Rachel Bloch, the Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency’s health education consultant and MFF SNAP-Ed program lead.

Innovative program makes CSAs accessible to Michigan families

A program called Michigan Farm to Family: CSA offers families fresh fruits and vegetables through local community supported agriculture shares at a reduced price.

A renovation is planned for Tanglefoot Park
Five area projects receive GHACF Impact Grants totaling $308K

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation recently awarded $308,000 in Impact Grants to five community projects. The renovation of Tanglefoot Park in Spring Lake received $125,000, which will help fund the planned splash pad.

GRCC students in a Mechatronics class.
Michigan Reconnect helps more than 1,100 students attend GRCC tuition-free

More than 1,100 students are attending Grand Rapids Community College through the Michigan Reconnect program. Participants in the program, which has accepted 70,000 Michiganders statewide, can work toward an associate degree or a career skills certificate — in some cases tuition-free. 

Classes remain available during Grand Rapids Community College’s second seven-week summer semester, which starts June 29.
Classes still available for GRCC’s second summer semester

Classes remain available during Grand Rapids Community College’s second seven-week summer semester, which starts June 29. GRCC has availability in programs including computer information systems, business administration, math, biology, and psychology. 

Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys
Guest editor Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys shares stories that reflect her passion for true justice

Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys, the Co-founder of Women of Color Give and the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland's Director of Community Impact, spotlights people and organizations who are promoting equity and inclusion along the Lakeshore.

Family Medical Center Behavioral Health Therapist Alexis Cavins and School Based Services Supervisor Meredith Gilliam at Wagar Middle School in Carleton.
Teletherapy and telepsychiatry visits help Southeast Michigan students improve mental health

The Family Medical Center of Michigan has developed a successful school-based behavioral telehealth program in partnership with 20 schools in Lenawee, Monroe, and Wayne counties.

Women of Color Give members Kim Koeman, Rebekah Bakker and Robyn Afrik.
Three women with a shared experience reconnect through Women of Color Give

Kim Koeman, Robyn Afrik, and Rebekah Bakker — all Korean women adopted by white Holland families — graduated from the same high school. Their involvement in Women of Color Give provided a catalyst for reconnecting as adults, but their shared experience expanded their friendship beyond the organization.

Justin Caserta of the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Holland Area was named one of seven Maytag Dependable Leaders for 2021.
Local Boys and Girls Club employee named Maytag Leader, grant recipient

Justin Caserta has dedicated his life to the kids and teens at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland. His mentorship program will expand thanks to his Maytag Dependable Leaders Award and grant.

Rachel Gray is the executive director of Hello West Michigan.
Intern Connect conference aims to keep talented young graduates in West Michigan

Intern Connect, a professional development conference for West Michigan interns and students, will be held virtually Wednesday, June 23. Topics covered during the event will include working with your managers and relationship building. There also will be a young professional panel discussing real talk on adulting. 

Jenny Van Veen, owner of Frances Jaye in downtown Holland, poses in front of her store.
Downtown shop owner gives back, works to make Holland more welcoming

Jenny Van Veen donates a percentage of sales from her store, Frances Jaye, to a nonprofit each month. She also has been closely involved with efforts to make downtown Holland feel more inclusive.

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