Fran Dwight
Fran Dwight
Fran Dwight

Empowering voices: Black disability history workshop returns Read Article

Fran Dwight

Reclamation & Testimony: Kalamazoo nonprofit premiers stories of the unhoused Read Article

Casey Grooten

Preserving Indigenous language focus of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Read Article

Building businesses and community at Jerico in Kalamazoo's Edison neighborhood Read Article

Fran Dwight

PHOTOS: Rootead's annual Youth Drum and Dance Ensemble wows once again Read Article

Fran Dwight

Small blueberry farm survives by going organic Read Article

Battle Creek breakfast companies unite to raise funds for United Way — one cereal box at a time Read Article

Features

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Feature Story GBKSmall Kids and Education

Nonprofit that breaks down barriers for girls wins free marketing help

Shandra MartinezTuesday, November 7, 2023
Muskegon marketing firm Revel to provide pro bono assistance for Girls Build Kalamazoo during 24-hour marketing marathon on Giving Tuesday.
Feature Story Carol-Small

‘It’s been good to give back in a way that I can,’ says volunteer driver

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 6, 2023
Community Action of Allegan County is looking for more volunteer drivers like Steve Riley, who gives seniors rides to and from their appointments. He also delivers food to people in need at least once a month.
Longform Ciao Bella Chocolat Entrepreneurship

Success smells sweet for Battle Creek chocolatier

Jane ParikhThursday, November 2, 2023
“I can’t believe I can make something so good," says Karen Pacella, owner of Ciao Bella Chocolat. "Real chocolate is so different. I love the taste and the opportunity to be creative... I smile when I walk through the door."
Feature Story Kalamazoo Philharmonia Arts and Culture

Bloom of Youth: Kalamazoo Philharmonia features music across time with musicians across generations

Zinta AistarsThursday, November 2, 2023
“Music feeds the soul, feeds the brain, and it can be a wonderful way to commune with people,” says Joanna Steinhauser, concertmaster of the 'K Phil,' a multi-generational, Kalamazoo College community orchestra. “Students can sometimes live inside a bubble in college, but this gets them out of that bubble and to share something beautiful with the community.”
Feature Story Kingdom Builders Child Care Kids and Education

Kingdom Builders to open childcare facility in early 2024

Jane ParikhThursday, November 2, 2023
“We need to make sure our children and families are at the forefront,” says Dr. Tino Smith. “I have always been a follower of Frederick Douglass and agree with his words — It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and I would extend that to broken people given the times we are in.”
Feature Story Suipi's East End Eatry Entrepreneurship

Suipi's East End Eatery serving up award-winning fare in Battle Creek

Mike WenningerThursday, November 2, 2023
Winner of Best Noodles in Battle Creek's recent Restaurant Week, and taking home 4th prize in the first regional Food Prize, Suipi's East End Eatery, which opened in May, has added a new Burmese-inspired East Asian flavor to Battle Creek's food scene.
Feature Story Miranda-Grunwell-SMALL Equity

‘I can finally vote by myself’: Portage disability advocate improves accessibility at the polls

Shandra MartinezTuesday, October 31, 2023
Disability advocate Miranda Grunwell has voted in every election for the past 22 years, since she turned 18. But it hasn’t been easy because of a severe learning disability. 
Longform Housing Solutions Dignity in Motion Equity

Bikes give Dignity in Motion for Kalamazoo unhoused

Mark WedelThursday, October 26, 2023
Dignity in Motion was formed when Judy Lowery realized that people who are unhoused not only need shelter, they need transportation. Its waiting list is now at 27 people requesting bikes. The demand is year-round — last winter, they gave away about 30 bikes.
Feature Story Renewable Energy Sustainability

FireKeepers thinking seven generations ahead in major renewable energy move

Jane ParikhThursday, October 26, 2023
“The Tribe is always seeking to look ahead to seven generations into the future as they plan for things,” says Jim Wise, FireKeepers' VP of Marketing. "Equally important, is (the Tribe's) love of Mother Earth which is exhibited by our ability to take vast amounts of energy needed from 100 percent renewable sources.”
Feature Story BC Children's Spa Entrepreneurship

New Battle Creek children's spa will primp and pamper the youngest set

Jane ParikhThursday, October 26, 2023
“I have a passion for kids. My mom was always good at that and it trickled down to me,” says Shannon Patrick, owner of Primped and Proper. “I wanted to introduce kids to the importance of taking care of their personal appearance. It won’t be a full-service spa, but I want them to know what it feels like to be pampered early on.”
Feature Story Dr. Grace Lubwama Community Development

Dr. Grace Lubwama reflects on new role as Kalamazoo Community Foundation leader

Al JonesThursday, October 26, 2023
Philanthropy doesn't mean you have to have a lot of money, says Dr. Grace Lubwama, new CEO and President of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Every person can leave a legacy. "But if you have a heart of charity, and care about this community, and want to see this community thrive," she says, "the community foundation is your partner on that journey."
Longform Amy Romain, program director of behavioral medicine, Sparrow Health System/MSU Family Medicine Residency, and Emalie Karp, Sparrow Health System/MSU Family Medicine Residency behavioral medicine faculty member. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan initiatives create new supports for parents experiencing postpartum depression

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 26, 2023
Over 23,000 Michigan women and their families per year are affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but several innovative initiatives are working to change that.
Feature Story Housing Coaltion Michelle Davis Community Development

A key housing organization says Kalamazoo POD community will not happen in time for winter

Al JonesThursday, October 26, 2023
HRI has evaluated many locations in Kalamazoo County where a POD (Place of Dignity) Community could be placed, but so far, none proved feasible. The small modular homes will remain in storage this coming winter as the search continues.
Feature Story Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

NAMI Michigan's Kevin Fischer, "Michigan’s CMHs are the front door"

Joanne Bailey BoorsmaTuesday, October 24, 2023
MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders’ mental health.  
Feature Story The Bronco Racing team stopped in Zeeland to visit gold-level sponsor Plascore. Kids and Education

WMU team build Formula One-style race car with help of Zeeland manufacturer

Shandra MartinezTuesday, October 24, 2023
The WMU team has been working with Plascore since 2007 to take advantage of the lightweight energy-absorption honeycomb technology that makes its race vehicles safer. 
Longform SWMI Journalism Collab Genemarkers Healthy Communities

Genetic testing: a new tool in prescribing mental-health meds

Julie RiddleMonday, October 23, 2023
It often takes months of experimentation to find an effective psychotropic drug. Up to half of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to the first antidepressant prescribed. Kalamazoo's Genemarkers is among those offering a promising tool to address that issue: a test that can result in prescribing drugs with greater accuracy.  
Longform SWMI Journalism Collab Genemarkers Healthy Communities

Pruebas genéticas: una nueva herramienta para recetar medicinas para la salud mental

Julie RiddleMonday, October 23, 2023
A menudo se necesitan meses de experimentación para encontrar un fármaco psicotrópico eficaz. Hasta la mitad de los pacientes con trastorno depresivo mayor no responden al primer antidepresivo prescrito. Genemarkers de Kalamazoo se encuentra entre los que ofrecen una herramienta prometedora para abordar ese problema: una prueba que puede dar como resultado la prescripción de medicamentos con mayor precisión.
Longform SWMi Journalism Collab BlackWellness Network Healthy Communities

BlackWellness Network helps Black patients find clinicians

Al JonesMonday, October 23, 2023
There are three components to BlackWellness Network: Bridging the gap in the level of care provided to African-American; breaking the negative stigma that has traditionally been attached to seeking mental health services, and building stronger Black and Brown communities.
Longform SWMi Journalism Collab BlackWellness Network Healthy Communities

La Red BlackWellness ayuda a los pacientes de raza negra a encontrar profesionales de la salud

Monday, October 23, 2023
BlackWellness Network tiene tres componentes: cerrar la brecha en el nivel de atención brindada a los afroamericanos; romper el estigma negativo que tradicionalmente se ha asociado a la búsqueda de servicios de salud mental y construir comunidades negras y marrones más fuertes.
Longform SWMI Journalism Collab LGBTQ teens Healthy Communities

Finding support as you find your authentic self: LGBTQ+ resources for youth

Zinta Aistars | Watershed VoiceMonday, October 23, 2023
Just over 40% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year; young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color reported even higher rates than their peers. Help is available.
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Battle Creek

Village Network leads work to create a Black Wall Street in Battle Creek 

Plans for launching a Black Wall Street movement in Battle Creek will include a Black-owned business directory and two new websites with a mission to create "collective independence." For more stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Joyful Streets, Real-world Struggles: "Happy Cities" author on the journey to transform Kalamazoo 

"What I've noticed in Kalamazoo is, that the city has been taking action to make some changes that in the short term some people might find uncomfortable, but in the long term are going to set the city on course for more vitality, more health, more equity, and I would say more happiness for the people who choose to live here."  Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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