Affordability is one of the major issues in 2026, and it has exacerbated food insecurity throughout the country and here at home in Washtenaw County. There are resources to help, but not everyone knows what is available. That is particularly true when you move beyond the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas. One such support service organization is the Manchester Community Resource Center. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Carol Wotring about what is available and how increasing demand is impacting that part of our community.

In 2025, there was a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washtenaw County. Federal immigration policy has created fear and uncertainty among the community's undocumented and documented immigrants. Federal funding changes have impacted some of the organizations that support immigrant people and families. That includes the Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) in Ypsilanti. What will the new year bring from ICE in Washtenaw County and Michigan? WEMU's David Fair put those questions before the MIRC's policy engagement and communications manager, Christine Sauve, on the first "Washtenaw United" conversation of 2026.

For more than 40 years, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum has filled the space of a former firehouse at 220 E. Ann Street in Ann Arbor. As we close out 2025, we can look forward to another fascinating and intriguing year. Susan Westhoff is President and CEO of the Museum and of the Leslie Science and Nature Center. She joined WEMU's David Fair to reflect on the current year and let us know about all of the new things we’ll get to learn in 2026!

Alpha House East is now open and providing shelter to the unhoused. The majority are Black women who are heads of households. WEMU's David Fair talked with Shonagh Taruza, the executive director of the Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House, about housing insecurity, homelessness and the systems that make it difficult to improve the situation.

Ypsilanti-based Growing Hope imagines a future where everyone has the power to shape their own food system, and no one has to go hungry. Call it “food sovereignty.” In a year when food insecurity is increasing, the Growing Hope family continues to work to empower people and communities. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director Julius Buzzard about this year and what comes in the New Year to create pathways from soil and dirt to health and wealth.

A vision born from tragedy is giving hope to the future. In 2017, Julie and Scott Halpert’s 23-year old son Garrett died by suicide. In their grief, and in hopes of preventing others from taking their lives, the Halperts envisioned a campus that would provide support to young adults in a non-medical setting. The residential part of that campus will soon be a reality. It is called Garrett’s Space. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director David Garcia about the vision, the mission and where construction of Garrett’s Space stands.

Social and educational stressors have increased for youngsters since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That's where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan comes in. But there are challenges in finding mentors and volunteers. WEMU's David Fair checked in with interim president Dr. Joselyn Mitchell-Parker about Big Brothers Big Sisters' role in our community and how it is evolving.

There was a time when many thought of libraries as simplay a place to check out books and to study quietly. No more. While you can still do both of those things, libraries have become much more. They are a center of community engagement and have programs designed to inspire a love of lifelong learning. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti District Library director Lisa Hoenig about its growing role in the community.

Suspensions in our public school system continue to be an issue. The students who are disciplined because of their behavioral issues often find it difficult to get out of the cycle and back on track. That’s where the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan makes a difference. WEMU's David Fair talked with the center's executive director, Peri Stone-Palmquist, about the work to secure an education for students in need and to light the path to a brighter future.

Envision a world where all people living with mental illness lead healthy productive lives and have equal opportunity. That’s the vision of Fresh Start Clubhouse in Ann Arbor. The non-profit emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and empower people living with mental illness and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. WEMU's David Fair talked about the people and the process with Fresh Start Clubhouse executive director Webb Lucas and member colleague Dan Seng.