In the run-up to Election Day, "Washtenaw United" is spotlighting local candidates for state Senate and state House. This week, WEMU presents Tawn Beliger, who is challenging incumbent Sue Shink for the 14th Senate District. She spoke with Decky Alexander about her goals for the state of Michigan if elected.

In the run-up to Election Day, "Washtenaw United" is expanding focus from those who move and shake the nonprofit and advocacy world to those who move and shape our policy world—our local candidates for state Senate and state House. This week, WEMU presents State Sen. Sue Shink, who represents the 14th Senate District. She spoke with Decky Alexander about her work and her goals for the state of Michigan if re-elected.

The words, "I want to be ready," spring from one of the 6,000 African American spirituals that speak not just about waiting for what's next but actively preparing the ground we stand on. Here in Washtenaw County and in most communities, keeping cultural legacies alive and present requires that same kind of preparation. That’s what the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale stands for. Decky Alexander talked about the chorale’s history and purpose with its musical director, Dr. Lavonte’ Heard.

The "Power of the Purse" fundraiser is one of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan's most anticipated events. It has raised more than $450,000 to fund organizations focused on advancing the economic success of women. Decky Alexander talked about this year's Power of the Purse event with Katie Groves, UWSEM's Senior Director for Engagement and Experience.

The Washtenaw Housing Alliance is one of many groups working in our community to end homelessness in Washtenaw County. The latest tool in its mission is the Yvonne Fund, which is designed to create lasting systemic solutions to homelessness. The fund's development director, Madeline Garcia, and the fund's cabinet chair, Norman Herbert, explained the project in more detail with Decky Alexander.

The leading cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, and that's especially true here in Washtenaw County. Avalon Housing in Ann Arbor works to solve this problem by building more supportive housing communities. The group's co-executive directors, Scott Ellis and Molly Smith, joined Decky Alexander to talk about Avalon's ongoing mission and what may lie ahead for the organization.

Ann Arbor youth are very lucky to have not one, but two, fantastic educational venues. The Leslie Science and Nature Center gives kids a great outdoor experience, while the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum stimulates their minds with indoor activities. Charlie Reischl is the Director of Advancement at both institutions, and he joined Decky Alexander to talk about their latest work, including the "Access for All" initiative and the upcoming "Flutter" fundraiser.

The Ypsilanti-based SOS Community Services has worked diligently to help those facing homelessness with all available resources. Yet, completely solving the homeless epidemic in Washtenaw County remains a lofty goal. Decky Alexander discussed SOS's latest work with its Executive Director, Rhonda Weathers.

For many years, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County has provided food, shelter and hope for those who need it. And yet in recent months, the number of resources the association provides our community has lessened. Decky Alexander discussed this new reality with the association's chief development officer, Versell Smith Jr.

SafeHouse Center, based out of Ann Arbor, has served as a haven for those who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. Christine Watson has served as the center's executive director since 2022. She joined Decky Alexander to discuss what SafeHouse has achieved during her time and what the future may hold.