Southfield, MI (August 2024) -Imagine how much easier snow removal would be if, say, a robot could do it for you. What if a smart AI cutting board could help you plan, prep and execute more nutritious meals? These are the kind of cutting-edge ideas that Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University helps bring to life.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Detroit, MI (March 2023) - Think back to the pandemic. Imagine the streets of Midtown Detroit, with all its bustling businesses and restaurants, suddenly as empty as a ghost town. While many of Detroit’s small businesses have recovered, Midtown’s independent apparel shops continue to lag behind, struggling to adapt to decreased foot traffic and increased online competition.
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Oak Park, MI (March 2024)—“Mr. Justin! Mr. Justin! Mr. Justin!” An all-out chant echoed like a chorus through the Oak Park elementary school hallway, greeting the surprised InsideOut Writer-in-Residence, Justin Grappuso-Cook, as he entered the classroom. On this day, Mr. Grappuso-Cook would lead the students in one of his inspired writing exercises, awakening young minds to the wonders of words. Students were so excited; they couldn't contain themselves.
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