Healthy Communities

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.

Latest in Healthy Communities
Shelley Roossien, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist at KDL, leads children through a building exercise.
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences

The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.

Cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.
Community mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.  

"Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole
Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Tim Klont is the CEO of MSHDA.
Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan

Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state. 

Newaygo is among the communities receiving money for placemaking projects.
West Michigan communities awarded grants to help with placemaking projects

Projects in Holland, Saugatuck, and Muskegon are among seven West Michigan placemaking initiatives awarded funding to revitalize community spaces and downtown areas.

The START Collaborative's first retreat in January 2024.
From tornado to ice storm, collaborative addresses unmet needs in Otsego County

Inspired by a string of recent disasters, the START Collaborative aims to address unmet needs in Otsego County through collaboration between nonprofits, schools, hospitals, government entities, and businesses.

On June 20, a world record will be attempted with a synchronized light show featuring 500 drones and 200 electric vehicles over Muskegon Lake.
Veteran’s drone and EV show over Muskegon Lake to honor service, aims at world record

A Fruitport veteran’s drone and EV light show over Muskegon Lake plans to honor the military and connect veterans with life-changing community resources.

Veterans in St. Clair County can rely on community mental health

St. Clair County Community Mental Health (St. Clair County CMH) continues to meet veterans’ mental health care needs. A certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), St. Clair County CMH offers veterans a wide range of services regardless of their ability to pay or residency. 

Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.
On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Our Partners

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

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