Author

Shandra Martinez

Shandra's Latest Articles

Flipping the script: Big buyers make pitches to small businesses

At Connect Local GR’s event on April 2, buyers controlling over $1 billion in procurement opportunities will tell small businesses how to get in the game.

Muskegon’s Best Kept Secret: A hub for inclusive winter sports

The goal is to make Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park accessible in as many ways as possible to as many people as possible.

Indiana health center trains local residents as dental assistants to fill workforce gaps

HealthLinc, a federally qualified health center in Valparaiso, covers training costs while preparing local residents for dental assistant jobs, strengthening workforce pipelines and expanding access to care.

How a sisterhood of dentists is expanding public health across Metro Detroit

A collective of African American women dentists delivers public health care, mentorship, and trust to underserved patients across Detroit, Wayne County, and Macomb County.

Health equity, representation drive Detroit dentist’s mission

Once inspired by a high school mentor, Dr. Michele Bloxson now advances health equity through public dentistry and trauma-informed care.

The Davies Project expands care by connecting families to oral health

With Delta Dental Foundation’s support, The Davies Project, based in Lansing, removes transportation barriers, helping families access dental care as well as critical medical appointments for seriously and chronically ill children and expectant women.

Detroit Schools Health Hubs
How one school system bridges the care gap with innovative Health Hubs

Detroit’s Health Hubs embed medical, behavioral, and dental care inside schools, ensuring students receive essential services and thrive in class.

Grassroots effort transforms park into thriving disc golf destination

Volunteers, local businesses, and county officials united to build an 18-hole disc golf course revitalizing Allegan’s Littlejohn Lake Park.

Chara Bouma-Prediger, a CAH staff member in the Food Pantry and Resource Connection team, gathers donated food.
Community groups unite to feed families amid SNAP pause

Local nonprofits expand meal programs and launch emergency funds to help families facing hunger while federal SNAP benefits are suspended.

Friendship between nonprofits’ officials leads to new affordable housing

A friendship between two nonprofit leaders sparks a partnership turning unused duplexes into permanently affordable homes for Grand Rapids families.

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