Detroit vs. outstate: Do child care challenges differ for urban and rural families?
While geography shapes experience, families face similar struggles finding child care.
From Washington to Central Michigan: What Medicaid changes could mean for local mental health
Community Mental Health for Central Michigan serves over 10,000 people annually across six counties. With new federal budget changes, its future funding is uncertain—but leaders remain committed to providing services and encourage residents to advocate, stay informed, and support local mental health resources.
Mt. Pleasant is getting “Fired Up” with maroon and gold this fall
Mt. Pleasant is turning maroon and gold thanks to the new Paint the Town Maroon initiative. With Fire Up Fest and a monthlong scavenger hunt also on deck, efforts celebrate CMU pride while building stronger ties between the university and the city.
Aging in place with dignity
PACE Central Michigan is helping seniors stay in their homes longer with dignity. By combining medical, social, and daily living support under one coordinated system, their programs reduce stress for families while improving care.
Festivals, flea markets, food trucks, and more fun in Mt. Pleasant this September
As summer winds down and fall revs up, there’s plenty of events to enjoy indoors and outdoors this September—check out Epicenter’s monthly local roundup of events.
Running Toward Impact: Claire Doty’s marathon of service
Claire Doty has mastered the art of balance—between her professional role at CMU and her extensive community service in Mt. Pleasant. Her story shows how patience, passion, and even the smallest acts of service can create lasting impact in the community she calls home.
WEB builds confidence in middle school as students support students
Starting middle school can be intimidating, but Mt. Pleasant Middle School’s “Where Everybody Belongs” (WEB) program helps ease the transition. With 45 eighth graders serving as mentors for 242 new sixth graders, WEB fosters confidence, belonging, and leadership.
Access to affordable, reliable child care as vital for dads as moms
People often think of child care as a women's or a mother's issue. However, access to affordable, reliable, high quality child care equally benefits fathers.
Heart of the Arts: Two local hubs bring culture to downtown Mt. Pleasant
Two downtown arts organizations, Reach Art of Mid Michigan and For Art’s Sake, are working to increase art and culture experiences in the greater Mt. Pleasant community. Together, they ensure art remains accessible, engaging, and vital to the area’s cultural life.
Meeting rural Michiganders’ mental health care needs
Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.
