Traverse City plans safer streets for residents of all abilities
Residents and advocates explain how better crossings, connected sidewalks, and bus access can make trips across Traverse City safer.
Shandra Martinez's Latest Articles
Tailored internships open career pathways for students with disabilities
Serving five West Michigan counties, Disability Network West Michigan tailors internships to students’ goals, helping one aspiring social worker build skills and confidence
Kent County mobility study offers new path to transportation access
Kent County leaders, advocates and nonprofits are working together to expand transportation choices and help more residents stay connected and independent.
Language access begins by asking people how they communicate best
Tom Hoxsie explains how language barriers affect Deaf people and how interpreters, captions, and community partnerships can improve access to information.
Fresh vegetables connect West Michigan farms, volunteers and families
Kids’ Food Basket’s Holland farm grows produce that volunteers help deliver to local pantries, expanding access to fresh, healthy food.
Lakeshore Advantage wins national award for downtown Holland’s Next Center
Lakeshore Advantage’s Next Center earned national recognition for supporting entrepreneurship, small businesses, and regional economic development through collaboration and innovation.
How public murals will transform downtown Lowell
Work on four new murals across downtown Lowell will begin in August, launching the city's first coordinated public art initiative.
Alpena builds accessibility roadmap by listening first, improving public spaces for everyone
Alpena's accessibility assessment helps prioritize affordable improvements, showing small communities how resident input can guide inclusive planning and investment.
Young patient turns hospital stay into gifts for children
After surgery at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, a Gaylord girl began knitting comfort gifts for children and families at the hospital and Ronald McDonald House West Michigan.
Kids’ Food Basket, schools join to address rural hunger
Partnerships between rural schools, Kids’ Food Basket identify food insecurity, connect families with support, and improve nutrition.
