Features

Longform Kids play on the Detroit Riverfront.

Equity initiatives seek to make Southeast Michigan parks better, safer, and more welcoming for all

Southeast Michigan parks' equity initiatives vary depending on the communities they serve, but they have similar positive results for all residents.

Feature Story New and old collide in Hazel Park.

How Hazel Park's housing market continues to evolve with its residents

“The seeds that were planted five to 10 years ago are bearing fruit now,” realtor Derek Werenka says about city-led efforts to reinvigorate the Hazel Park housing market.

Longform Melvin Henley

Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

Partner Content The conference will include four break-out sessions offering a choice among 15 different topics.
Longform Dr. Kelsey Sala-Hamrick is the Michigan Public Health Institute's MI ACE project director.

200-partner collaborative raises awareness about impact of adverse childhood experiences in Michigan

Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them. 

Feature Story Joe Koliba

5 ways to enjoy the indoors during winter

The winter blues are real. We find five fun indoor spots to connect in Macomb County to beat the cold Michigan months. 

Longform MDHHS staff early 20th century.

State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.   

Longform MiGen staff and community in MiGen's office space/Senior Center at Affirmations.

Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ senior center is now open in Ferndale – and another one is coming to Detroit

The Senior Center at Affirmations expands programs and services for LGBTQ+ seniors in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Feature Story One of two prospective locations for a large-scale mural planned alongside the Hazel Park Library.

Public art, parks, and more: 3 ways Hazel Park is building on its reputation as The Friendly City

"Adding that pop of color, giving people something to feel inspired by, bringing art and giving us something to think about — honestly, I just think it's wonderful,” says Hazel Park Library director Corrine Stocker.

Development News “We want to hear from everyone – families, young people, seniors, local businesses, community organizations – because everyone’s voice matters in shaping the future of our city,” says Mayor Michael Taylor.

Sterling Heights seeks community input as it develops new Master Land Use Plan

“We want to hear from everyone – families, young people, seniors, local businesses, community organizations – because everyone’s voice matters in shaping the future of our city,” says Mayor Michael Taylor. “The broader the community input, the stronger and more effective our master plan will be.”

Longform Child at NEST Child Care and Parent Institute in Detroit

Michigan makes the leap to improved educational opportunities with MiLEAP

MiLEAP consolidates the expansion of Pre-K for All, Sixty by 30, which would see 60% of working-age Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030, and all education in between. 

Feature Story virtual job fair image

Virtual Job Fair represents 40+ employers seeking behavioral health services professionals

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is sponsoring a Behavioral Health Services Virtual Job Fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024. 

Longform Dr. Tiffany Abrego, executive director of behavioral health at the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Michigan and associate professor of psychology at Wayne State University, and Jeremiah Green, whose idea led to the Mentally Fit Program.

Program offering free mental health support for youth aims to create future mental health pros

A new program dreamed up by a Detroit teen is offering free mental health services for young people – and seeking to inspire them to help others by pursuing mental health careers.

Development News “Our Visioning 2040 and Look No Further Campaign represent our collective aspirations for the future and celebrate the unique benefits of living, working and playing in our community,” says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Sterling Heights reveals strategic plan for next decade of community and economic development

“Our Visioning 2040 and Look No Further Campaign represent our collective aspirations for the future and celebrate the unique benefits of living, working and playing in our community,” says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Development News The intricately decorated interior of the First Congregational Church in Wyandotte is a significant example of the artistic craftsmanship of the turn of the twentieth century.

State celebrates 19 historic sites added to National Register; 10 of them in metro Detroit

“These 19 historic properties listed in 2023 help to tell a more complete history at the local, state, and national levels," said State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker.

Feature Story Afrofuturism

Drawing on the past to visualize the future: What Afrofuturism means and why it matters

The latest exhibit at The Wright, which includes the costume designs of “Black Panther”, is prompting some deeper questions about an increasingly popular movement. We talk to Detroit visionaries and curators about Afrofuturism, and what it means to look to history to imagine the future.

Feature Story Game day in Sterling Heights.

PHOTOS: See how Sterling Heights turned out in support of the Detroit Lions

Photographer David Lewinski captures the scene at some of Sterling Heights' most enthusiastic watering holes as fans watched the Detroit Lions play in the NFC Championship game.

Feature Story x

As Farmington celebrates 200 years, here's where to visit to get a sense of its past (and future)

2024 is the community’s bicentennial. Here's what's happening at some of its most historic sites today.

Longform Building Community Value education session.

Lansing and Detroit organizations work to address the need for single-family housing

Block by Block spoke with Lansing and Detroit organizations on how they’re addressing the need for single-family housing in their communities. Building Community Value, based in Detroit, and the Capital Area Housing Partnership, based in Lansing, share their perspectives of the needs and how their resources are serving as building blocks for a better housing ecosystem.  

Partner Content The Grand Rapids location will expand AAoM’s  Upbound Staffing employment program.

Upbound Staffing creates inclusive connections for employers and job seekers

Upbound Staffing helps prepare job candidates living with autism for all parts of a career search and assists businesses in making their work environments more inclusive.

 
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.