Diversity & Equity

Coverage of programs that deal with gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, and socioeconomic status; are focused on fair access to resources and opportunities; and, those that create environments where people feel welcome, respected, and fully accepted.

Former President and CEO Christi Coady Narayanan speaks at one of Opp Fund's anniversary events. Courtesy photo.

OppFund looks back on impact with 40th anniversary; new leadership looks to continue legacy

By Sarah Spohn

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Community Development

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July 9, 2025

For more than 35 years, Christi Coady Narayanan led the transformative work of the Opportunity Resource Fund (OppFund), as the President and CEO of the nonprofit community development financial institution. She retired last month, passing the torch to the new President and CEO Byna Elliott, to continue the organization’s unwavering commitment and innovation in empowering individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state.

Latest in Diversity & Equity

Shelley Roossien, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist at KDL, leads children through a building exercise.

Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences

By Brianna Nargiso

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Community Development

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June 24, 2025

The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.

Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

Partner Partner Content On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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May 30, 2025

To help autistic people and their families manage these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Partner Partner Content Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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May 20, 2025

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan.

AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Partner Partner Content Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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April 17, 2025

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance.

Doctors expand dental care access for veterans in need

By Shandra Martinez

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Arts & Culture

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March 16, 2025

Two Michigan veterans care advocates are tackling the critical gap in veterans’ dental care, offering free clinics through grants and sustainable community programs.

Partner Partner Content Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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March 5, 2025

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.”

This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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February 25, 2025

The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach.

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left, Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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February 11, 2025

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff, peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health.

Expert presenters share evidence-based information traversing the lifespan from early intervention and initial diagnosis to quality of life for older autistic adults.

Partner Partner Content Navigating Autism Today Conference connects autism community to facts, friendships, and resources

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Community Development

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January 28, 2025

The Autism Alliance of Michigan Navigating Autism Today (NAT) Conference connects autistic people of all ages and their loved ones with education, resources, and community.