Kelsey Lehman and Autumn Carson

Podcast a “not-so-clinical approach to conversations surrounding all things mental health.”

Podcast hosted by three friends covers a range of topics like finding a therapist, tips for loved ones, and misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medications. 

Robert Sheehan, executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan
Proposed licensure changes aim to ease Michigan’s social worker shortage

Mental health and social work advocates are pushing for legislative change to shift Michigan's social worker licensing process from a test-based approach to a practice-driven alternative that has proven successful in other states.

MI Tri-Share Child Care program gives boost to families and Blue Water Area businesses

Launched in St. Clair County in June 2022, the MI Tri-Share Child Care program increases the affordability of child care for families while helping local employers attract and retain a skilled workforce.

Locally-owned winery enhances downtown Lexington’s small business community

Following the prosperity of their winery and tasting room in Croswell, 3 North Vines undertook an expansion, introducing a taphouse and eatery to downtown Lexington in 2021. Co-owner Kristi Nichols-Shopbell shares a look into their journey establishing the winery and their vision for 3 North Lexington.

Rabbi Yudi Mann.
West Bloomfield synagogue will train Jewish leaders on providing behavioral health support

A new initiative at The Shul seeks to provide more tools for Jewish community leaders to better offer behavioral health support to their community.

Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health: Building trust and improving health

Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health partners with community mental health providers in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. 

Rogen poses for a picture at Garden of Dreams Preschool in Battle Creek
PreK for All a good way to disrupt the preschool-to-prison pipeline

Good preschool programs yield tremendous social and economic advantages such as higher high school graduation rates and reduced chances of criminal behavior. 

Rendering of Sawmill Lofts in Grayling
Recent Michigan housing legislation incentivizes more housing developments

As part of the Make it in Michigan Strategy, the state of Michigan has new finance tools and opportunities to convert vacant land into housing via the Transformational Brownfield Fund and tax increment funding. The State Land Bank Authority and Michigan Community Capital are working with state, local, and federal organizations to develop attainable workforce housing in their communities.   

Ren Sontsmann takes a picture with their mosaic class showing off their creations.
Ren Sontsmann: Port Huron artist and LGBTQ+ advocate shares their creative journey

Meet Ren Sontsmann, a Port Huron resident known for their vibrant stained glass creations and intricate mosaic artwork. Discover their unique style and their impact on bolstering public art in the Blue Water Area.

Members of NAMI Blue Water Area meet to discuss upcoming training opportunities to bring to the community.
NAMI Blue Water Area leaders share their motivation behind getting involved

Community members share why they got involved with NAMI Blue Water Area, a new affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) that is dedicated to supporting those impacted by mental illness.

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