Shandra Martinez

3 days ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

For Keisha Schneider, owning a home after a divorce left her a single mother of three seemed like an impossible dream. But nearly a year after moving into her three-bedroom house built by Dwelling Place, she says the nonprofit's Community Land Trust (CLT) program allowed her to put down roots. "I purchased this house on my own. It's a great program for middle-income people who otherwise would not be able to buy a home," Schneider says. "I have to work hard to pay the mortgage.

3 days ago | secondwavemedia.com | Shandra Martinez

Jennifer Evans, executive director of the nonprofit Out On the Lakeshore, understands the growing mental health needs of Allegan County’s LGBTQIA+ community. Jennifer Evans “That money will be earmarked for our outreach wellness initiative, and that's where we're getting mental health help to the people who need it when they need it,” Evans says of the $5,000 grant her organization received through the Allegan County Community Foundation’s second annual Pride Fund cycle.

3 days ago | secondwavemedia.com | Shandra Martinez

What’s happening: At the “Advocacy in Action: Housing Solutions & Supply Data Updates” event on June 17, local leaders and housing experts discussed the latest data on housing in Ottawa County. The findings reflect encouraging progress while highlighting the ongoing need for targeted solutions, particularly for low- and moderate-income renters and middle-income buyers. What’s the key takeaway: The total housing need in Ottawa County has increased slightly since 2021, from 15,731 to 16,464 units.

4 days ago | secondwavemedia.com | Shandra Martinez

As a student at Western Michigan University, Matthew Neyens dreamed of one day running an airport. Nearly a decade and thousands of flight operations later, that dream has landed right back in West Michigan. Matthew Neyens Earlier this month, Neyens took the helm as airport manager at West Michigan Regional Airport (WMRA), returning to the region with nearly 10 years of experience in managing large-scale aviation operations, most recently at Denver International Airport.

5 days ago | inputfortwayne.com | Shandra Martinez

This story is part of a series on the challenges and solutions related to oral health in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. It is made possible with funding support from the Delta Dental Foundation. On the wall behind Dr. Anna Novais’ desk hangs a bulletin board covered with handmade thank-you cards from patients of all ages who came to her in pain and left able to smile again. Next to it, a color-coded chart details staffing assignments across the 12 dental clinics she helps oversee.