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Voices of Youth: Lessons learned from listening to young people
Over the past three years, Voices of Youth has shown us that by actively listening to what young people want, we often develop better ideas. Here, Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the achievements and lessons learned over three years with Voices of Youth.
Latest stories
Created with love: East Kentwood students deliver empathy through our stomachs
Behind each illustrated recipe showcased by East Kentwood students lies a story of family, culture, and connection, demonstrating how food can serve as a universal language of empathy.
Voices of Youth: Lessons learned from listening to young people
Over the past three years, Voices of Youth has shown us that by actively listening to what young people want, we often develop better ideas. Here, Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the achievements and lessons learned over three years with Voices of Youth.
#RG20LookBack: West Michigan models making progress over time
In his 21st #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Deborah Johnson Wood’s 2009 story about efforts to restore rapids to the Grand River — a timely reflection following last week’s groundbreaking of the Grand River Restoration’s Lower Reach project.
Cherry Health teledentistry pilot helps patients overcome dental care barriers
Cherry Health’s teledentistry pilot uses virtual visits to reduce fear and connect underserved patients with dental care.
Disability Network West Michigan expands rural accessibility services across northern counties
Residents in Oceana, Mason, Lake, and Newaygo counties gain disability services, transportation support, and accessibility resources.
Kent District Library expands accessibility services through technology, training, community partnerships
Shelley Roossien leads Kent District Library efforts to improve accessibility through adaptive technology, staff training, and inclusive library services.
#RG20LookBack: The Rapid’s evolution and our journey to the future
In his 20th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2018 story, “The Rapid 25 years on: Looking back on the transit’s evolution as instrumental CEO retires,” by Paul R. Kopenkoskey, examining key periods in our local transit history and highlighting Peter Varga’s 25-year leadership.
Grand Rapids physical therapist builds a global women’s health community online
Dr. Caroline Packard grew a 425,000-follower online community focused on pelvic floor health, strength and postpartum recovery for women.
Meijer Sports Complex expansion brings more teams, visitors, opportunities
The expanded Meijer Sports Complex adds softball and pickleball facilities to bring more visitors and tournaments, as well as additional opportunities for female athletes.
How occupational therapists help seniors age safely in their homes
A team of occupational therapists from Disability Advocates of Kent County is helping older adults stay independent through home modifications, safety assessments and accessibility improvements that reduce injuries and falls.
Voices of Youth spotlights East Kentwood students’ family history project
Voices of Youth spotlights East Kentwood’s immigration storytelling project and shares three student essays preserving immigrant family histories and journeys.
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Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.
- Under Mamdani, New York will be the first to open a free childcare center for city workers
- Collaboration with justice system reshaping mental health response
- How Michigan farmers are using a new app to make critical crop decisions right from the tractor
- Expanding library accessibility services through technology, training, and community partnerships
- Cherry Health teledentistry pilot helps patients overcome dental care barriers
- How occupational therapists help seniors age safely in their homes
- Gobioff Foundation artist microgrants make major impact
- Renewable energy means rethinking land use for agriculture and conservation
- How creating space for connections can drive neighborhood development
- Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth
Top 5 Articles
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Cherry Health teledentistry pilot helps patients overcome dental care barriers
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Disability Network West Michigan expands rural accessibility services across northern counties
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Voices of Youth: Lessons learned from listening to young people
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#RG20LookBack: West Michigan models making progress over time
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Created with love: East Kentwood students deliver empathy through our stomachs
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