Impact Stories

“Everyone’s story matters” – Matchacita became Matcharia!

When a local Matcha business received a cease and desist from a Chicago coffee shop, the story mattered here because it affected a Kalamazoo business and the people behind it. Support from PMN's donors helped ensure local journalists had the…

A lot has changed since 1983 – but one thing remains the same

I still get chills when I show somebody around the community access center. It has changed a lot through the years, but one thing remains the same. When someone new comes in here, they light up. Seeing the Vidcast studio,…

“Everybody’s feeling a little disconnected.”

Lately, it can feel like our world is more divided than ever. It’s harder to talk to people who see things differently. It’s harder to know what’s true. And it’s easier than ever to just tune out completely. But through public…

“It’s a shame if you don’t try” – Impact Story

Did you ever have to do a group project for school or work and struggle to get everyone together to work towards the same goal? It's one thing to even get a group of people on the same page, let…

“You have a right to voice it” – Impact Story

Imagine being creative but living in a community without a place to freely share that creativity. “There’s got to be a place where you can have a voice and tell your story,” said Kristen Chesak, Executive Director of the Arts…

Kaylana’s Story of Self-Confidence: Impact Spotlight

From being unsure how to ask for help and searching for support, to creating a podcast and learning how to believe in herself, Kaylana's journey was a challenging one. Kaylana got involved with PMN first when she was looking for…

Did you know your story matters? – Impact Story

When people share their stories, something powerful happens – understanding grows, perspectives shift, and neighbors see how much they truly have in common. You might not think it, but you have a story, and it matters. That's the heart behind All…