Features

In The News Midland Soccer Club

Midland Soccer Club’s $10M indoor turf facility to boost youth sports, regional growth

Midland Soccer Club’s new $10 million indoor turf facility promises year-round play and is expected to be a game-changer for youth sports and regional development.

Feature Story  “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.” - Carl Jung, psychologist, as quoted by Megan Welke, LMSW

Forward Therapy builds connections, provides quality mental health care in Great Lakes Bay region

Forward Therapy and Consulting blends mental health care with strong community and staff support, aiming to expand services while fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.

Innovation News Boots

Walk Midland returns for summer 2025 with weekly community strolls

Walk Midland invites residents to enjoy free, weekly group walks throughout summer, promoting wellness and community connection across various Midland locations.

In The News A  performer at the 2024 Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival goes off-stage to teach the crowd some dance moves

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month with events across the region

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month 2025 with inclusive events across mid-Michigan, including festivals, fitness, drag shows, and community gatherings promoting LGBTQ+ joy and visibility.

Feature Story Housing Forward

Housing Forward takes lead on Region G housing partnership

Housing Forward has been named the lead for Region G’s housing initiative, aiming to improve affordability and access across eight counties under Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Longform small-judy-logan

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

Innovation News Cailey Brown

Quiet work with loud impact: Meet Cailey Brown

Cailey Brown reflects on her journey into child advocacy, the weight of forensic interviewing, and finding purpose through healing work.

In The News All Abilities Parade

Midland Abilities Parade returns May 17 to celebrate inclusion and accessibility

The Abilities Parade returns May 17, celebrating inclusion, accessibility, and community through art, activities, resources, and family-friendly fun.

In The News The Summer Art Fair runs Saturday-Sunday, June 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Midland’s summer favorites set to return with art, music and family fun

Midland’s beloved summer traditions are gearing up for their return, with a full slate of outdoor events planned to bring art, music, and family fun back to the heart of downtown.

Development News innovation_award_list_image.jpg

Local students earn college scholarships and grants for their school during STEM competition

Students from four local Great Lakes Bay Region schools – including Midland –participated in the 12th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition at SVSU. .

Feature Story Midland Police

Behind the badge: A ride-along reveals the humanity in policing

A firsthand police ride-along with Officer Lance Beyerle unveils real compassion, everyday challenges, and community commitment in Midland’s law enforcement.

Longform Lauren LaPine

Medicaid cuts would destabilize mental health care: How Michigan is responding

Proposed Medicaid funding cuts would dismantle critical services, especially for residents facing poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorders — and reduce access to mental health services for all.

Longform SMALLBrush-Mentone

Indiana nonprofit’s oral health program reaches 39 states

McMillen Health’s Brush program equips families and educators with easy-to-understand oral health tools, transforming access in underserved communities.

Partner Content AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.

Innovation News Jacqueline Leapheart

Meet Jacqueline Leapheart

A Midland native juggles nonprofit work, photography, and mentorship while honoring a family legacy at Adoption Option Inc. and advocating for inclusivity and youth empowerment.