Taylor Scamehorn
Taylor Scamehorn

Beyond belief: How faith communities are lighting the way on climate change Read Article

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Feature Story SmallStarbucks Equity

How a GR firm played a role in first fully accessible Starbucks store

Shandra MartinezMonday, March 25, 2024
The new D.C. store is serving as a model for all new and renovated Starbucks company-operated locations in the U.S. Grand Rapids-based Progressive Companies helped develop the framework used to create the inclusive design guidelines for the store.
Longform Family & Fatherhood Services Hub Healthy Communities

Battle Creek's Fatherhood & Family Services Hub supports fathers to nurture their children

Jane ParikhThursday, March 21, 2024
“I remember when my son was born. . .I’d often talk about it with my mom and friends and I’d tell him that I didn’t understand how someone could have a child and not be there for them. Every dad is their kid's superhero.”
Feature Story Potato Project Sustainability

The Potato Project: Building a stronger, more sustainable food-to-school system

Zinta AistarsThursday, March 21, 2024
Getting fresh fruits and vegetables on the plates of school children has had a few food system obstacles. Enter KVCC ValleyHub's partnership in an innovative 'Potato Project' to increase farm-to-school options. A win-win for farmers and families.
Feature Story Bearcat Advantage Kids and Education

Battle Creek Public School's Bearcat Advantage expands to include Michigan's private institutions

Jane ParikhThursday, March 21, 2024
“This really helps the child guide their education in a way they couldn’t before. They can choose the program that best suits what they’re looking for versus what they can afford."
Feature Story Hobbit Hole Gallery Arts and Culture

Hidden enchantment: The Hobbit Hole Gallery in downtown Kalamazoo

Casey GrootenThursday, March 21, 2024
The Hobbit Hole Gallery in the Kalamazoo Mall’s Devisser Alley transforms a quaint space into one man’s haven for artistic expression.    
Feature Story South Westnedge Construction Entrepreneurship

Small businesses in Kalamazoo navigate South Westnedge construction

Casey GrootenThursday, March 21, 2024
When it comes to supporting small businesses in Kalamazoo disrupted by street and water line repairs, it is up to residents to take the detours.
Longform Christine Sauvé. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

New state law will help ensure health care access for non-English-speaking Michiganders

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, March 21, 2024
Michigan's new Statewide Meaningful Language Access Coordination Act will require public services to be more accessible to non-English speakers. 
Longform Kelsey Lehman and Autumn Carson Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Podcast a "not-so-clinical approach to conversations surrounding all things mental health."

Jaishree DrepaulTuesday, March 19, 2024
Podcast hosted by three friends covers a range of topics like finding a therapist, tips for loved ones, and misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medications. 
Feature Story Robert Sheehan, executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Proposed licensure changes aim to ease Michigan's social worker shortage

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, March 18, 2024
Mental health and social work advocates are pushing for legislative change to shift Michigan's social worker licensing process from a test-based approach to a practice-driven alternative that has proven successful in other states.
Feature Story Roel Garcia is an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College as well as an English as a second language instructor at Zeeland Adult Education. Equity

How a teacher regained his independence after losing his sight

Roel GarciaMonday, March 18, 2024
Roel Garcia shares how the loss of most of his sight in high school turned his world upside down before he figured out how to adapt to his disability. He graduated from college, became a journalist, and now is a teacher. 
Feature Story small-jocelyn Equity

Author to keynote West Michigan Disability Awareness Day celebration

Shandra MartinezFriday, March 15, 2024
Author and advocate Jocelyn Dettloff will speak about disability and mental health, the theme of the Disability Awareness Day event on March 22. 
Longform First Presbyterian Community Development

What's behind the big red doors? Sanctuary in the city

Mike WenningerThursday, March 14, 2024
Kalamazoo's First Presbyterian Church borders Bronson Park and its weekly Red Door Dinners provide homecooked meals and hospitality for the unhoused and others in need. “Our congregation seeks to live faith as a sanctuary in the city, with the city, for the city, and others far beyond." This story is part of our Faith in Action series, sponsored by the Fetzer Institute.
Feature Story R.I.S.E. Community Development

Community Centers in Battle Creek awarded $1.5 million in State funding

Jane ParikhThursday, March 14, 2024
Three community centers in Battle Creek were awarded over $1.5 million of State funding to "ensure that more than 100,000 Michiganders already living in poverty have access to better food and living conditions, transportation, and childcare opportunities."
Feature Story Maya James Arts and Culture

What is a social practice artist? Kalamazoo's Maya James, a movement pioneer, explains

Maya JamesThursday, March 14, 2024
Meet Southwest Michigan Second Wave's newest writer and artist, Maya James, Art Prize Vanguard winner and trailblazer who has been following her own unique path only to discover there is a name for what she does — social practice art. And she may well be a 'mother of a movement' that she invites you to join.
Feature Story Rain barrel Sustainability

April showers bring rain barrels to catch them in Battle Creek

Jane ParikhThursday, March 14, 2024
Saving April showers for drier months is easy with a rain barrel, which both helps conserve water and capture storm runoff. In April, the City of Battle Creek is selling rain barrels and composting containers to help reduce environmental impact.
Feature Story Housing Matters Kalamazoo Housing Solutions A Way Home Community Development

Housing Matters Kalamazoo: Learning, dialogue, relationships based on affordable housing solutions

Mark WedelThursday, March 14, 2024
The people behind Housing Matters are volunteers. Together with local officials and area agencies, they are looking for what's next in terms of getting and keeping people housed in Kalamazoo County. 
Feature Story Olivet Forensics Kids and Education

Voices of Youth: After-school forensics program builds community and confidence

Sophia PellThursday, March 14, 2024
After-school activities like forensics offer students ways to express themselves that are part debate, part performance art. Voices of Youth Sophia Pell takes a look at how Olivet High School's forensics and theater programs help students increase confidence and connect with youth throughout the state.
Feature Story mentalhealth Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health: Building trust and improving health

Karen GentryTuesday, March 12, 2024
Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health partners with community mental health providers in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. 
Longform NACD Community Development

Northside director says 'We the people' will continue to push for justice, liberty, and tranquility

Al JonesThursday, March 7, 2024
As a youth, she was known to stick up for other kids. Now she has a neighborhood of 11,000 to protect and tend. Elizabeth Washington, the Northside's new director, declares she will be working to increase "contributions and opportunities" for all.
Longform New Harvest Christian Center Kids and Education

Access to free training boosts number of certified Early Childhood Educators in Battle Creek

Jane ParikhThursday, March 7, 2024
“I have been looking for love for my whole life. Just somebody to unconditionally love me and the kids give me that. I can’t wait to go to work every day to see those kids.”
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Battle Creek

Laundry Love: Finding community and dignity at a Battle Creek laundromat

St. Thomas' Laundry Love is focused on those who are “struggling to make ends meet,” says Deacon Trish Harris. “There are people who have asked me, ‘How do you know if I meet the qualifications?’ We have no qualifications. We want them to know that we see you as an important person and we’re coming to you with love." For the full story, click here. For more stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo's Sarkozy Bakery: Old world baking in an ever-changing world

"We had a liter bottle of Hungarian wine. As we were finishing the bread, and finishing the wine, we said, 'Man, this (bread) is good! You know, we could sell this!' And that's why you shouldn't drink too much." Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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