Features

Feature Story On the Ground Battle Creek Pride

Take the Equity Challenge: Understand issues of LGBTQIA+ in Calhoun County and beyond

LGBTQIA+ experience obstacles to economic security and housing in ways that may not reach most people's awareness. To dispel stereotypes and increase understanding of the unique challenges that LGBTQIA+ face, the United Way of South Central Michigan is offering a 21-day Equity Challenge.

Longform Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

Michigan organizations work to improve poor health outcomes through "path to a prosperous future"

A group of Michigan political, health care, community, and foundation leaders are working together on a project that aims to coordinate sustained investments in Michiganders' health.

Longform Jon Cauchi, inclusion consultant and trainer for Disabilities Advocates of Kent County

Living with disabilities can impact mental healthMichigan's community mental health agencies are here to help

People with a disability report experiencing frequent mental distress almost five times as often as adults without disabilities. Community mental health agencies can help.

Feature Story Filmmaker Cynthia Martinez

Alum brings award-winning doc about first-gen students to WMU

WMU alum Cynthia Martinez will show her award-winning documentary “First Voice Generation” on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the WMU Student Center ballroom.

Feature Story Deaf-small

PHOTOS: Celebrating Deaf Awareness Month

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Grand Rapids hosted a celebration at its new home in the Special Olympics of Michigan building to mark the conclusion of Deaf Awareness Month.

Feature Story MIFMA

How Produce Prescriptions are promoting healthy behaviors across Michigan

More than 20 Produce Prescription Programs operating across the state are helping people improve their diets by giving them access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform BC Outdoor Education Center

Outdoor Education Center takes students in Battle Creek outside to go inside

Battle Creek's Outdoor Education Center (Clear Lake Camp) is celebrating 90 years of outdoor learning and generational memories with an Open House on Oct. 14. “It’s got a great history. So many people have come here that want to continue to send their kids and grandkids,” says new director and hometown boy Blake Tenney.

Feature Story Girls Build Kalamazoo

Girls Build Kalamazoo inspires do-it-yourself building and technical confidence in young Black girls

Girls Build Kalamazoo em-powers Black girls by teaching them to use drills, electric saws, sanders, and hand tools. The nonprofit, founded by Twala Lockett-Jones, realtor and author, also introduces principles of design and elements of construction — to build confidence in areas where women are often underrepresented.

Feature Story Canadiana Fest

Kalamazoo's Canadiana Fest has more layers than poutine

Why Canadiana Fest? We're neighbors, first of all. But there's so much more to our sibling country, which is why Channon Mondoux, chef, SW Second Wave writer, and event organizer, threw her tuque in the Kalamazoo festival ring and went big.

In The News Climate Now

Blueprint for solutions-oriented climate stories inspired by NYC media conference

Climate change is impacting us all in big and small ways. SW Second Wave is committed to sharing solutions-oriented climate stories that inspire both action and hope. On the Ground Battle Creek Project Editor Jane Parikh was recently in NYC with journalists from around the world to learn impactful ways to cover climate change at a local level. See what she learned.

Feature Story A Way Home: Attainable Housing Partnershp

Builders and funders work together to put up attainable housing in Kalamazoo

Since 2019 there have been 20 homes built and another six are under construction through the work of the Kalamazoo Attainable Homes Partnership. It brings together are homebuilders and funders including the Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence.

Longform Emily Miller, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project managing attorney.

Scams rob Michigan elders of millions, but health providers and nonprofits offer help

Michigan organizations that provide health care and other services for older adults are working to reduce the impact of scams through education and legislative help.

Longform Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Home-based early childhood educators weigh in on PreK for All

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Feature Story Early Education Matters,

Pre-K para Todos mejorará a largo plazo la salud, la educación y los resultados sociales de los niño

Cuando se trata de educación, el Kids Count Data Book (Libro de datos sobre el recuento de niños) de 2023 sitúa a Michigan en el puesto 42 de los 50 estados. Una de las muchas maneras en que el estado está trabajando para mejorar la calidad y la equidad en la educación es mediante el avance de Pre-K gratuito para todos.

Feature Story Lucia Rios at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. (Shandra Martinez)

How I’m learning to vacation better with my disability

Lucia Rios compares going to amusement parks as a child and now as an adult, as parks like Universal Studios and Disney World are raising the bar on accessibility.

Feature Story Lucia Rios heads off to catch a flight to Orlando. (Shandra Martinez)

Why air travel for people who use wheelchairs is getting better

From the new Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights to being able to use aisle chairs to board planes, the travel experience is improving for people who depend on wheelchairs.

Longform Youth Climate Strike

Voices of Youth: Kalamazoo students wage Climate Strike to demand end of fossil fuel use

Kalamazoo students waged a Youth Climate Strike to end the use of fossil fuels on Friday, Sept. 15 with nearly 150 youth and concerned adults attending the protest. The Ardea Youth Climate Action Coalition organized the rally to ask for decisive action.

Feature Story Bewitching Peddlers

Bewitching Peddlers to cast their art spell in Calhoun County

A group of artists from around the country take their Halloween art as seriously as the collectors who travel far and wide to purchase it. A Battle Creek Halloween artist, the creator of coveted dolls, has organized the highly-curated Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween show for those who seek unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Feature Story Elemental Press

Elemental Press of Kalamazoo is making art for everyone

Elemental Press, a new printmaking/photography studio in the Park Trades Center, is committed to making the creation of art accessible by offering free and affordable opportunities. "It's about bringing the community together, making art for everybody," says owner Jenna Riehl.

Feature Story Eastend Studio & Gallery

Halloween art to haunt Marshall's Eastend Studio & Gallery

Eastend Studio & Gallery in Marshall will host a coven of fine Halloween artists in their newest show opening Sept. 29. “We don’t want people feeling uncomfortable around what they perceive visual art as," says Executive Director Jennifer Conley-Darling. "We want people to come and explore it with us.”

Battle Creek

Former local shelter transforms into lifeline for Southwest Michigan Veterans

“We are the only Veterans organization in Southwest Michigan doing what we’re doing. I like to call us a neutral spot. We don’t care what branch of the service you were in or what your discharge status is. People I’ve talked to have said it’s about time." For more On the Ground Battle Creek stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Helping Vets in Kalamazoo who were 'smoked by life'


In 2024, 32,882 veterans experienced homelessness in the United States, and 68 of those were in Kalamazoo County, though local officials say they are sure that number has since increased. Many unhoused veterans don’t know there are benefits and programs that can help. Here’s how to get connected.Read the full story here. Read more stories here.