How local musicians help connect parks and people in downtown Farmington Read Article

What the Friends of the Rouge are doing to fight water pollution and connect communities Read Article

Courtesy of Friends of the Rouge.

New businesses begin to bloom as spring has sprung in downtown Farmington Read Article

Living on couches, in hotels, or in cars, many in Oakland County experience "hidden" homelessness Read Article

Shariki Bell's apartment in Pontiac. Bell lived in a camper in her friend's driveway from 2006 to 2012 due to a mental health crisis.
Photo: Shariki Bell's apartment in Pontiac. Bell lived in a camper in her friend's driveway from 2006 to 2012 due to a mental health crisis. Steve Koss

PHOTOS: Take a peek at the Sterling Heights Community Garden ahead of its grand opening Read Article

Oak Park’s first K-9 officer retires after eight years of service Read Article

David Lewinski.

Features

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Feature Story George Hamilton works at Homegrown Brewing Company each week now, after several years of looking for employment. Diversity

Staffing shortage solution offers chance for more inclusion in Metro Detroit businesses

Barb Pert TempletonThursday, September 30, 2021
George Hamilton had been looking for employment for three years before the COVID-19 pandemic produced staffing shortages and he finally got his shot. For inclusive workforce advocates like Dutton Farm in Rochester, the hiring fallout has opened up pathways, and placement organizations have seen a huge boost in their ability to find employment for members: "Now there’s more of an understanding of the talent and the skill levels we have here.” 
Feature Story Arthur the Raven is made from armature wire, epoxy putty, and the cardboard from a box of Two Hearted Ale. Arts and Culture

‘Spooky but playful’: Grand Raven Festival returns to downtown Farmington

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 30, 2021
“This is our unique way to engage the community and downtown businesses in a way that is sort of macabre but also family-friendly, a spooky but playful way to get everyone involved in the Halloween season,” says Sean Murphy, a volunteer on the Grand Raven committee.
Feature Story The ZAP! Art Project transformed three utility boxes into public art, with Biz Drouillard’s piece in the foreground. Arts and Culture

From drab to fab: Turning utility boxes into public art in downtown Dearborn

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 30, 2021
“That’s what Dearborn is all about, making art equitable for everyone. Maybe you don’t have a car or the money and can’t make it to an art gallery or museum. Public art provides access,” says Sasha Corder, gallery coordinator for the Padzieski Gallery.
Development News Phragmites along the Clinton River Trail. Sustainability

New survey tracks invasive species along Clinton River Trail

David SandsThursday, September 30, 2021
This Oakland County organization completed a study that should help control invasive species along a popular area trail.
Feature Story A Beautiful Me

A Beautiful Me finds ways to foster self-worth and community connection, especially among girlsThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Karen PalkaMonday, September 27, 2021
"If we can get our young women to understand their value and place in the world at elementary and adolescent ages," says Karen Palka, founder & executive director of A Beautiful Me in Port Huron, "they are more likely to take on roles in their adult lives that enhance their communities in some shape, form or fashion. 
Longform A runner at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Healthy Communities

Can parks help lower health care costs? New efforts in Southeast Michigan say yes

Jaishree Drepaul-BruderMonday, September 27, 2021
Getting outdoors has long been linked to good health, but recent efforts across Southeast Michigan show that the region's parks provide major, measurable benefits to residents' well-being.
Feature Story ASL interpreter Phyllis Harbaugh catches up with returning members of CCF's Deaf fellowship. Healthy Communities

As the need for masks rises, so do challenges for deaf and hard of hearing communities

Sarah WilliamsThursday, September 23, 2021
While face coverings serve to slow the spread of COVID-19, they add an additional barrier in communicating for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Here’s how one community is responding to the challenges.
Development News Music fans check out the new Dearborn Music in downtown Farmington. Economic Development

Dearborn Music celebrates grand opening of Farmington shop with ribbon cutting, sales, and giveaways

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 23, 2021
“I’ve been a patron of the original Dearborn location for about ten years,” says Connor Osborn, executive director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce. “When I found out about the new Farmington location, I was thrilled — but also a little scared because now I’ll be spending every lunch break there.”
Development News Governor Gretchen Whitmer at Motor Bella in Pontiac. Technology and Innovation

State looks to install one mile of wireless charging infrastructure for EVs in metro Detroit

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 23, 2021
“Michigan was home to the first mile of paved road, and now we’re paving the way for the roads of tomorrow with innovative infrastructure that will support the economy and the environment, helping us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050,” says Gov. Whitmer.
Longform Signage at Kensington Metropark. Healthy Communities

New wayfinding initiatives keep Southeast Michigan park users on the right path

Jeanne HodeshWednesday, September 22, 2021
Throughout Southeast Michigan, dedicated park planners, facilities staff, and community activists are behind the scenes, hard at work, to make sure you don't get lost. 
Longform JA Economics for Success

Youth-centered nonprofits increase support to families, young people and educators across the regionThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Jenn McKeeTuesday, September 21, 2021
“When something interrupts your program, you still have to go forward, whether you go around it, above it, through it – whatever you need to do,” Kris Marshall, Winning Futures.
Partner Content Julie Baumgras

Girl Scouts is building girl leaders through accessible, easy, fun outdoor adventures

Jane Parikh-SimonsTuesday, September 21, 2021
Outdoor education has always been a big part of Girl Scouting, but these days that goes beyond going away to Girl Scout camp for the week. Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is putting particular focus on making access to outdoor adventure and the leadership skills that come with it available to girls in cities and towns throughout its nine-county service area.   
Feature Story Detroiters Stephen Merriweather (left) and Sharnita Johnson aim to build intergenerational wealth in their families and communities. Photo by Nick Hagen. Community Development

Announcing Model D and Metromode’s series ‘On the Ground in Detroit: Exploring Economic Equity’

Model DMonday, September 20, 2021
This Model D and Metromode series aims to report on everyday Detroiters and their experiences as they live their lives and make choices about their neighborhoods, health, education, jobs, transportation, and other factors that relate to economic equity.
Development News The Michigan Trails Week Challenge wants participants to log their miles online. Healthy Communities

Michigan Trails Week Challenge asks you to get outside and log your miles online

David SandsSunday, September 19, 2021
Thinking of getting out and enjoying local trails? Michigan Trails Week is the perfect time to make it happen!
Feature Story Heather Bendure and Matt Martus are trying to protect their Grosse Pointe Park bungalow from future flooding. Community Development

How Metro Detroit homeowners are protecting their properties from future floods

Greg TaskerThursday, September 16, 2021
In the wake of widespread flooding across the region this summer, homeowners are taking matters into their own hands to protect their properties. From removable paneling and shelving options to waterproof furniture and insurance riders, Greg Tasker gets the best tips on water damage prevention as experts warn that “as a homeowner, you have to stop thinking 'I will fix this by building back like it was originally'."
Feature Story Th River Rouge Historical Museum's tale of survival reflects the city it represents. Arts and Culture

Looking back: River Rouge museum's survival story reflects the city's own tenacity

Brianne TurczynskiThursday, September 16, 2021
It was the launch site of the ill-fated S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald and its historical museum's collection is "massive". But how will River Rouge's museum attract visitors amidst another wave of COVID-19 cases and deindustrialization?
Feature Story Path at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Healthy Communities

Macomb County will be celebrating Meet Me on the Trail Day on Sept. 25. Here's how.

David SandsThursday, September 16, 2021
If you're looking to explore Macomb County's many trails, this is a great way to get started.
Development News Live music in Dodge Park is scheduled for Oktoberfest 2021 in Sterling Heights. Arts and Culture

Sterling Heights gears up for Oktoberfest celebrations, including 5K fun run

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 16, 2021
“We’re encouraging people to come for the run and stay for the food and entertainment that begins at 11 a.m. when the Suds ‘n’ Sounds pavilion opens,” says Melanie Davis.
Development News Proposed plans for the new Mattie McKinney Hatchett Park in Pontiac. Community Development

Major renovations planned for Pontiac’s Neighborhood Park

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 16, 2021
"This opportunity will have an incredible impact on the city of Pontiac by enabling us to raise the necessary funds to create a state-of-the-art park for the city's residents,” says Pontiac Community Foundation founder and CEO Dustin McClellan.
Feature Story Detroit Heals Detroit. Photo courtesy of Sirrita Darby Kids and Education

Detroit youth help peers heal from trauma, rising amid the pandemicThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Sirrita DarbyTuesday, September 14, 2021
The need for healing continues to grow. The pandemic has negatively affected the communities we serve more than a lot of other communities. The need to combat trauma has been amplified. Yet, the young people here are giving me hope. We're big on "making a way, finding a way." We've been doing this since we started healing together, and we'll continue to.
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Nonprofit Journal Project

 
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.

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