We are living through what many call a “double pandemic.” COVID 19-hit, and now we are struggling through another phase of change in the effort to end systemic racism and anti-Black violence. The struggles are real, and many feel alone and without support. Addressing it gave birth to the project “Ypsi: In This Together.” The program, developed in conjunction with the counseling services organization Collaborative ChangeMakers, is creating needed connection. In this week’s edition of “Washtenaw United,” Dr. Mishelle Rodriguez shares the genesis and growth of the program with WEMU's David Fair.
WEMU has partnered with the United Way of Washtenaw Countyto explore the people, organizations, and institutions creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, you’ll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is 'Washtenaw United.'
ABOUT DR. MISHELLE RODRIGUEZ
Dr. Rodriguez is the owner and founder of Collaborative ChangeMakers. She's been providing counseling for over 12 years. She specializes in Black mental health, trauma, and helping people manage stressors and thrive in high-achievement settings. She's married with two sons.
RESOURCES:
UWWC STATEMENT:
UWWC has been a long standing investor in the capacity and services of Community Life Family Center. Beginning in 2015, through our partnership with the Washtenaw Coordinated Funders, UWWC made a 4-year funding commitment to CFLC to build their organizational capacity. This funding, totaling $31,200, provided operating support and underwrote the cost of CFLC working with Nonprofit Enterprise at Work, to support activities such as strategic planning and board development.
Earlier this year, Pastor Powell reached out to UWWC to note the lack of mental health support to folks on the east side. We helped facilitate a connection to a local mental health counselor, and that collaboration submitted a request to our COVID-19 Community Relief Fund. We invested $20,000 to support their efforts to bring mental health supports to east side residents.
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU. You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu
