The political climate has brought back to the surface open prejudice, bias and discrimination. These are challenges that, in the best of times, have been a part of the lives of the LGBTQ+ members of our community. But all young people are experiencing greater anxiety about social barriers. That’s where the Ann Arbor-based Neutral Zone focuses its work. Executive director Lori Roddy joined WEMU's David Fair to talk about the work to get around, over and through those hurdles.

No matter who you are or where you come from, building a happy, successful life and career will present its fair share of challenges. Now imagine taking on that task having just been released from prison. It can be daunting and overwhelming. A Brighter Way is an Ypsilanti-based non-profit that provides support and mentorship to returning members of our community. Organization deputy director LaQuan Hill joined WEMU's David Fair to share his story of imprisonment, release and working the path to a better future. Now, he's dedicated to passing along the lessons he’s learned to others in search of "A Brighter Way".

Foundational support systems can go a long way in determining life outcomes. When there are systemic barriers, the task of growing a successful and happy life becomes more difficult. The Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan continues its work in offering systems to support the emotional and economic self-determination of women and their families. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Hannah Reischl about challenges of achieving greater equity and equality.

Running away from problems usually doesn't work. Running through problems can be a game changer. That's where an Ypsilanti-based non-profit comes in. Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan serves Washtenaw and four other counties in empowering young girls by running—literally. The exercise is healthy in and of itself. The connections and relationships created help increase confidence and self-determination. WEMU's David Fair runs through the reasons why this is a program making a difference in our community with Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan's executive director, Danielle Plunkett.

Child abuse is still one of those subjects that are too frequently discussed in hushed tones. The aftermath of abuse can be lifelong, and that’s why prevention is so important. That’s where the Washtenaw Area Council for Children comes in. Its mission is to prevent victimization of our youngsters by working with kids, parents and youth-serving professionals. WEMU's David Fair gets a look at those efforts with the council's executive director, Tim Richey.

Efforts to combat income inequity and social justice have to have a strong foundational place from which to work. Literacy is right at the top of the list. Washtenaw Literacy is under new leadership, and it comes at a time when non-profits are struggling to find the financial support to maximize community impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with the new executive director, David Martineau, about the impact of the organization and where it goes from here.

The state budget hasn’t been passed yet, but all indications are that it will include significant cuts to social safety net programs. That will have impacts throughout the community, including at The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the center's CEO, Alex Plum, and discussed how he is preparing for the known and the unknown.

Dementia is ravaging. It steals from you. It robs from your family and friends. Still, there can be moments of joy. How we care for the afflicted is a work in progress. Joanna LaFleur is the founder of Memory Lane Foundation and is a dementia care expert with over 20 years’ experience. She joined WEMU's David Fair and took us through the process of creating a simpler approach to caregiving and providing dignity for a loved one with dementia.

If you couple community building with the power of storytelling, perhaps we can build a better world. That’s a big part of the philosophy of the 826michigan organization. It serves the creative young minds in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Ypsilanti and has now moved operations to the campus of Eastern Michigan University. WEMU's David Fair caught up with 826michigan's Washtenaw County Program Manager, Megan Gilson, about the process of engaging the right brain and putting it to work for personal and societal growth.

There is a silver wave underway. The percentage of older adults in Washtenaw County is growing, and forecasts expect that will continue. A good number of our elderly are on fixed incomes or on the low end of the earning spectrum. The costs of goods and services, particularly housing, is going up. How are we going to bridge the gap? That’s a question the Washtenaw Housing Alliance works to answer on a daily basis, including its new Shared Housing program. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director, Amanda Carlisle about helping our seniors to peacefully age in place.