Features

Longform Early Education Matters,

Pre-K for All will improve long-term health, education, and social outcomes for children

Pre-K for All is really about ensuring that all Michigan children enjoy academic success.  

Feature Story Dr. Hank Paulson is a neurologist at University of Michigan Health and director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

PODCAST: Inside the rapidly expanding field of dementia research

One of the most frustrating and scary things about dementia is that we still know breathtakingly little about it. But the medical community in Michigan, as in the rest of the U.S., is currently working at unprecedented speed to change that.

Partner Content Sensory rooms in doctor’s offices can improve the experience for ASD families.

Corner Health sensory room makes accessing healthcare easier for people living with autism

For people on the autism spectrum, simple healthcare tasks such as routine vaccinations or annual check-ups can be a challenge. Sensory rooms are one way to overcome that challenge.

Feature Story Judy Crockett, outpatient therapist, North Country Community Mental Health

Michigan’s tribal community has specific mental health needs, many stemming from historical trauma

MI Mental Health spoke with North Country Community Mental Health Outpatient Therapist Judy Crockett on the importance of addressing the unique needs of Michigan’s tribal communities. 

Partner Content The corporate offices of FHLBank Indianapolis.

FHLBank Indianapolis grant programs help Native American families in Michigan

The Lake Superior Community Development Corporation exists to increase the assets and self-sufficiency of assets of Native American families in Michigan. Through homeownership grants, home repair grants, and entrepreneurship opportunities, the nonprofit has found a fruitful partner in FHLBank Indianapolis, participating in grant programs to further its important mission.   

Feature Story “Our base philosophy was/is, the more riders there are, the more we’ll be noticed, and the more normalized, common courtesy behaviors would develop,” says cyclist and activist Raymond McLeod.

Muskegon County Bicycling Coalition expands mission, sets up bike library

The Muskegon County Bicycling Coalition has a lot of cycling-friendly projects in the works, including piloting a new program: bike libraries.

Feature Story Live entertainment at the Military Street pocket park in downtown Port Huron.

Emerging pocket parks add more space for community connection

Pocket parks are popping up around St. Clair County giving visitors and residents a new way to connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Feature Story ambulancebuilding

Photo essay: The murals of Monroe

An initiative called Plntng Seeds has brought public art to Monroe. So far, more than a dozen murals have been painted around the southeastern Michigan city. The diverse set of artists has come from all over the globe.

Feature Story An aerial view of the LG Energy Solutions Michigan campus in Holland and Allegan County. (LGES)

LG Energy Solution begins hiring process as $1.7B expansion takes shape

A second LG Energy Solution battery manufacturing plant in Holland is expected to increase the company’s annual production capacity by five times. The company has begun recruiting for the 1000 new jobs needed.

Feature Story Auburn Farmers Market list

Auburn Farmers Market is about much more than fresh produce

The Auburn Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. through September. At the market, you'll find fresh produce, home-baked goods, and family-friendly events.

Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.

PODCAST: Building support for dementia caregiving challenges

Becoming a caregiver to a person living with dementia is a challenging process. We talked with Michigan caregivers about their struggles, their successes, and the resources and support they need to do their vital work.

Longform SUDs were a topic of discussion at the June 2023 CMHAM conference.

Opioid settlement dollars will strengthen community mental health response to opioid use disorders

Medication-assisted treatment, Narcan kits, and recovery housing are some of the programs that could be funded through opioid settlement dollars. 

Feature Story Since being diagnosed with dementia, Monica Downer (center, being interviewed) has become an activist for awareness of her disease.

PODCAST: Dementia disparities in communities of color

Dementia is challenging for everyone, but it takes a particularly heavy toll in communities of color. Here's how people living with dementia, researchers, and activists are working to change that in Michigan.

Feature Story Negaunee celebrated the opening of its downtown social district on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Enhancing Negaunee: A $3.4 million project

Negaunee begins new downtown revitalization efforts -- a $3.4 million project aimed at street and infrastructure improvements and placemaking initiatives. 

Feature Story The entrance to Mission Point Resort, located on the eastern end of Mackinac Island.

Stewards of a Mackinac Island resort

The Ware family purchased Mission Point Resort in 2014 and since then, the family has been busy renovating and improving the historic property. The latest renovation included a redesign of the main lobby, housed in a tipi-like structure.

Longform Students run a farm stand as part of Partridge Creek Farm's farm to school program in Ishpeming.

Michigan programs empower kids to be community health leaders

When kids take the reins, health and wellness programs take off in new and wonderful directions that the adults in charge would never have anticipated. 

Feature Story Kathy Vertin, Founder & Director of the Riverbank Theatre

Bringing top-notch performing arts to rural Michigan communitiesQ&A with Kathleen Vertin: Nonprofit Journal Project

Musical productions, theater camps, and engaging with and among community are part of what drives forward the Riverbank Theatre and its sister theaters – the Snug and Boardwalk – bringing performing arts to the small communities of Marine City and St. Clair.  

Feature Story paintcreektrail

Hitting the Pure Michigan Trails

Michigan has more than 13,400 miles of state-designated trails, in addition to routes that fall under local, county or federal jurisdiction. More than 2,600 miles of old railroad lines have been converted for recreational use as part of a growing rails-to-trails program.

Feature Story STIR Craft Cocktails & Modern Kitchen door exterior

Local culinary legends create a “stir” at Mt. Pleasant restaurant

International Nights from the Yin Yang Chefs at STIR Craft Cocktails & Modern Kitchen have returned! Hear from Chef Cindy Walz about their tradition that brings tastes from around the world to Mt. Pleasant, featuring local produce and meats. Plus, discover her advice on healthy meal planning.

Feature Story Cyndy Hund, pictured here with her husband Mike, quit her job due to her dementia symptoms – but it still took her another four years to get a diagnosis.

PODCAST: No more "diagnose and adios": Rethinking dementia diagnosis

Getting a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging, years-long process. Here's how Michiganders living with dementia and those who care for them are working to change that.