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Stories of Impact

Stories of Impact

Stories of ImpactArts and Culture
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Empowering Youth Through the Arts with Shakespeare in Detroit’s STEAM Program

Detroit, MI (October 2024)—During a recent production of Julius Caesar in Detroit, a familiar young face glided through the bustling set. She paused to adjust props, lend a hand with costumes and offer words of encouragement to the actors. Kennedy, a production assistant, felt at home with the Shakespeare in Detroit team. Once a participant in its student program, she returned not only for her love of theater, but also to mentor the next generation of aspiring artists.

“I

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Stories of ImpactEconomic Vitality
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ISAIC Opens Career Pathways in Industrial Sewing and Manufacturing

Detroit, MI (October 2024) -When Jen Guarino wraps up her day at the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), she often encounters a familiar face still immersed in his work in the lab. “Okay, Emery, I’m closing up shop,” she says, spotting Emery Jones, a recent graduate of the Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing and Production (FISP) program. With a passion for transforming fabric scraps into innovative designs, Emery is working on what he hopes will be his own clothing line.

Emer

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Stories of ImpactNatural Environment
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Working to Protect Michigan Wetlands with Ducks Unlimited

Saginaw County, MI (August 2024)—Nestled in the heart of Michigan lies the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary teeming with wildlife, wetlands and birds galore – song birds, herons, wood ducks, egret, eagles, tundra swans and even pelicans. The refuge, sometimes referred to as the “Everglades of the North,” comprises 10,000 acres of natural habitat, a birder’s paradise that beckons nature enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

For

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Stories of ImpactNatural Environment
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Huron Pines Ensures Resiliency through River Restoration and Stormwater Management

Gaylord, MI (August 2024)—Michigan’s lakes and rivers hold a special significance for both Huron Pines and the Walters Family Foundation. This shared appreciation has forged a partnership spanning over seven years and multiple grants – all dedicated to restoring and revitalizing our region’s precious natural environments. One of the key benefits of this long-standing partnership is a shared understanding of the impact of this important environmental work and the ability to uncover new opportunities together.

Nowh

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Stories of ImpactLearning Initiatives
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Three-Year Challenge Grant Catalyzes Racquet Up’s Impact

Detroit, MI (August 2024)—Forbes named it #1 of the top ten healthiest sports. It’s a calorie burner, a flexibility booster, a mental toughness builder, and so much more. It’s squash. At Racquet Up Detroit, squash isn't just a game – it's a catalyst for unleashing youth potential. Participants enjoy world-class coaching, robust academic support and character-building activities from the 5th grade all the way through graduation from high school and college.

The

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Stories of ImpactEconomic Vitality
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Lean Rocket Lab Expands Opportunities to Entrepreneurs in Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties

Jackson, MI (August 2024) - What do a doula, a dog groomer and a coach for parents have in common? These are just a few of the small businesses that make up Lean Rocket Lab LOCAL’s 2024 Fellows Bootcamp. Supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a three-year grant from Walters Family Foundation, the Bootcamp serves new entrepreneurs in Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties.

Thro

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Stories of ImpactEconomic Vitality
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TechTown’s Retail Boot Camp Ensures Excellence in Entrepreneurship

Detroit, MI (May 2024) - During his 50-plus-year career as a Detroit musician, Freddie Palmer noticed a common problem among on-stage keyboardists: their sustain pedal never stayed in one place. This often caused distractions and forced musicians to make adjustments that took them out of the moment. Palmer often wondered why no one had come up with a solution. So, he set out to invent one.

Duri

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Stories of ImpactEconomic Vitality
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Global Detroit Connects Immigrant Entrepreneurs to Critical Resources

Detroit, MI (May 2024) - There was a time when Fardusee Jaigirdar, Tahira Lasker and Farjana Dali would get together as friends to create event decor just for fun. It was a passion that they hadn’t necessarily considered beyond a hobby. But when Global Detroit’s Gracie Xavier spotted the group’s talent, she pointed out that their skills could be turned into a business. As the women entertained the idea and brainstormed the possibilities with Xavier, they began to get excited. They realized this is something they wanted to do.

In 2

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Stories of ImpactLearning Initiatives
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KRESA Brings Parents as Teachers and New Play Spaces to Families in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo, MI (May 2024)—At a recent parent focus group in an underserved corner of Kalamazoo, families in need were asked a simple question: “What are the barriers to engaging your family with KRESA services?” A brave female raised her hand with an emotional answer: fear of judgment and stigma. This mother of young ones worried that a home visit by KRESA to assess needed services would result in criticism of her family’s housing predicament and reporting of her living situation – so she avoided them, foregoing services her family truly needs. Other parents nodded in agreement. Creating common spaces for these visits emerged as a solution.

In K

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