Community Development

Lakeshore Advantage launches survey in effort to keep young talent in the region

By targeting this key demographic, the Lakeshore Emerging Worker Survey seeks to understand both the attractions and obstacles of life in the region. 

Latest in Community Development
Neighborhood Connector Lori Appeldoorn pauses at one of many welcoming stops along Central Avenue. This one, in front of JJ's on the corner of Central and 16th Street, includes yard games, lighting, and picnic benches for neighborhood gatherings.
Eastcore looks to artistic future with neighborhood improvements, mural festival

The Eastcore neighborhood in Holland's central city is undergoing a major shift thanks, primarily, to the combined efforts of neighbors and the nonprofit 3Sixty. The neighborhood's second annual mural festival next month will celebrate all those successes and add to them.

The new Commongrounds building on Eighth Street in Traverse City.
Commongrounds uses co-op model to serve missing needs of the community

Traverse City's Commongrounds is a mixed-use building, offering affordable housing, co-working space, a coffee shop, child education center, and performance venue. It's the first real estate cooperative in northern Michigan.

Mark Witte
CCBHCs extend mental health care to more Michiganders despite challenges

Michigan was added to the country's list of certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) demonstration states back in the summer of 2020, with 29 counties throughout the lower peninsula operating CCBHCs through their community mental health agencies.

A report on the 2023 Allegan County Community Health Survey outlines residents’ health and personal needs.
Allegan Community Health Survey eyes residents’ future well-being

A report on the 2023 Allegan County Community Health Survey outlines residents’ health and personal needs, findings that will ultimately prioritize community resources.

The Holland Symphony Orchestra's Music Moves Us kicks off with a sound bath and yoga at Kollen Park on Tuesday morning, Aug. 6.
August things to do: Festivals, shopping, Music Moves Us, history, movies, Wings Over Muskegon

Why stay home when you could catch the final street performers, check out dinosaur bones, see a play, discuss a book, try abstract painting, shop, and learn the polka?

Holland Museum interns Back Row (L-R): Tori Lynch, Joseph Le, Daniel Dykstra, Bobby Dotson; Front Row (L-R): Cecelia Hooper, Grace Torrence, Maiya Mashack, Brianna Conway, Lilli Bruxvoort
LEDA legacy lives on in museum exhibit curated by interns

The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance closed its doors earlier this year, but the Holland Museum wanted to make sure LEDA's legacy lived on. A summer of work will culminate in a celebration and an exhibit opening next month.

The herd includes Freya and Maya.
The healing power of horses

Horses partner with people at the Red Horse Center in Fennville to provide transformative ways to heal and grow using a trauma-informed approach.  

Gentex is celebrating 50 years of business and 20 years of downtown Holland's street performer series with games, prizes, and more.
Gentex celebrates milestones by connecting with community

Gentex is celebrating a pair of milestones this summer with community events that include street performers, a block party, and fireworks.

Sarah Yore-VanOosterhout, one of the attorneys who callers would speak with when they call. She is also LIA’s founder, managing attorney, and advocacy director.
New programs enhance legal services for asylum seekers and immigrants in West Michigan

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates launches two communication programs to reduce wait times and enhance legal services for asylum seekers and immigrants in West Michigan.

Our Partners

Allegan County Community Foundation logo
Disability Advocates of Kent County logo
On Point Allegan

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything West Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.