinvigorated by its new Hazel Park workshop

“We’re trying to build a Ferrari here, and I’m confident at this point that we really are,” says Jesse Hopkins, founder of Clay Avenue Guitar Co.

Feature Story Constructing Futures AI focuses on AI generated images to envision the future of construction technology.

Don’t miss out on these 10 experiences in the Detroit Month of Design

From 3D-printed homes to stop-motion animation, this month Detroit proves why it is the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the United States. Here are some seriously cool experiences to get to this month.

Development News Macomb County’s first-ever small business pitch contest was held on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Velocity in Sterling Heights.

Sterling Heights business incubator and accelerator hosts small biz pitch contest. Here's who won

“This was a great contest between a variety of phenomenal new businesses that are really working to establish and grow their footprint in Macomb County,” says MCPED Director Vicky Rowinski.

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.

Feature Story ESL class at the Chaldean Community Foundation

Help for new arrivals to metro DetroitNonprofit Journal Project

Despite its name, the Chaldean Community Foundation has served clients from 59 different countries with citizenship classes, immigration assistance, and more. Programs are aimed at helping people navigate systems so they can feel at home in heir newly adopted country.

Partner Content Hero Walk family team

Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness

Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.

Longform Teens with the BuildOn Program in Detroit pose during their summer campout at Scout Hollow Campground in Rouge Park, coordinated by Detroit Outdoors.

Detroit collaborative builds future leaders by introducing kids to hiking and camping

Detroit Outdoors is a collaborative network of institutions focused on expanding access to outdoor recreation. 

Feature Story Sidecar Slider Bar opened in Sterling Heights in 2024.

Break out the big scissors: Touring the latest businesses to open in Sterling Heights

Taking a look around Sterling Heights and highlighting some of the businesses that have celebrated grand openings over these past several months.

Development News The Sterling Heights-headquartered Chaldean Community Foundation first requested that Ankawa and Sterling Heights begin talks to become Sister Cities.

Sterling Heights to form Sister City partnership with Ankawa, Iraq

The City of Sterling Heights and its family of sister cities grows a little larger this week.

Development News Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township.

Macomb County nonprofit announces second annual Community Engagement Summit in Harrison Township

“When people feel connected to their community and have a role in building an equitable and thriving place, they are more likely to stay, engage and contribute," says City Institute founder Jeanette Pierce.

Longform A Camp Carpenter participant works on a project with a counselor at Carpenter Park in Detroit.

Detroit's privately owned parks make a big difference for their neighborhoods

Private individuals and nonprofits have established parks across the city to help advance equity, build community, provide services, and catalyze investment in underserved neighborhoods.

Feature Story Mike's on the Water, St. Clair Shores

5 Macomb downtown areas to visit before summer ends

From New Baltimore to Romeo, here are five unique downtowns with great local vibes to check out. 

Development News A scene from the Sterling Heights' 44th Annual Memorial Day Parade in 2023.

Sterling Heights defense contractor emboldened by parent company’s latest acquisition

“The acquisition of Loc Performance gives us the manufacturing readiness that will enable us to realise the major orders we are aiming for,” says Matthew Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall Vehicles.

Longform Produce from the Youth Mentor Garden at Marquette Park in Wyoming, Mich.

Youth Mentor Gardens grow food, family, and community in Detroit and Grand Rapids area

At two Youth Mentor Gardens, participating teens and their families work together to plant, weed, water, mulch, and harvest produce.

Feature Story Produce at Forgotten Harvest's Client Choice Market

Forgotten Harvest's Client Choice Market fosters dignity in food assistanceNonprofit Journal Project

A premier food rescue organization serving Southeast Michigan is changing how it delivers healthy, nutritious meals to people in need by providing a shopping experience to center families’ choices.

Feature Story Metro Detroit, art, artists

Notable artists in Metro Detroit you should know about

From performance to pixels, we caught up with four artists you should have on your radar. Just remember, you saw them here first.

Development News The Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is located at 27225 W. Ten Mile Rd. in Southfield.

Southfield celebrates improvements at the recently reopened Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve

“We are pleased with the recent improvements at the City’s beloved Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve,” said Mayor Dr. Ken Siver.

Development News New sidewalk installed and trees planted along a stretch of Maple Lane Drive.

Sterling Heights hopes to build a ‘Pathway to Play and Preservation’ at the ballot box this November

“Visioning 2040 answers the question that I hear often – What’s next?” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool.

Development News Inside the award-winning Coffee First Café and Bake Shoppe In 2022.

City asks for community’s nominations for award-winning local businesses in Sterling Heights

Nomination forms for the 2024 Sterling Edge Awards are available online, and due by Friday, Aug. 30.

Feature Story Eastern Market, Pontiac

PHOTOS: A visit to the new Eastern Market location

We sent photographer Steve Koss along to check out the new site in Pontiac bringing the beloved market to the 'burbs. 

 
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.