Posts in Inclusion
Accomplishing What Matters: Collective Accomplishments through Partnerships and Volunteering

On 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.

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Hoops and Home: Meet Pj Weaver

"Coming from Dayton, Ohio, it was a whole different world. Dayton is tough—inner city life—and I was used to that. But up here, there was this togetherness, a community vibe. It was exciting, but I didn't know how to fit in. I remember telling my mom during my first week, "I can't do this. I want to come home." And she laid it out for me: "If you come back, you're getting a full-time job and paying bills. Or, you can stay, play basketball, and get your education paid for.” -Pj Weaver

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Enjoy Life Art: Meet Jazz Benitez

“I was hired at the coffee shop and asked to teach art classes. There wasn't one big defining moment, but rather taking the right steps or pivoting towards what felt good. Being around people who genuinely care about me created a foundation to bravely step into things I've always wanted to do but was too nervous to say yes. I found people who really cared about me as an individual and not just a number on their payroll. Finding my voice made this place home.” -Jazz Benitez

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Fashionable Flipping: Meet Brandon Lewis, The Dapper Agent

“We're opening up that 'Midland Bubble,' and that wasn't always the case. Midland has a reputation for being a 'God bless us and no more' type of town, but I think it's changing. Sometimes I compare us to the Dallas Cowboys - we had a heyday, but we need a championship, and inclusivity is a great start. What makes Midland great is the people, and having people of all ideologies and backgrounds sharing spaces makes us even better.” -Brandon Lewis

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Art Seen Festival is set to create three new murals across Midland County this June

The Art Seen Festival is returning to Midland for its fourth year, showcasing mural making and performances by local musicians. The festival will take place June 1 and 2, 2024 and promises to be bigger and better than ever before. This year's festival will feature a community mural in Downtown Midland and two commissioned murals: one in Lee Township and one in The Neighborhood.

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Home at the Ballpark: Meet Marcie Post, Founder of Midland Miracle Field

More often than not, I find that the real life stories of our neighbors are far more interesting than any blockbuster at the theatre. Marie Post is the Assistant Director of Public Services for the City of Midland Parks and Recreation Department. She’s also someone who experienced the loss of a child, and that changes you. She found a beautiful way to honor her son, Julian, through the creation of the Midland Miracle Field.

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Growing Home: Meet Beth De Vries, Founder of Phoenix Community Farm

I feel so grateful to live in a town that has so many people who are willing to work hard to make positive change for our community. Beth De Vries is one of those special humans. Read on to learn all about Phoenix Community Farm, and their mission to build a sustainable, vibrant community that is growing and eating healthy food together!

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Creating Home: Meet Heather Deogracia

It was an absolute pleasure to learn about the story of California transplant and artist Heather Deogracia. Her in depth education and struggles with mental health challenges have undoubtedly molded her unique perspective of the world. Read on to learn about her bright spirit and the persistence she has needed to push through to be where she is today.

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