Community Development

Students from the Wege High School Collaborative Studio tour Padnos Recycling.

Designing a better world: Wege High School Collaborative Studio builds skills and networks

The Wege High School Collaborative Studio is a summer program that gives West Michigan high school students hands-on experience in sustainable design and problem-solving. Deadline to apply is June 23.

Latest in Community Development
Muskegon Lake is the backdrop for life at Adelaide Pointe Marina where future plans also include residential and commercial uses.
Adelaide Pointe celebrates grand opening of Michigan’s first new marina in nearly three decades

Adelaide Pointe on Muskegon Lake incorporates both private and public amenities into its plan, including fishing spots, a soft shoreline, and residential property along the lake.

Operation United is an annual event that mobilizes volunteers to recognize the sacrifices and service of veterans and active military families, with a focus on seniors and those with disabilities in Kent County.
3-county United Way merger strengthens regional collaboration

The recent merger of Heart of West Michigan United Way and United Way of Ottawa and Allegan Counties is expected to streamline fundraising requests for its 80 community partners while reducing the nonprofit’s expenses.

Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up

Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.  

Lakeshore Home Builders Association presents its annual Parade of Homes on June 6-8 and June 13-15. Your ticket lets you see homes in Fennville, Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Nunica, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, and Zeeland. 
June things to do: Celtic fest, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Parade of Homes, food, music, movies, art

There’s something for everyone coming up: summer reading challenges, a sand sculpture contest, chalk art, a heritage festival, the Lakeshore HBA Parade of Homes, Pride events, and a quilt exhibit.

Zeeland launches inaugural Citizen’s Academy

This new program is designed to provide Zeelanders an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of their city government. 

Hope Starts Here puts Detroit’s young children first

The Hope Starts Here initiative brings together a team of advocates and champions who are leading the charge for Detroit’s early childhood systems. A collaboration among The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, and a host of agencies, community based organizations, and most importantly, Detroit residents, Hope Starts Here formally launched in 2017.  

Roel Garcia walks into the Library for the Visually Impaired and Physically Disabled in Muskegon.
Step inside an award-winning Muskegon library for people with disabilities

Roel Garcia shares what it's like to visit the Library for the Visually Impaired and Physically Disabled in Muskegon. Part of the Muskegon Area District Library, it is a fully functioning library specializing in additional services for people with disabilities.

Veterans group honors Muskegon business owner for ‘excellence in community’

Sue Sanborn-Poulin, the owner of Sanborn’s Jewelers in Muskegon, was recently honored by WINC: For All Women Veterans for her support of military events and services. 

The new University of Michigan facility in Wayland is staffed by three primary care physicians and three advanced practice providers.
U-M Health-West opens new $10.4M Wayland Health Center

University of Michigan Health-West has opened a new, larger $10.4 million Wayland Health Center to address the needs of Wayland’s growing population.

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