“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.
Read MoreWe live in a lonely era. For as connected as our society seems on the surface, deep and meaningful relationships seem to be on the decline. Many relationships are fostered through social media and texting now, rather than face-to-face interactions. The decline in in-person relationships seems to be taking a toll on the mental health of people of all ages.
Read MoreEarlier this year, we began coordinating quarterly meetings for Midland Communicators. Our goal is to connect communicators for collaboration that supports the Midland County vision statement: Midland: An inclusive community. Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives.
Read More“In order to experience success county wide, it comes from everybody helping each other out - sharing resources, people, and ideas.” -Skylyr Zink
Read More“If we want a more welcoming, kinder world, then shouldn't it start by at least knowing who lives next door? How can we expect countries to get along if we can't even say hello and call the person by name who shares our lot line? How do you cross borders if you can't even cross the street?" -Joyce Hagen-Flint
Read MoreOn Thursday, Sept. 26, the Pediatric Partnership held “Parents Night Out” at the Longview Early Childhood Development Center. This initiative provided 16 children with autism a fun, safe environment filled with activities, games, and snacks, all supervised by volunteers. During this time, parents were invited to enjoy a couple of hours to themselves to do whatever they wished, knowing their kids were in good hands.
Read MoreThe Midland Business Alliance has teamed up with Max Loves Midland to hear YOUR stories about education, lifestyle, and work in Midland. Whether it’s what you think of the educational opportunities here, how you’ve built your work life, or what you love about living in this amazing community – we want to hear from you!
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