Briana Kooiman became a victim advocate for the Holland Department of Public Safety after the victim services unit helped her.

Victim turned advocate serves alongside those who helped her

From providing a comforting shoulder to changing diapers or finding temporary housing for clients, Holland's Victim Service Unit volunteers are a unique breed of helper.

Beginning in March, the Momentum Center will begin offering services in the former home of Community Action House at 345 W. 14th St. in Holland.
Momentum Center expands Holland-area services

Beginning in March, the Momentum Center will begin offering services in the former home of Community Action House at 345 W. 14th St. in Holland.  

Students in a GRCC English class. (GRCC/Steve Jessmore)
FAFSA form is first step in cutting education costs

One in five GRCC students have tuition covered by a grant or scholarship program. Filling out the FAFSA form is the key to accessing financial support.

Jaquelin Romero is the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland 2022 Youth of the Year.
Jaquelin Romero named Holland’s Youth of the Year

Jaquelin Romero has big dreams, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland 2022 Youth of the Year isn't wasting any time working toward achieving them.

Madam Sylvia reads the stars.
Sylvia Reads the Stars

Sylvia may be a dog, but she keeps the key to your star chart right next to her favorite squeaky toy.

Issue Media Group Launches Rural Innovation eXchange

Issue Media Group is excited to announce the company’s latest online media project – Rural Innovation eXchange (RIX). RIX will focus on the innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation and community development taking place in rural Michigan and feature the work of rural talent and content creators.   

Cecil McCarty began by holding workout sessions at a park before opening BFFS. (Paul ApPaul)
Pandemic inspires woman to open hip-hop fitness center

Cecil McCarty began by holding workout sessions at a park before opening BFFS, the only fitness studio in the Muskegon area to offer Xtreme Hip Hop and Xtreme Burn.

Pam Lynch, director of Harm Reduction Michigan.
Michigan works to reverse rising substance use disorder during pandemic

Across Michigan, health professionals are racing to understand which communities have been hit hardest by substance use disorder during the pandemic – and how to turn the trend back around. 

The city of Holland highlighted Tiara Johnson's story during its Black History Month oral history project.
Holland oral history project gives Black residents a platform for their stories

By showcasing both the positive and the negative stories of Black residents during an oral history project, city officials hope to show residents they are open to dialogue and to change.

John Shea has been donating blood for nearly 50 years.
Saving lives: Why John Shea has been donating his blood for nearly 50 years

As blood supply levels hit dangerously low levels, John Shea explains why he has made a habit of donating his blood for nearly 50 years. 

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