Stories

Feature Story Shiawassee Basin Preserve

Springfield Twp. Parks and Recreation collaborates with Oakland County to preserve natural assetsNonprofit Journal Project Feature

“Once those ecosystems are lost, they can’t be recreated,” says Sarah Richmond of Springfield Township Parks and Recreation. The township collaborates with Oakland County Parks on projects to steward land in northern Oakland County.  

Longform small-clinic

How an unused dental chair sparked an inclusive clinic at a Cleveland juvenile detention center

MedWish MedWorks turned an unused dental chair into inclusive dentistry for youth at Cuyahoga Juvenile Detention Center, providing critical care for long-neglected health needs.

Longform Sean Wolski at his home in Royal Oak. Wolski was inspired to advocate for more housing in Oakland County after struggling to buy a house himself.

From zoning reform to fair market rent, what policies would ease Oakland County's housing crisis?

We talked to homeowners, nonprofit leaders, and government officials about what local, state, and federal policy changes would help address the county's housing shortage and boost affordability.

Feature Story A box of Lekker Chócó Treats chocolate-covered strawberries.

Black-owned foodie businesses you should know about, and try

This month we are celebrating Black history by looking to our future-makers. Here are some Black-owned businesses driving our foodie scene (and giving us some great Valentine's gift ideas!).

Feature Story Program leader for GiGi's Kitchen gives directions to participants to prepare food and teach the importance of health and wellness

Volunteers provide all-ages support to people with Down syndromeNonprofit Journal Project

Volunteers do “all of the magic” at GiGi’s Playhouse, an achievement center with developmental and recreational programs for people with Down syndrome.

Feature Story Black Bottom Archives

Black Bottom Archives celebrates 10 years

“Part of our next 10 years is building the next generation of black archivists and storytellers.”

Longform Tara Poore, manager of Children’s Services, left, and Megan Ford, manager of Autism and Intellectual

Michigan student loan repayment program helping to tackle mental health workforce shortage

Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.

Feature Story RESS Program Manager Robert Alexander-Jordan

One step forward, two back: Housing, employment challenges create barriers to self-sufficiencyResilient Neighborhoods Feature

In Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, a transformative program is helping residents take charge of their futures by tackling financial instability and housing insecurity head-on.

Feature Story Jeffrey Jones, Executive Director of HOPE Village Revitalization, hopes to acquire and renovate this empty apartment building with energy-efficient improvements

The ‘tough slog’ of turning long-vacant apartment buildings into affordable, green housingResilient Neighborhoods Feature

Patience and perseverance are crucial when purchasing long-neglected Detroit real estate. Jeff Jones at HOPE Village Revitalization has both – and a dream to renovate two apartment buildings to be highly energy efficient, contributing to long-term affordability for tenants.

Feature Story Nate Rauh-Bieri is Head of Projects for JustAir

Collaboration gets Dearborn air quality data to people who need itNonprofit Journal Project Feature

The City of Dearborn’s air quality monitoring program makes hyper-local air quality data easily accessible to residents. Since its launch last year, people have used it to make decisions about spending time outdoors, and the city has used data to assess options to improve air quality.

Longform Ronita and Gregory Coleman are redeveloping the Casa Del Rey Apartments building in Pontiac. The project has been supported by Oakland County's new land bank and housing trust fund.

Land bank, trust fund, and more among Oakland County's innovative solutions to housing crisis

Oakland County has adopted innovative new approaches to solve its housing affordability crisis since County Executive Dave Coulter took office in 2019.

Feature Story Real Estate

Michigan women in real estate: What to expect in 2025

Housing prices in Michigan are expected to increase by 3 to 5% this year. Want to know more? Talk to the women in the industry. 

Longform small-ohio

Inclusive dentistry: Transforming access for patients with disabilities

Three Centers for Inclusive Dentistry in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio use specialized training, sensory-friendly tools, and tailored approaches to provide accessible dental care for all patients.

Feature Story Holiday

Winter rom-com finds love in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Saugatuck film locations

“A Holiday I Do” is a star-studded holiday movie showcasing familiar destinations and small businesses in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Metro Detroit. The movie focuses on a single mom trying to save the family farm, and puts a unique LGBTQ+ spin on the traditional Hallmark-style holiday love story. 

Feature Story Jasmine "IVANNA" Espy

Why one advocate is surveying Black Detroiters on treating a debilitating skin condition

A new community mapping project in Detroit looks to track diagnoses of a chronic skin condition among Black Detroiters — and also whether there are disparities in treatment for them.  

Longform Tiffany Gist experienced homelessness and now serves the unhoused as a case manager at a nonprofit. She says numerous solutions are needed to solve homelessness in Detroit.

What would it take to end homelessness in Detroit?

Here are a few of the innovative solutions being implemented or proposed to better address the big problem of homelessness in the city.

Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.

Feature Story Nailah Henry

Washtenaw County leads the way with ADAPTS mental health model

ADAPTS project utilizes system dynamics modeling to reshape how communities address mental health needs by offering a comprehensive framework for resource planning and crisis intervention.