Expanding Access to Healthy Food: A Changemaker+Funder Partnership to Shift a System

A group of Northern Michigan nonprofit organizations and a coalition of food pantries are working collaboratively to tackle food insecurity by going upstream to address its root causes.
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager At the base of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is the category of Physiological Needs: the most basic needs that include f…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/expanding-access-healthy-food-changemaker-funder-partnership-shift-system

Honoring History, Revitalization of a Railroad Town

Kalkaska village officials are leading an effort to honor the town's history and revitalize the downtown.
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager The Village of Kalkaska was founded in 1873 as a lumber town, which benefited economically from the arrival of the Grand Rap…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/honoring-history-revitalization-railroad-town

At the Crossroads of Rail, Highways, and Trails

A $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant will support a collaborative effort to re-route the North Country Trail through downtown Kalkaska and create a non-motorized accessible trailhead and boardwalk along the Boardman River.
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager Found at the crossroads of rail, highways, and trails, the historic Village of Kalkaska has been on a six-year community dev…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/crossroads-rail-highways-and-trails

People and Passion: Preserving a Unique Community Theatre

With the support of a $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant, the nonprofit Bay Community Theatre plans to replace outdated and crumbling infrastructure and provide engaging experiences for the community with a keen interest in accessibility and af…
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager In the harbor village of Suttons Bay, an intrepid group of volunteers is working to make vital updates to a historic landmar…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/people-and-passion-preserving-unique-community-theatre

Beauty is Therapy: Healing Powers of Nature & Art

With the support of a $50,000 Rotary Charities Assets for Thriving Communities grant, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park plans to transform a 1900’s era dairy barn into an education center and develop a children's sensory garden, projects that embo…
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager On the site of the former Northern Michigan Asylum, a unique community asset exemplifies the healing powers of nature and ar…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/beauty-therapy-healing-powers-nature-art

Escalating Investments to Expand Access to Pro Bono Legal Immigration Services

With the support of a $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant the Traverse City office will serve at least 250 immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers living in Northern Michigan communities during the next two years.
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager What began as regional outreach ministries across the state of Michigan has grown into a statewide organization that’s…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/escalating-investments-provide-pro-bono-legal-immigration-services

A Helping Hand in Ellsworth

Good Samaritan Family Services has grown its programming over 30 years to support its neighbors in Ellsworth, MI. With support of an Assets for Thriving Communities grant, their Family Center buildout is now complete.
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager The phrase “Good Samaritan” is derived from the biblical parable of the same name. In modern culture, the label …… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/helping-hand-ellsworth

Gateway Communities Seek Key to Workforce Housing

A lack of affordable housing is a common challenge to "gateway communities". Community members may hold the key to a unique solution.
by Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager For seasonal workers, finding a job in the most beautiful place in America is the easy part. Securing a place to live from M…… https://www.rotarycharities.org/about-us/blog/gateway-communities-seek-key-workforce-housing