Media Releases

Empowering local leaders to build a healthier Berrien County starts with residents who know their neighborhoods best. Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health have opened applications for the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy—a free 12-week program for residents of Niles, Niles Charter Township, Buchanan, and Buchanan Township. The Academy is designed to build local civic leadership, and residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in formal leadership … [Read more...] about LEAD WHERE YOU LIVE: Community Leadership Academy Opens Applications

Benton Harbor, MI — When neighbors come together to learn, listen, and lead, a community’s future begins to shift. Over the past several months, a group of Benton Harbor residents has been doing just that—meeting after work, asking hard questions, and building the skills needed to act on the issues that matter most to them. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM community members, partners, and families are invited to gather at the Corewell Center for Wellness for an evening … [Read more...] about Celebrating Leadership, Inspiring Change: Berrien County’s First Community Leadership Academy Graduates

Funding Strengthens Local Systems That Make Healthy Living Easier Saint Joseph, MI — Across Berrien County, residents are finding new ways to live healthier— walking connected trails, shopping at local farmers markets, and participating in programs that strengthen neighborhoods. By improving walkability, expanding food access, and responding to residents’ needs— these community-driven efforts show how everyday life can flourish when health becomes a shared priority. A $55,000 award from … [Read more...] about Health Happens Here: Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Supports Community Change with $55,000 Award

The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation in partnership with Be Healthy Berrien launched the Savor Collective, an incubator program developed to support local food entrepreneurs and farmers. Supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the New Ventures Fund, sustainable cities initiative project. The program focused on helping socially disadvantaged businesses by offering technical support and resources. The 16-week program … [Read more...] about Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation in partnership with Be Healthy Berrien launched the Savor Collective

Since kicking off on June 18th, the Benton Harbor Farmers Market has once again proven to be a beloved summer tradition and a vital resource for the community. Running through September 24th, the market quickly built momentum, drawing nearly 600 visitors on its second day alone, a true testament to its role as a gathering place for fresh food, creative crafts, and meaningful connections. New Vendors & More Variety This year’s market is brimming with fresh energy. The 2025 season … [Read more...] about Benton Harbor Farmers Market: A Seasonal Celebration of Community, Flavor & Local Flair

Be Healthy Berrien, a collective impact initiative anchored by United Way of Southwest Michigan, has received a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to launch the Community Leadership Academy, a project aimed at uplifting health and wellness in Berrien County through local leadership. Driven by Partnership, Rooted in Community In partnership with Corewell Health, this initiative empowers residents to become catalysts for change, fostering healthier, safer, and more equitable … [Read more...] about Community Leadership Academy: Empowering Our Communities