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That’s the belief of Robin Robinson, a talented musician, Broadway musical actor, and singer/songwriter who now fills her soul helping children and their families discover the joy of music at Robinsongs for Kids. Join host Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet Robin and hear why she was inspired to leave New York to teach.

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.

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.

Early this morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a roughly $80 billion budget for the fiscal year. State Senator Jeff Irwin is chair of the Appropriations Committee for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak to provide a snapshot of the environmental implications of the budget.

It's officially October, and there's a whole bunch of award-worthy movies arriving with the fall season! WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to discuss all of your movie options.

Fall has arrived, and the transition towards Michigan’s colder months is underway. Many property owners are already looking ahead and designing spring plans for the lawn. That would include Saline resident Edith Anderson. Edith goes beyond modern landscape design and is “Rebuilding Nature: Yard by Yard.” That’s the title of her recently published book. Edith joined WEMU's David Fair to share why more homeowners are trading sterile lawns for living landscapes that welcome back the birds, bees and butterflies.

Ypsilanti Community High School has officially been authorized as an international baccalaureate career-related program school. It's a milestone that expands college credit opportunities, hands-on learning and career pathways for students. This designation is also a key step in the district's broader magnet school vision aimed at preparing scholars for life success. Lee Van Roth talked all about it with YCS director of special projects and magnet schools, Turquoise Neal.

The first frost of the season probably isn’t too far away. Properly preparing the agricultural soil for next spring and summer is a matter of timing. Getting the cover crops in place is essential before a hard freeze occurs. The Washtenaw County Conservation District is working to make it convenient and effective for local farmers. Conservation technician Matt Dejonge explained it all in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

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.

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.