WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

We spoke with Tracey McKnight, CEO of Care Resources, on independent living for older adults, In-home care,  affordable health services, rehabilitation/therapy gym, and socialization support.

Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®), a national healthcare program funded by Medicare/Medicaid. They are a community-based program for adults 55 years or older that promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement.

Their program is all-inclusive concierge care led by skilled primary care providers and an interdisciplinary team with 11 specialties represented. Care Resources embraces physical, mental, and social health, making healthcare accessible and affordable.

Online: Care Resources

We spoke with Laurel Conrad, Program Director with Lowell Arts, about supporting the arts, community arts support, and support of grassroots artists and artisans.

LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. Their organization has been growing since its inception in 1977 and is made up of committed arts enthusiasts.

The Lowell Area Arts Council (DBA LowellArts) is a resource for the greater Lowell community, connecting artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. For over 40 years, LowellArts has promoted and supported artists through exhibitions, performances, and events. LowellArts continues to be a welcoming, vibrant organization, and serves both as a catalyst for local economic development and a source of valuable art experiences for the community.

Online: LowellArts

We spoke with Cathy Holbrook, Executive and Artistic Director of St. Cecilia Music Center, about performing arts, music education, and music appreciation. 

St. Cecilia Music Center was established in 1883 by nine Grand Rapids women, the organization was named for the legendary patron saint of music. During the earliest days, members met in each other’s homes and performed for one another. By 1890, the society was sponsoring performances by world-renowned musicians.

Online: SCMC

We spoke with Allison Donahue, Program Manager of The Rapidian, about media literacy, media ownership, citizen, journalism, hyper local news operations, and news deserts.

The Rapidian launched on Sept. 15, 2009 and is a department of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center with funding and support from local businesses and citizens. They are a community journalism news source intended to increase the flow of local news and information in the Grand Rapids community and its neighborhoods.

By providing tools, training, platforms and support, they empower neighborhood residents to report the news from the inside out. They are an outlet for Grand Rapidians to become more than just content consumers but also providers by becoming citizen journalists.

Online: The Rapidian

We spoke with Ben Swayze, Director at Kent County Parks and Recreation, about green spaces, trails and trail systems, development, community outreach, funding of county parks, and accessible recreation for all.

The Kent County Parks Department enriches lives in Kent County by providing outstanding parks, natural areas and trails that are accessible and inclusive for all County residents. The Department achieves this vision through efficient operations, sound stewardship of resources, active community partnerships, and by preparing for the needs of future generations.

Online: Kent County Parks

We spoke with Carla Ludwig, Founder and Executive Director of Hope For Single Moms Grand Rapids, and Taryn Taplin, Event Coordinator, about support systems for single mothers, education, aid for families in poverty, and the resources Hope For Single Moms provides mothers with.

Hope for Single Moms is on a mission to ensure children in single mom families thrive. Their program is for single parents who are full-time students in college or trade school. Their goal is to help parents and their young children develop the educational and family life skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency.

The Hope for Single Moms program uses a teach-a-woman-to-fish approach. It is modeled after what support services would have helped Carla Ludwigs daughter, who was the inspiration for Hope For Single Moms.

Online: Hope For Single Moms

We spoke with Olivia J. Bailey, Development Director at Hope Unexpected, about support for single mothers, unplanned pregnancy, affordable housing and rent, poverty, and access to child care.

Hope Unexpected's mission is achieved by showing mercy, love and grace through hospitality and support through multiple services offered to their clients. Their goal is to bridge the gap and offer support to make success and self-sufficiency possible.

Online: Hope Unexpected

We spoke with Jessica Young, Director of the East Hills Council of Neighbors, about neighborhood crime, LGBTQ+ engagement, affordable housing, and historical homes and preservation.

East Hills has always reached beyond the status quo to address the needs of their community. With the collaboration of passionate neighbors they have worked to build and maintain a beautiful, diverse, friendly and safe place to live, work and play.

Online: East Hills Council of Neighbors

We spoke with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling from Great Lakes music camp about performing arts, music, education, the history of stringed instruments, and bluegrass music, square dancing.

Great Lakes Music Camp provides a unique opportunity to study in intimate small groups under award winning musicians and spend the weekend on Michigan’s unbeatable shoreline.

Online: Great Lakes Music Camp

We spoke with Sara Simmonds, Director of Environmental Health, and Joann Hoganson, Director of Community Wellness, at Kent County Health Department on lead poisoning in children, lead abatement in homes in Kent County, safe drinking water, and providing clean water to at risk families.

The Kent County Health Department is responsible for continually assessing the health of the community and ensuring that certain services are available and accessible for its citizens. To this end, the Health Department investigates the causes of disease, epidemics, morbidity and mortality, and environmental health hazards using vital and health statistics for epidemiological studies. KCHD also plans and implements public education and enforces public health laws.

Online: Kent County Health Department