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Stories of Impact

Stories of Impact

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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Stories of ImpactEconomic Vitality
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Bolstering Business for Small Apparel Retailers with Midtown Detroit, Inc.

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.

The

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Stories of ImpactArts and Culture
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Youth Uncover the Wonder of Words and Self-Expression with InsideOut Literary Arts

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.

It

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Stories of ImpactLearning Initiatives
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Downtown Boxing Gym’s New Commercial Kitchen Nourishes Student Athletes in Myriad Ways

Detroit, MI (March 2024)—When chef Molly Mitchell is whipping up a meal in the sparkling new commercial kitchen at the Downtown Boxing Gym, it’s not uncommon to find 10 eager helpers by her side. “What are you making? Can I be your assistant? What new techniques can you teach us?” These budding chefs are so curious and excited to be a part of the journey from prep to plate, they’re happy to take on any task, even the small ones, like folding towels and sorting silverware.

The

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Stories of ImpactNatural Environment
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Removing a Dam to Restore River Health with Huron River Watershed Council

Ypsilanti, MI (November 2023)—As Michiganders, we define ourselves by the Great Lakes that surround us. The beautiful inland waterways that feed our Great Lakes contribute to that identity. For more than 50 years, Huron River Watershed Council has been dedicated to the protection of the Huron River, monitoring its tributaries, lakes and groundwater, to ensure healthy and vibrant communities.

Over

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