Stories

Feature Story Janelle Smith (seated) and Kate Litwin

Cross-sector partnerships key to prosperity in downtown HowellNonprofit Journal Project Feature

A bustling downtown Howell – including a fanciful outdoor play space – has been built from strong partnerships.  

Feature Story Jay Rayford, who is looking to open SushiRitas on Woodward and received a BUILD Alumni 3C Loan late last year, a loan that is exclusive to BUILD Alumni.

New year, next level: BUILD enters 2025 with new funding and networking opportunities for alumni

“BUILD Institute is like a real family to me and my journey. They’ve been there with me along my journey and have given support I can tap into anytime. I tell folks all the time if they're looking to do anything or something like that, please type in BUILD Institute.” 

Feature Story Detroit numbering
Partner Content Autism can be a very isolating. AAoM shares and hosts events that are relevant to the autism community.

Welcome Kit helps Michiganders navigate autism resources and support

AAoM Welcome Kits provide a broad yet concise overview of AAoM’s roster of services. Available in two versions — one for families raising autistic children and autistic adults and another for professionals serving the autistic clients — Welcome Kits extend a warm handshake that welcomes them to AAoM’s services.

Longform Nailah Henry & Nancy Baum

Michigan building a better crisis continuum for mental health care

As mental health needs rise across Michigan, state officials, health care providers, and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people in crisis.

Feature Story Color of Autism Foundation provides training for families of autistic children

Ending the stigma of autism in communities of colorNonprofit Journal Project

“I would go to support groups, but no one looked like me,” says Camille Proctor. She eventually founded the Color of Autism Foundation to end the stigma of autism among communities of color and create a better understanding of autism and autism services for families.  

Feature Story Attendees view photo of Amp Fiddler at the exhibition

2024: The year the city of Detroit honored hip-hop

Even as Detroit hip-hop artists like Babyface Ray, 42 Dugg, and Skilla Baby have evolved into the new faces of its hip-hop scene, the presence of its stars from yesteryear have remained. Throughout 2024, the city of Detroit honored the legacies of several of Detroit hip-hop's most important participants. 

Longform Children play during a campout at Eliza Howell Park.

Park equity initiatives have big impacts for Detroiters, from students to elders

From school science programming to park revitalization efforts, we talked to local residents about how equity-related efforts in parks have impacted their lives and communities.

Feature Story Committed to a safer Detroit, Dujuan Kennedy and his team at FORCE Detroit have helped to reduce violent crime in Cody Rouge

Reducing violent crime by 52 percent in one Detroit neighborhood is no small featResilient Neighborhoods Feature

FORCE Detroit is helping neighbors living in areas of high violence by building trust. A team working in Cody Rouge identifies and intercepts problems early on, before violence breaks out.

Partner Content First Independent Bank

50-year-old Detroit born bank celebrates new opportunity with J.P. Morgan and Wayne County

First Independent Bank has won a new opportunity that supports local taxpayers and opens doors for future growth of the bank.

Longform Alan Jackson, 25, has experienced multiple periods of homelessness since he was 17. He now has an apartment in Detroit.

What is it like to be homeless in Detroit?

We interviewed several Detroiters about what caused them to become homeless, the varying forms homelessness takes, and what services the city's unhoused need.

Feature Story Ahya Simone

How Ahya Simone tells Detroit's story -- and her own -- through string

"I appreciate when people don't sensationalize my identity. I prefer it when people focus on my art. I do a lot of things for the trans community within my community, but I prefer that my identity only be referenced when it's necessary."

Development News "Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation,” says Mayor Mike Duggan.

Detroit embraces AI as it adds 'AI invitation statement' to future RFPs

“We are excited to see how vendors and partners can leverage AI and other innovative technologies to contribute to the city's delivery of services while maintaining our standard for operational excellence,” says Sandra Yu Stahl, Detroit's Chief Procurement Officer.

Feature Story Robert Sheehan

Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.

Feature Story "We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."

A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

Feature Story Jordan Clarke, Rebel Dogs’ Foster and Adoption Coordinator

Rebels with a cause: How Rebel Dogs has changed the animal advocacy landscape in DetroitNonprofit Journal Project

Rebel Dogs was started by a couple of engaged citizens who wanted to alleviate the suffering of stray dogs. Today, it’s a comprehensive dog-rescue operation that helps Detroit pet owners on multiple levels.

Feature Story Instructor Kevin Gordon helps Serigne Lo, an ESL student from Senegal, study language needed for a driver's exam

Center offers language, community support for adult learnersResilient Neighborhoods Feature

With a growing population of students from West Africa, Siena Literacy Center provides language help and community support for adult learners  

Feature Story D21 celebration at Newlab

Detroit 21 celebrates five years of neighborhood revitalization at galaResilient Neighborhoods Feature

Nonprofit leaders at the heart of Detroit’s community development efforts rarely slow down to rest on their laurels. The exception was a recent gathering to celebrate their achievements.

Feature Story  “At first I thought…you just paid the rent, and the rent covers everything, but then my mom, she was like, ‘Oh, you know you got the water [bill], the light [bill]?’ I'm like, ‘Whoa, whoa, what?’” says Javon Simon, a renter in Detroit. 

Can Gen Z afford to rent in Detroit?

Factors like rising housing costs, food costs, and other economic factors complicate life for Detroiters overall, but they pose high hurdles for young people looking to live on their own for the first time.