At the May 16 Max Loves Midland Navigation Team meeting, community members gathered to explore how we can build stronger connections, even when we disagree. Framed around the theme “Building Community: How to Have Conversations Even When You Don’t Agree”, the session emphasized the importance of civility, curiosity, and connection in shaping an inclusive Midland County.
Read MoreWe Hear You – Shaping Our Future: 2025 Midland County Belonging Survey explores community members’ experiences with belonging. This is a meaningful opportunity for residents to share their perspectives directly with community leaders!
Read MoreWhen Rebecca and her family relocated to Midland, she never imagined that opening a LEGO-themed resale and retail shop would be her next chapter. But like many great stories, it started with a small spark—or in this case, a scoop of LEGO bricks from a bulk table.
Read MoreMidland’s Abilities Parade is set to take place again in 2025, celebrating the talents and strengths of all in the community on May 17th at Grove Park. Neighbors across the Great Lakes Bay Region are invited to attend this free and family-friendly event that is held by 1in6 Support in partnership with the City of Midland Parks and Recreation.
Read MoreSean Haney is a Mortgage Loan Officer at Dow Credit Union. Sean’s story is uniquely rooted in the Midland community—his credit union journey began long before he joined the team professionally. “I started my journey with Dow Credit Union at six months old,” Sean laughed. “My parents moved to Midland and opened an account for me. I’ve banked here my entire life.”
Read MoreGive Local Midland, the Midland Area Community Foundation's annual 24-hour giving event for nonprofit organizations with endowed funds, returns on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This year's event will feature over 80 local nonprofit endowment funds working to raise dollars to support their missions today and for future generations.
Read More“There’s a saying: “Bread is the head of everything.” It starts every meal, every day. But the bread we found in stores here didn’t taste like food. It was lifeless. We couldn’t find a single loaf that gave us that nourishing, energizing feeling.” -Natalia Iakovleva
Read MoreSaralyn joined Midland's Open Door two years ago, initially inspired by the meaningful work of her predecessor, Renee Pettinger. "I came here because I admired how Renee truly cared for people," Saralyn explained. "To me, love for God and love for neighbor are central. Open Door embodies that by treating everyone with dignity and compassion, recognizing each person’s inherent worth. We have the opportunity to see people that others sometimes overlook, to care deeply for them, and to remind them of their value."
Read More“Before working here, I had a very different idea of Midland. I thought it was all “Sparkle City”—neat, shiny, maybe a bit exclusive. But I was wrong. Midland is a place of incredible depth, inclusivity, and heart. The arts community here is more vibrant than I ever imagined. The people are generous, supportive, and deeply engaged. There’s a space here for everyone—which means a lot coming from someone who once worried she wouldn’t quite fit.“ - Cailey Brown
Read More“Midland is a remarkable place. It’s a city with the heart of a small town where people show up for one another, where someone with no connection to our students rallies around them because they care, and where we prioritize connection, even across differences.“ -Penny Miller-Nelson
Read MoreGreater Midland Community Center is proud to shine a spotlight on the accessibility features that ensure its facility is a place where everyone feels welcome and supported. Guided by its core value of building belonging, these amenities create an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can fully enjoy everything the Community Center has to offer.
Read More“I’ve moved away before—college in Kentucky, work in Memphis and in Davison—but Midland has always called me back.“ -Jacqueline Leapheart
Read MoreThe MYPros Community Crowdfund is an initiative designed to make a significant economic impact in Midland County while actively engaging young professionals. For 2025 a single business will receive up to $60,000 in funding for the first time in the Crowdfund's history. The funds will be raised through community contributions and matching funds. The volume of impact for one business makes this the most focused and high-impact MYPros Community Crowdfund to date.
Read More“I want to continue helping shape a community where the arts aren’t just an add-on but a driving force of our identity. Midland has the heart, the vision, and the people to make that happen, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” - Alex Woody
Read More“When I came back, instead of a fight, I found just an embrace—Midland was ready for what I had to bring." – Tonia West
Read MoreThe Max Loves Midland Navigation Team gathered on February 14, 2024, to discuss key community initiatives, called “Collabor-action Teams”, focused on housing, people attraction and retention, and childcare.
Read More“I focus on one conversation at a time, hoping people will grow and see the importance of having conversations and listening to each other. Whether we have funding to do it in big places or outdoors in a park, I’ll always do this work.” -Erin Patrice, The Breaking Bread Village
Read More“With Nord Social on the horizon and my new role at Midland County ESA, I'm excited to be part of this community's next chapter.” -Grant Murschel
Read MoreMidland isn't just where I live; it's where I belong. And as we gear up for another pancake dinner, I'm reminded of the power of community, tradition, and a good plate of pancakes. In the end, it's about more than just pancakes, though. It's about being a citizen.” -Mike Williams
Read MoreOn Friday, November 15, the Max Loves Midland Navigation Team met to tackle a critical topic affecting families, businesses, and the community: childcare infrastructure and policy. Local and regional experts gathered to share insights into the challenges and opportunities within this space, sparking discussions and collaborative problem-solving among attendees.
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