Author

Sarah Spohn

Sarah Spohn is a Lansing native, but every day finds a new interesting person, place, or thing in towns all over Michigan, leaving her truly smitten with the mitten. She received her degrees in journalism and professional communications and provides coverage for various publications locally, regionally, and nationally — writing stories on small businesses, arts and culture, dining, community, and anything Michigan-made. You can find her in a record shop, a local concert, or eating one too many desserts at a bakery. If by chance, she’s not at any of those places, you can contact her at sarahspohn@issuemediagroup.com.

Sarah Spohn's Latest Articles

MMI community living support staff member Nick Wojciechowski.

Nick Wojciechowski is building community and breaking barriers at MMI

By Sarah Spohn

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Talent

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January 9, 2025

Nick Wojciechowski, a community living support staff member at Mid-Michigan Industries (MMI), has spent over a decade empowering individuals with diverse needs in central Michigan. Known for his patience, kindness, and dedication, Wojciechowski helps his clients integrate into the community through activities, skill-building, and companionship. His story reflects MMI’s mission of fostering connection, breaking barriers, and embracing abilities to create a more inclusive world.

Partner Partner Content Nonprofits and neighbors provide insight, pride, propel 49507 community development

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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November 25, 2024

IFF, a community development financial institution based in Illinois, has invested and shown a commitment to uplifting communities by providing financial support all over the state, including Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Part of IFF’s investment in Grand Rapids has been focused on the 49507 zip code, centered in a collection of neighborhoods southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. They're working with local nonprofits including Amplify GR and LINC UP and neighborhood residents to help propel development.

Explore non-credit and non-traditional classes with Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning series

By Sarah Spohn

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Arts and Culture

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November 21, 2024

Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning series invites residents to learn new skills with their nontraditional, non-credit class lineup. Attendees can learn cookie decorating, soapmaking, cooking skills, dog training tips, yoga, and more within the series.

Class in session: Attracting, supporting, and retaining educators

By Sarah Spohn

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Kids and Education

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November 14, 2024

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs and other incentives and resources aim to make it more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

New mental health support group reminds Isabella County residents they’re not alone

By Sarah Spohn

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Healthy Communities

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October 10, 2024

As an expansion of NAMI Midland County a new local support group provides mental health support, resources, and counseling for residents in Isabella County. The grassroots organization is made up of volunteer peers with lived experiences and perspectives to help remind folks that they’re not alone in their struggles.

Into the Light cancer walk raises $35K for Isabella County cancer patients

By Sarah Spohn

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Community Development

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September 12, 2024

The Community Cancer Services of Isabella County exists to make the lives of those living with cancer a little bit easier. Each year, they host a variety of events and raise money to help provide financial support to individuals and the families of local cancer patients.

Mt. Pleasant sister city program encourages connections and cultural exchange with Okaya, Japan

By Sarah Spohn

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Arts and Culture

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August 22, 2024

Each year the Mt. Pleasant Area International Relations Council (MPARC) raises funds to help local area high school students spend almost two weeks in Mt. Pleasant’s sister city, Okaya, Japan. The cultural experiences and relationships they build are priceless, says Keith Tollenaere, the board president for the MPARC.

King's Kid Christian Daycare staff members Adrian Robinson, left, Lolita Granger, center and Tamara Jones laugh Wednesday, July 17, 2024, as they play with toys in one of the classrooms in the Detroit child care center.

MiLEAP fund provides essential equipment, upgrades for child care facilities

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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July 23, 2024

Quality child care is necessary, but not always available or affordable. The MiLEAP Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund has launched a $59 million fund to provide new and expanding home-based and center-based facilities across the state.

Planting seeds for success: Students garden, grow veggies, & raise chickens at Renaissance Academy

By Sarah Spohn

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Kids and Education

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June 28, 2024

At Renaissance Academy, students are learning responsibility and sustainability through hands-on projects. Their unique sustainability curriculum incorporates gardening, raising chickens, and building a community hoop house—fostering curiosity and real-world skills which sets students on a path to become engaged and successful adults.

Regional Housing Partnerships addressing need for affordable housing

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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June 18, 2024

As part of the Region I Regional Housing Partnership, the Capital Area Housing Partnership and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission are tasked with developing local action plans to address the housing crisis. City and state government, neighborhood developers including Forsberg Real Estate, and area nonprofits are working together to address homelessness in greater Lansing and to attract residents to Eaton Rapids.