Sara Crookston directs a toy photo shoot.

How life is better in West Michigan for those designing our world

Sarah Crookston, Mimi Ray and David Allan are all leaders in design. While they could work anywhere in the world, they discuss why they choose to live and work in West Michigan.

Veteran Michael Jackson
Many veterans struggle with homelessness; these programs are helping

Disabled veteran Michael Jackson credits the nonprofit Fresh Coast Alliance for providing him with the holistic and individualized assistance he needed to avoid homelessness. 

be nice. business training.
be nice. business program boosting mental health in Michigan’s workplaces

The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. business program brings mental health to the workplace.

The DNSWM brain injury support group celebrates its first in-person meeting in the fall since the pandemic. (DNSWM)
How the pandemic made a brain injury support group more accessible

After going virtual during the pandemic, the brain injury support group hosted by Disability Network Southwest Michigan has shifted to a hybrid model as in-person meetings resume so more people can attend. 

Lucia Rios's first time driving her new car. Her nephew Angelo Mata is in the front seat. He helped her identify how to work with the new technology.
Living with a disability is expensive

From buying a car to getting groceries, these necessities cost more when they need to adapt to someone who uses a wheelchair. Lucia Rios explains the hidden costs of living with a disability. 

Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur (MVE)-Lab hosts pitch nights. (MVE)
Entrepreneurial program for veterans coming to Muskegon

Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur (MVE)-Lab will be coming to Muskegon to offer veterans the opportunity to become entrepreneurs

Spoons & Tunes is a Soup-Tasting Fundraiser
February along the Lakeshore: Museum exhibits, Valentine’s celebration and ice carving

A beer-tasting fundraiser, art exhibits, swanky dinners, a kids’ program, and a lecture on the future of the nonprofit sector, The Lakeshore has it all this February. 

A performance from the 2022 West Michigan Student Showcase. (Michelle Nickless Greer)
West Michigan Student Showcase returns for 42nd year

Carla Flanders will lead the annual celebration showcasing nearly 250 students from 35 different school districts throughout Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, and Mason counties. 

Nick Nykerk, leff, and Phil LaMothe are the new members of the Lakeshore Advantage board. (LA)
New leadership on Lakeshore Advantage board brings expertise in key focus industries

Phil LaMothe, plant manager of fairlife in Coopersville, and Nick Nykerk, president of Lakewood Construction in Holland, have joined the Lakeshore Advantage board. 

Young professionals group plans its first leadership conference

The Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals (HYP) plans to host its first-ever leadership conference, dubbed the Future Leaders Conference, on Feb. 16 at the Holland Civic Center Place.

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