Blog Posts
Local Collaboration Lowers Risk of Lead Poisoning Among Children
The air young children breathe, the home where they spend most of their time, and the yard where they play, may all contain a danger
Building an Equitable Child Care System
As the price of groceries, gas, and other essentials continues to rise, so, too, does the cost of child care. In fact, a new report
Families Experiencing Homelessness
(Data sourced from KConnect analysis, 2018 Video created by Heart of West Michigan United Way, 2018) When you think of homelessness, many of us conjure
Make your Voice Count – Normal was Never Enough
The promise of another new school year puts added distance between us and the Covid-19 pandemic. While the virus is still with us, the massive
Barriers to Navigating Early Childhood
Guest blog by Sarah Wilson and Jenn Harrod, Health Net of West Michigan Being a parent or caregiver is no easy task. This is especially
How police violence impacts childhood development
In the months after a Grand Rapids police officer killed Patrick Lyoya, community members have come together to grieve, remember, march, protest, and demand justice.
Normal was Never Enough: Children of Incarcerated Parents
Guest blog by Joel Van Kuiken and Cole Williams, Delta Project Co-Founders Half of the nearly 2 million people incarcerated in the United States are parents of children who are under the
True foster care prevention starts with the next generation of parents
Guest Blog by Crystal Houston and Emma Schab. Crystal Houston is the Director of Operations at the Center for Community Transformation. Emma Schab is the
Pregnancy and Birth Equity
By almost every measure, Black women and babies fare worse through pregnancy and infancy than mothers and babies of other races or ethnicities. Black mothers
Economic Security in Grand Rapids
A fast-growing population. A strong economy. A booming housing market. The Grand Rapids area has become a highly desirable destination for many people, recognized for
What Do We Mean by Normal Was Never Enough?
There is a strong sense of hope that the social distancing, endless Zoom meetings, and virtual classes are all behind us. The community is getting