Equity

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Latest in Equity
Phyllis Neal found a way to give back in retirement through the AARP and Disability Network West Michigan.
AARP program helps seniors find purpose and make a difference

After retiring from social work, Phyllis Neal sought a meaningful way to give back. An AARP program led her to Disability Network West Michigan, where she found a renewed sense of purpose and full-time employment.

Meghan Distel, a Tony Awards voting member, ponders the legacy of Broadway Grand Rapids and the impact theatre has had on the region.
Broadway Grand Rapids: Accessibility, innovation raise the curtain for all

Broadway Grand Rapids is changing lives through creative accessibility programs and collaborations within the community. With tools like the GalaPro app and tactile Touch Tours, the theater makes sure that everyone can enjoy the enchantment of live shows. Under the leadership of Meghan Distel, it establishes a fresh benchmark for inclusivity, demonstrating here in West Michigan that theater is meant for everyone.  

Dreamers Ball in Battle Creek celebrates MLK’s legacy while building for the future

“MLK Day is probably one of the most celebrated holidays among those who are into any form of justice and in our community. We have not always had a communitywide celebration of Dr. King and so we felt it was good to leverage the unity around the ideas of Dr. King to host our event in the form of a Dreamers Ball to remember his vision."

"We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."
A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

Black Entrepreneur Training Academy celebrates fourth cohort

The Black Entrepreneur Training Academy uplifts Black entrepreneurs, helping to keep small business sector growth equitable  

Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy
Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

La ‘Cohorte COVID’: Cómo el ‘salto pandémico’ está afectando a los jóvenes adultos

Tres años después del apogeo de la pandemia, a pesar de que la vida normal se ha reanudado por completo, algunos adultos jóvenes sienten que su edad mental y su etapa actual de la vida no coinciden con su edad cronológica. Así es como están ayudando los programas de preparación universitaria, la capacitación laboral y los servicios integrales individualizados.

AAoM's Navigating Autism Today Conference takes place November 15, 2024, in Grand Rapids at the Grand Valley State University Pew Campus L.V. Eberhard Center.
Navigating Autism Today Conference in Grand Rapids focuses on navigating autism for a lifetime

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is preparing for its upcoming Nov. 15 Navigating Autism Today Conference in Grand Rapids. The event connects families and autistic individuals with resources and support networks on critical topics: financial planning, health care advocacy, employment, and independent living solutions for adults on the spectrum.

PHOTOS: Kalamazoo Women’s March draws over 1,000

Since 2016, Kalamazoo has been hosting annual women's marches. This year's theme was "We are not going back!" Over 1,200 people showed up to march for women's and LGBTQIA+ rights on Oct. 13. Check out Fran Dwight's photos!

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