Healthy Communities

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.  

Latest in Healthy Communities
Heart of West Michigan United Way Chief Administrative Officer Becki Postma, Kent County Community Action Director Gustavo Perez, and Heart of West Michigan United Way Eviction Prevention Program Manager Alyssa Bryan.
Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force addresses unmet needs behind evictions

Evictions plummeted during the pandemic and soared again after federal protections ended. That led a coalition of Kent County organizations and individuals to form the Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force.

Justin Nance at the Van Wert Health Fair.
Ohio hygienist trains future workforce through outreach role

Justin Nance blends teaching and patient care to combat workforce shortages and inspire the next generation of dental hygienists in Ohio.

Lock Arms and Unite for Autism: Campaign commits to continued advocacy and support

AAOM’s current fundraising campaign, Lock Arms and Unite for Autism seeks to raise $31,000 to support its services for the one in 31 people diagnosed with autism in Michigan. 

Simranjit Kaur, the author of this story.
Creating safer spaces for domestic violence survivors of marginalized identities

People from non-Asian communities may not always understand the cultural factors that impact domestic violence survivors from South Asian and other marginalized communities. Student writer Simran Kaur digs into the issue for our Voices of Youth series.

Stevens Hotel in 2012.
Fennville’s agritourism sector to be complemented by $4.8M ‘regeneration project’ of historic hotel

“The regeneration project will provide new jobs and tourism, boosting the local economy and helping to support Fennville as a premier West Michigan destination,” says developer Dori DePree.

Summit Pointe youth staff. CMHs collaborate with schools and families to provide care to kids and teens.
Community mental health advocates take stand against privatization plan

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) advocates against proposed MDHHS plan to privatize community mental health care.

Community collaborations help coordinate shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs alongside behavioral health services. Community Action of Allegan County home-delivered meals drivers.
Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.  

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.  

Two former members of the Grand Rapids Black Sox.
Published Together: Whitecaps honor Black Sox, support youth with Delta Project Night

The West Michigan Whitecaps have teamed up with The Delta Project, a local nonprofit focused on empowering youth of color, for Black Sox Appreciation Night on Wednesday, July 9, at LMCU Ballpark.

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