Health Project

11/21/2025

NEWS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 17, 2025

State Stipends to Boost Wages of Early Educators
Advancing shared prosperity by ensuring every child
and family has access to quality care

GRAND RAPIDS – A statewide $16 million investment will supplement the wages of select childcare professionals through an initiative administered by Vibrant Futures for 13 West Michigan counties on behalf of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and fiduciary Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD). Early educators selected for the wage enhancement program will receive $200/month for part-time and $300/month for full-time employment from January 2026 to August 2027.

“With the childcare crisis costing Michigan nearly $3 billion in lost productivity every year since the pandemic, it’s a good time to try innovative interventions,” said Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO of Vibrant Futures, a 51-year-old nonprofit serving childcare professionals, working parents, young children, and employers with childcare needs. “The trifecta of statewide apprenticeships, employer benefits, and now wage enhancements is a powerful formula of well-known interventions commonly used to create catalytic shifts in talent pipelines more generally including the ECE workforce.”

Vibrant Futures and The Right Place teamed up in 2024 to lead the development of a five-county plan for childcare expansion. In 2025, Vibrant Futures was selected to lead Early Childhood Innovation Corporation (ECIC) regional childcare coalition efforts and distribute MiLEAP Early Educator Wage Sustainability stipends for all 13 counties of Michigan Prosperity Region 4.

“The new state initiatives add to our ongoing efforts to support the owners of small childcare businesses,” said Lisa Brewer Walraven, CDC director for MiLEAP. “Expanding access to quality childcare in Michigan is essential, not only for supporting families who need safe, reliable care, but also for strengthening our workforce and growing the state economy. The investments we make today will produce big returns tomorrow.”

Throughout the region, many childcare centers have unused space but cannot find the teaching staff to open existing and new classrooms. Childcare business owners say they must weigh what parents can pay versus higher wages that would make care unaffordable.

“One of the biggest challenges parents face in finding childcare across West Michigan is the difficulty providers have in attracting and keeping qualified staff due to low pay,” said Kevin Stotts, president of TalentFirst, a nonprofit alliance providing leadership on competitive talent challenges in West Michigan. “Our study, Balancing the Scales, and its accompanying pilot program demonstrated that even a modest wage increase equips childcare providers to recruit, retain, and develop the workforce needed to offer reliable care, expand capacity, and support employees in pursuing additional training.”

Edmond-Verley noted the compelling support for childcare investments as documented in Vibrant Futures’ Amplifying Voices: Employers study. Given broad support from multiple sectors, she encourages all early childhood educators who might qualify to apply for the Wage Sustainability Initiative (WSI) stipends.

“The stakes for families and young children are so very high,” said Edmond-Verley. “Maximizing earning through gainful employment is top of mind for families. Childcare with an adequate pipeline of early educators makes it possible. Nutrition, health, and education in the first three years of life set the course for a life of thriving. Childcare with strong educators improves all three.”

“Childcare professionals play an essential role in shaping strong, thriving communities,” said Julie Burrell, senior economic development director for Newaygo County's Economic Development Partnership, powered by The Right Place. “Investing in these educators is an investment in our children and their futures. It’s critical that we continue to prioritize meaningful support for the people who guide children through their earliest, most formative years.”

Vibrant Futures forms alliances, leads coalitions, and guides regional infrastructure to stabilize and expand the childcare sector for Michigan’s children and families. Vibrant Futures leads the Region 4 Western Michigan Regional Childcare Coalition with The Right Place. Regional Childcare Coalition research reports are available at www.vibrantfuturesmi.org.

FACTS:
STATE NEWS RELEASE MiLEAP and GOISD Launch $16 Million Initiative to Boost Wages for Michigan’s Early Educators

WHO:
Michigan’s Office of Child Development and Care (within MiLEAP, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential) approved Vibrant Futures, the lead agency for the Western Regional Childcare Coalition, to serve as Region 4 administrator of its Early Childhood Educator Wage Sustainability Initiative.

WHAT:
The Early Educator Wage Sustainability Initiative will provide $16 million in stipends for select, qualifying childcare professionals in Michigan. In West Michigan’s Region 4, full-time educators will receive $300, and part-time teachers $200 each month.

WHEN:
November 4 MiLEAP announcement
November 17 Region 4 announcement
December 4 Region 4 stipend application available online
January 30 First stipend payments issued

WHERE:
Region 4 includes Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newago, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa counties.

HOW:
Early educators in Region 4 counties can add their name to an information list at: Wage Initiative Communications

WHY:
Based on wage enhancement efforts in Iowa, Washington, and other states, wage stipends may help increase retention of childcare professionals, boost sustainability of childcare businesses, reduce statewide childcare shortages, and increase workforce participation of adults with young children, and contribute to overall GDP.

Vibrant Futures holds the vibrant promise of every child, youth, family, caregiver sacred to ensure vibrant futures for all.

11/19/2025

From our community partners, Place of Refuge, this weekend in Muskegon Heights

11/18/2025

From our partners at the Blueprint Project:
Financial Roots: Growing Strong Together

Free meals & money tips! Join Financial Roots Wednesdays at Blueprint Hub to boost your budgeting, credit & savings skills.

11/17/2025

From our partners at MDHHS...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2025
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, StebbinsL@michigan.gov

MDHHS seeks input from older adults for new state plan
LANSING, Michigan. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau) is inviting the public to join Community Conversations online and throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adult residents.
State Units on Aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act with developing and administering a multi-year State Plan on Aging that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families and caregivers. The State Plan on Aging serves as a blueprint that outlines coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults and for building capacity for long-term care efforts.
MDHHS is seeking input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services that impact quality of life for older residents. The Community Conversations will run through Wednesday, Nov. 20 at various locations across the state and in a separate online forum. Those interested in providing information on the needs of older adults are encouraged to participate in one of the community forums or complete a survey. The survey, which is available online and in paper form in English, Spanish and Arabic, will remain open through Monday, Dec. 15.
“Michigan is home to more than 2.4 million older adults, representing about one-quarter of the total state population,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The voices of Michigan’s older adults are critical to the development of a state plan that effectively addresses the needs of older adults and caregivers. These conversations provide the opportunity to hear directly from the public about their experiences related to aging, including their knowledge of available supports and services.”
The information gathered during the Community Conversations and from survey responses will be used to identify priorities for MDHHS in support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population. A draft plan will go before the State’s Commission on Services to the Aging for approval before being submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for an effective date of Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, and for implementation during Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029.
For a current list of Community Conversation locations, dates and times, or to access the survey, visit the State Plan on Aging webpage.
Space may be limited and organizers request RSVPs for planning purposes. Please RSVP to the locations listed in the schedule and contact the host sites for additional information regarding accessibility needs.

11/16/2025

From our partners at Access Health...
Come join us for Coffee Hour at the Blue Print Hub!
Every Monday, the West Michigan Blueprint Project hosts a cozy drop-in space where neighbors, partners, and local leaders can slow down, grab a cup of coffee, and connect.

What to expect:

• Free coffee and light refreshments – no purchase, no pressure.
• A relaxed space to work, study, or meet with others.
• Connections to community resources – housing, health, jobs, business support, and more.
• Real relationships – meet people who care about Muskegon Heights and want to see it thrive.
When: Every Monday, 10:00–11:30 AM
Where: Blue Print Hub
2 E Broadway Ave.
Muskegon Heights, MI

Bring a friend, a co-worker, or just yourself. Stay for ten minutes or the whole time—either way, you’re welcome here.

For more information, contact Ricarlo Winston at 231-766-7117.
Coffee’s on us. The conversation is up to all of us.

11/12/2025

Journey to Better Health
Since 2010, Mimi Rankin, Trinity Health Muskegon’s longtime community advocate and outreach coordinator, has hosted Journey to Better Health on V100.1 FM, a weekly radio show focusing on health issues important to the community. Mimi has been involved with the community since 1994, having joined the Muskegon Community Health Project as a Community Health Worker working on health care access, enrollment, and community engagement. She continued in this role when the Health Project joined Trinity Health as the Community Health and Well-Being department in 2010. She’s hosted several large-scale events such as the African American Diabetes Conference, Men’s Health Fair, and Festival in the Park’s as well as multiple outreach events in Muskegon. In 2010, she was offered a radio spot to focus on the minority community. The Health Project sponsored the weekly show, which quickly became one of the most listened to spots in West Michigan.
Mimi’s show features weekly segments on physical, mental, and social health issues concerning the African American community. “Journey to Better Health” focuses on a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, relationships, highlights community health access initiatives, connecting with your doctors, and much more.
For more information or to connect with Mimi regarding the show’s content, follow this link https://player.v100fm.com/2018/09/19/journey-to-better-health-airs-12-1-pm-every-wednesday/

11/11/2025

From our partners at MDHHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 10, 2025

MDHHS directs SNAP vendor to resume issuing full payments for November
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT vendor to once again begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients.
SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the ninth of the month should receive their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours. All other SNAP recipients should receive full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date. Those who receive monthly benefits on the third, fifth and seventh of the month previously received their benefits last week.
“We are glad to be able to provide assistance to Michigan families to help them put food on the table,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The uncertainty, confusion, and frustration caused by the USDA’s request to block SNAP payments for the more than one million Michigan residents who rely on food assistance has been unfair, and in Michigan, we will continue to do everything we can to help those affected.”
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates.
To help feed families amid the federal government shutdown, Governor Whitmer recently announced the State of Michigan is providing $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This critical funding will help feed Michigan residents in all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those who can’t drive to their local food bank.
Whitmer also recently led a group of governors in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to prevent disruption to SNAP during the federal government shutdown.
Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by:
• Continuing Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supporting Hunters Feeding Families, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
• Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.
To find additional resources:
• Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.
• Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.
SNAP in Michigan
In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.
• 492,225 children benefit from SNAP.
• 38,513 veterans participating in SNAP.
• 36% SNAP households have older adults.
• 43% SNAP households have children.
• 51% households have a person with a disability.
• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.
In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP.
To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense.

Need help with food, housing, or paying utility bills? Need help with a community disaster? Just call, text, or search online to find help.

11/07/2025

An update from our partners at MDHHS...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 6, 2025

Following federal court order for USDA, MDHHS directs SNAP vendor to issue full payments to Michiganders
USDA ordered by federal court to issue full November SNAP benefits by Friday, Nov. 7
LANSING, Mich. – Today, U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by Friday, Nov. 7 for roughly 42 million low-income Americans. As a result, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its SNAP EBT vendor to begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients as soon as funding from FNS is received.
Absent a successful appeal by FNS, SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month should receive their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours of MDHHS receiving the funds. All other SNAP recipients will receive their full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date.
“We applaud Judge McConnell’s ruling requiring FNS to issue full SNAP benefits for November,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Many Michigan families depend on SNAP to help put nutritious food on the table and today’s ruling ensures they won’t be left wondering how they will feed their children– especially with the upcoming holiday season.”
In his ruling, Judge McConnell stated that the USDA failed to consider the practical consequences associated with its decision to only partially fund SNAP, and that USDA knew there would be a long delay in paying partial SNAP payments and failed to consider the harm individuals who rely on those benefits would suffer.
Earlier this week, MDHHS received communication from FNS indicating that FNS would reduce the maximum allotments to approximately 50% of the SNAP recipients’ benefit payments for the month of November. FNS had previously directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown.
To help feed families amid the federal government shutdown, Governor Whitmer recently announced the State of Michigan will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This critical funding will help feed Michigan residents in all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those who can’t drive to their local food bank.
Whitmer also recently led a group of governors in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to prevent disruption to SNAP during the federal government shutdown. Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by:
• Continuing Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supporting Hunters Feeding Families, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
• Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates.
To find additional resources:
• Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.
• Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.
SNAP in Michigan
In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.
• 492,225 children benefit from SNAP.
• 38,513 veterans participating in SNAP.
• 36% SNAP households have older adults.
• 43% SNAP households have children.
• 51% households have a person with a disability.
• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.
In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP.
To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense.
• MDHHS November SNAP update.pdf

Need help with food, housing, or paying utility bills? Need help with a community disaster? Just call, text, or search online to find help.

11/06/2025

***SNAP Benefits Update***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2025

USDA ordered to issue partial November SNAP benefits
Partial benefits of approximately 50% to begin Saturday, Nov. 8
LANSING, Mich. – On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that FNS will reduce the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments to approximately 50% of the SNAP recipients’ benefit payments for the month of November. SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive their partial SNAP allotment Saturday, Nov. 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date.
As a result, MDHHS will begin to issue partial SNAP benefits to recipients Saturday, Nov. 8. MDHHS is told this is due to limited availability of federal funds as a result of the federal government shutdown.
The funding for the partial November benefits will come from SNAP contingency funds, which will cover about half of the $9.2 billion that monthly SNAP benefit costs nationally. FNS had previously directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. New SNAP applications will be processed from October and November, however, it is unclear whether applicants will receive November benefits and MDHHS awaits further guidance from the USDA.
There remain multiple pending court proceedings that may further impact the provision of November SNAP benefits. If additional court action results in changes to the payment of partial benefits beginning on Saturday, November 8, MDHHS will provide updated information as it becomes available.
“We understand and share the disappointment many households feel about receiving only a portion of their November SNAP benefits. These benefits are a vital lifeline for many Michigan families, especially with the rising cost of food,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. “In addition to SNAP benefits, we encourage those in need to visit local food pantries as needed, which can be found by calling 2-1-1.”
To help feed families amid the federal government shutdown, Governor Whitmer recently announced the State of Michigan will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This critical funding will help feed Michigan residents in all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those who can’t drive to their local food bank.
Whitmer also recently led a group of governors in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to prevent disruption to SNAP during the federal government shutdown. Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by:
• Continuing Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supporting Hunters Feeding Families, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
• Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates.
To find additional resources:
• Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.
• Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.
SNAP in Michigan
In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.
• 492,225 children benefit from SNAP.
• 38,513 veterans participating in SNAP.
• 36% SNAP households have older adults.
• 43% SNAP households have children.
• 51% households have a person with a disability.
• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.
In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP.
To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense.

10/27/2025

Are you attending this great event from our friends at The Momentum Center for Social Engagement?
Reach out to them for last-minute availability!

10/23/2025

Join our friends from Access Health Inc. tomorrow from 9-11a.m. at Muskegon Community College as we talk about food access in Muskegon County. Register for FREE at the link here:

A community gathering at MCC in Collegiate Hall on food access in Muskegon County.

10/16/2025

Muskegon ALI (Alcohol Liability Initiative) and AMP (Alliance for Ma*****na Prevention) are holding their monthly meetings this Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8:30 AM. If you would like to learn more about these coalitions and/or chat about getting involved, please reach out to Joshua Wynn at joshua.wynn@trinity-health.org.