Community Development

Sanilac County CMH CEO Wilbert Morris presents iPad to Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich

Meeting rural Michiganders’ mental health care needs

Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.   

Latest in Community Development
Gentex employees donated nearly 600 pounds of cereal to support Community Action House in combating food insecurity.
Gentex cereal drive helps families as food costs climb

Gentex employees collected nearly 600 pounds of cereal, joining community partners to help Community Action House fight rising food insecurity.

A year into the job, Spring Lake manager Brady Selner has kept late mentor Chris Burns’ office nearly unchanged, down to her candy dish.
Spring Lake manager honors mentor while leading village into future

Brady Selner marks one year as Spring Lake manager, continuing Chris Burns’ legacy through community projects and plans for growth.  

Les Hoogland's children unveil a plaque honoring the late mayor.
Zeeland honors longest-serving mayor with dedication of Hoogland Plaza

City renames downtown corner during National Night Out to celebrate Les Hoogland’s decades of service, volunteerism, and community leadership.

Wendy Dreese is 70 x 7 Life Recovery’s relationship manager
70 x 7 Life Recovery mentors returning citizens through reconciliation, life skills

70x7 Life Recovery is a faith-based nonprofit that equips returning citizens with life skills and short-term support following incarceration

City leaders created the Holland Ambassador Academy to educate residents and build a pipeline of future civic leaders.
Holland Ambassador Academy inspires residents to lead and get involved

A hands-on city program helps Holland residents learn how government works and encourages them to take active roles in their community.  

Monica Smith, Yevgenia Gazman, and Christine Sauvé, MIRC Detroit Office.
Ataques a las familias inmigrantes y lo que eso significa para la educación temprana

En 2024, los educadores de la primera infancia en el suroeste de Detroit observaron una caída significativa en la inscripción preescolar tras el aumento de la actividad de control de inmigración. Aunque el descenso no fue documentado oficialmente en ese momento, las organizaciones comunitarias informan que aproximadamente el 15% de los estudiantes fueron retirados de los programas preescolares del área en cuestión de semanas.  

Coming this fall: Girlfriends Getaway Weekend debuts Nov. 14–16 in downtown Muskegon!
Girlfriends Getaway brings fun, shopping, and support to Muskegon

New weekend event features local makers, activities, and supports Every Woman’s Place through community partnerships, shopping, and cultural experiences.

The Michigan West Coast Chamber team celebrates winning Chamber of the Year.
Holland-Zeeland Chamber earns national award for innovation and leadership

Michigan West Coast Chamber recognized for programs boosting careers, volunteerism, and community growth, earning national Chamber of the Year honors.

Julie Molenda
SBAM Nurture Benefits program enhances compensation for child care providers

The Small Business Association of Michigan Nurture Benefits will expand access to health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings for Michigan's child care providers.  

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