Rural Innovation Exchange

28/02/2024

State of Health Series: 🌈 Exciting news for LGBTQ+ seniors in Michigan! The Senior Center at Affirmations, in partnership with MiGen, has opened its doors in Ferndale, providing a welcoming space for connection and support. Read more about Jack Butler's experience and how this center is making a difference for older adults in our community.

Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Corktown Health

The Senior Center at Affirmations expands programs and services for LGBTQ+ seniors in an accessible, welcoming environment.

28/02/2024

When Spring Lake Presbyterian Church decided to sell a parcel of vacant , it found the perfect developer in , a committed to building across .

When Spring Lake Presbyterian Church decided to sell a parcel of vacant land, it found the perfect developer in Samaritas, a nonprofit committed to building affordable housing across Michigan. 

28/02/2024

Block by Block Series: 🏠 Kent County, including Grand Rapids, is growing rapidly, but so is the need for affordable housing. A recent study by Housing Next unveils a housing gap of 35,000 units by 2027. Discover how organizations like IFF are working to bridge this gap and make housing accessible for all residents.

CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
Heart of West Michigan United Way

As Kent County grows faster than the rest of the state, the community looks at ways to address its ongoing housing shortages. Through government entities, upcoming developers like Housing Next, and seasoned community development financial institution

28/02/2024

State of Health Series: Did you know that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a lasting impact on children's health and well-being? Learn how Michigan ACE Initiative is working to raise awareness, prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children.

Michigan Association of Health Plans

Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them.

26/02/2024

NEW Public Health Series: 🎉 Michigan's public health system has hit a milestone - 150 years of serving Michiganders! 🎂 To celebrate, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is sharing fascinating insights on its website. From battling diphtheria to COVID-19, they've been at the forefront of keeping us healthy. Dive into their rich history and contributions!

Michigan Association for Local Public Health
Ingham County Health Department
Advance Peace

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial i

26/02/2024

Divided by a river, two communities in southwest have come together to create an unusual . A monument to and the movement will be erected in both and and connected by a trail that bridges the St. Joseph River.

19/02/2024

After honing his craft at northern 's first , John Niedermaier went out on his own, creating a operation and farm outside . Brewery Terra Firma has become a model for others.

17/02/2024

State of Health Series: Detroit teen Jeremiah Green’s vision for free mental health services for youth has become a reality with the launch of the Mentally Fit Program. 💚 Learn how this initiative is not only providing support but also inspiring future mental health professionals. 🌟

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Wayne State University
Children's Hospital of Michigan
University of Detroit Mercy
Michigan School of Psychology

A new program dreamed up by a Detroit teen is offering free mental health services for young people – and seeking to inspire them to help others by pursuing mental health careers.

16/02/2024

Early Education Matters Series: 🌈 MiLEAP isn't just about education; it's about empowering Michigan families! From expanding pre-K access to boosting post-secondary opportunities, learn how MiLEAP benefits your family's educational journey. 🎓

W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The Policy Equity Group
482Forward

MiLEAP consolidates the expansion of Pre-K for All, Sixty by 30, which would see 60% of working-age Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030, and all education in between.

15/02/2024

MI Mental Health Series: Michigan's community mental health agencies are taking proactive steps to address the youth mental health crisis. 💚 Experts believe the COVID pandemic heightened the existing crisis, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Let's spread awareness and advocate for more resources to support our youth! 🌟

St. Clair County Community Mental Health
St. Clair County RESA
St. Clair County Child Abuse/Neglect Council
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health
The Corner Health Center
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Washtenaw County Health Department

Over the past several years, Michigan's community mental health agencies have been stepping up with a number of initiatives to help fill the gap in mental health services for youth.

15/02/2024

State of Health Series: Michigan is pioneering innovative solutions to address mental health crises. 💚 By integrating social work expertise into law enforcement, they're providing crucial support to individuals in need. Learn about one standout example and other initiatives transforming mental health crisis care in Michigan. 🌟

Arbor Circle
Newaygo Police
Network180
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
Munson Healthcare

Here's a look at three ways Michigan providers are offering new ways to help people experiencing a mental health crisis.

15/02/2024

Block by Block Series: 🏡 Dreaming of homeownership? Discover how FHLBank Indianapolis is making it more affordable for communities in Michigan. 💰 From grants to low-cost loans, they're helping homeowners tackle maintenance costs and realize their dreams.

IFF
CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
1st State Bank
Metro Community Development
Flint/Genesee County COC

15/02/2024

Over the past several years, 's mental health agencies have been stepping up with a number of initiatives to help fill the gap in services for youth.

Over the past several years, Michigan's community mental health agencies have been stepping up with a number of initiatives to help fill the gap in mental health services for youth.

13/02/2024

A nearly $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will help ready a new with the necessary . could move in as early as this summer.

11/02/2024

"Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum is special because it’s something can do in the winter inside. . . We want people to come to Kids ‘N’ Stuff and get cookies at the local bakery or a burger at Malleable Brewing. There’s enough to do here that you could make it a day trip or an overnight ."

“Kids ‘N’ Stuff is special because it’s something families can do in the winter inside. . .We want people to come to Kids ‘N’ Stuff and get cookies at the local bakery or a burger at Albion Malleable Brewing."

10/02/2024

It's not just walking -- it's walking. Entrepreneur Pete Edwards promotes the health benefits of and sells customized poles to enthusiasts across the country and from his home in . (American Nordic Walking System and Skiwalking.com LLC)

It's not just walking -- it's Nordic walking. Entrepreneur Pete Edwards promotes the health benefits of Nordic walking and sells customized poles to enthusiasts across the country and Canada from his home in Empire.

09/02/2024

From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, the Michigan Ice Fest in has evolved into a , drawing beginners and seasoned from around the globe.

07/02/2024

A new report released by the Office of Rural Prosperity (Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity) provides a for across the state to thrive.

A new report released by the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity provides a guide for rural communities across the state to thrive. 

05/02/2024

Gentex Corporation has long been a champion of engagement, financially supporting educational, , , and causes throughout the region.

Gentex has long been a champion of community engagement, financially supporting educational, economic development, diversity, and philanthropic causes throughout the region.

02/02/2024

A revelatory experience with 10 years ago led resident Christi Lower to make an unusual career pivot and make her passion for the more accessible to all. Highline Spirits

A revelatory experience with whiskey 10 years ago led Dexter resident Christi Lower to make an unusual career pivot and make her passion for the spirit more accessible to all.

02/02/2024

Early Education Matters (for Arabic-speaking readers):

تحدثت "تهم التعليم المبكر" عن هذا الموضوع المهم مع هيذر إيكنر، مديرة التعليم على مستوى الولاية في تحالف التوحد في ميشيغان (AAOM) وأم لطفلين يعيشان مع التوحد.

01/02/2024

NEW Public Health Series: "Public health can mean different things to different people ... There are dozens of programs that health departments run in broad categories." Norm Hess, Michigan Association for Local Public Health

Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Q&A with Norm Hess, executive director of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.

01/02/2024

Early Education Matters (for Spanish-speaking readers): habló sobre este importante tema con Heather Eckner, directora de educación estatal de la Autism Alliance of Michigan (Alianza para el Autismo de Michigan, AAOM) y madre de dos niños autistas.

Michigan Alliance for Families

Early Education Matters habló sobre este importante tema con Heather Eckner, directora de educación estatal de la Autism Alliance of Michigan (Alianza para el Autismo de Michigan, AAOM) y madre de dos niños autistas.

01/02/2024

Block by Block: Citizens Research Council of Michigan report looks at causes and solutions for Michigan's housing shortage.

Let's Grow Michigan
Michigan Municipal League
Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation

Citizens Research Council, Michigan Municipal League, and Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation weigh in on state's housing needs, regional, minority-driven resources, and development within individual communities.

01/02/2024

Early Education Matters: Pre-K programs are especially important in ensuring children living with autism are ready for kindergarten both academically and socially.

Autism Alliance of Michigan
Michigan Alliance for Families

Early childhood education presents a golden opportunity to set up children living with autism for academic success.

01/02/2024

NEW Public Health Series: The CDC Foundation defines public health as “the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.” But what does public health actually mean — and what should it mean to those Michiganders?

Michigan Association for Local Public Health
Network for Public Health Law

Michigan Association for Local Public Health advocates for policies, initiatives, and collaborations that build health across the state and individually through trainings and workforce assistance.

01/02/2024

in northern is one of the few cross-country areas in the state that can make its own snow. The nonprofit center, beloved for its and friendly vibe, hopes to expand with other activities.

Forbush Corner in northern Michigan is one of the few cross-country ski areas in the state that can make its own snow. The nonprofit center, beloved for its trails and friendly vibe, hopes to expand with other outdoor activities.

31/01/2024

State of Health: Lapeer County EMS’ new EMT education program is helping to grow the county's EMT and paramedic workforce.

In Lapeer County, east of Flint, a new EMT education program is helping to grow the county's EMT and paramedic workforce.

31/01/2024

Open to students and community members alike, St. Clair County Community College new program is working to promote more in the region, bringing together basketball enthusiasts of all abilities.

30/01/2024

MI Mental Health: St. Clair County Community Mental Health collaborates with 70 community organizations to reach county residents. In Sanilac County, you'll even find the CMH at fairs, concerts, and parades.

Sanilac County Community Mental Health

Like many CMHs, St. Clair County Community Mental Health and Sanilac County Community Mental Health work to stay visible in the community with outreach efforts.