Archive for Safety Net
Kalamazoo mom, daughter profit from Michigan’s home visit programs
Shauntiana Branson found herself unexpectedly pregnant — and unprepared for motherhood two years ago. Having just reached adulthood and fearing backlash from her family, Branson did what she could to find her own help. A visit [...]
Michigan still using federal dollars to fund mortgage assistance programs
As she struggled to hold onto her home after her hours as a retail clerk were slashed, a 66-year-old Kentwood resident initially lost $1,300 in a scam run by a company that promised to help the [...]
Blue Cross revamp: What does it mean for your pocketbook?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is, in some ways, health care in Michigan. The nonprofit firm and its family of companies cover 4.4 million Michigan residents – or almost half the state. It paid out more than [...]
Leader of Grand Rapids homeless shelter keeps the focus on accountability
GRAND RAPIDS — A decade back, Stuart Ray was immersed in the business of fast foods as he presided over dozens of local Burger King franchises. Today, he’s immersed in the business of human salvation, as [...]
Report details surge in child poverty in Detroit
The majority of children in Detroit now live in poverty, says a new report from the demographic firm Data Driven Detroit. The child poverty rate was 57.3 percent in 2011, D3 found in “2012 State of [...]
Legal immunity worries child advocates
The fear of getting sued if a foster child attempts suicide or theft prompted private social service agencies to push in the waning days of the lame-duck session for a law granting them limited immunity to [...]
What does Michigan have to do to get a little love?
Are you trying to suggest that having CEO's want to invest their money
Guest commentary: New revenue-sharing model shortchanges and infuriates municipalities
The primary reason this state program was started was to save money.
What does Michigan have to do to get a little love?
Who in the past 10, 20, 30 years did anything to foster cooperation?
What does Michigan have to do to get a little love?
Money seems about the most effective way to get the government's (or t
Guest commentary: Local governments’ fiscal distress worsened by state’s actions
All Mr. Bean is whining about is getting more money for the members of