At some point, we will all experience grief. How we accommodate and live with loss is different for each of us. For the most mature among us, it remains heartbreakingly difficult. Young people feel it just as deeply but are more likely to lack the tools to deal with and work through it. The vision of Ele’s Place is to ensure no child grieves alone. Its mission is to support children and their families as they cope with loss. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Bereavement Coordinator Olivia Wilder to discuss that work in Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan.

Thousands across Michigan proudly decide to become Girl Scouts. The program is robustly present in Washtenaw County, too. The mission of the organization is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Still, scouting has had its fair share of controversies through the years. Brenna West is Chief Communications Officer with the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She talked to WEMU's David Fair about the drive for equity, equality and inclusion and about some of the hurdles in helping girls get to that place.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Republicans agree: Enhancing literacy needs to be a greater statewide priority. While they negotiate how best to support literacy efforts, there are strong programs available through our libraries. WEMU's David Fair explored the underdiscussed and appreciated role of these institutions with the director of the Ann Arbor District Library, Eli Neiburger.

There are difficult jobs and there are really hard jobs. Imagine working every day to try and find quality, accessible and affordable child care for single parents and low-income families. It isn’t easy and, in many regards, is getting more difficult. Annette Sobicinski and her team take on that job every day. Annette is executive director of the Child Care Network, and she joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the growing challenges and where success is being found.

The Bird Center of Michigan continues to grow in scope and impact. It was created as the Bird Center of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor back in 2004 but changed to the Bird Center of Michigan and moved to Saline in 2021. The center not only aids birds, wildlife and the environment, it creates educational and personal growth opportunity through some unique programs. WEMU's David Fair talked with Clinic Manager Marissa Jardine about the center's impact.

Ann Arbor City Council recently approved contributions to its first project in its innovative Bluebelt initiative. The Bluebelt program is a supplement and extension of the city’s Greenbelt land preservation program. It aims to improve area water quality. Now, in partnership with Washtenaw County and Scio Township, Ann Arbor is purchasing the Davenport Property just west of the city, along Mill Creek. That will add 79 acres of woods, wetlands and farmland. WEMU's David Fair got an update on the Bluebelt program with Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson.

For as long as we’ve been discussing advancements in mental health care and the work to destigmatize mental health issues, there is still a lot of work to be done. One of the efforts in Washtenaw County is the “#wishyouknew” campaign. It is put forth by the Washtenaw County Health Department. WEMU's David Fair talked with the county's communications coordinator, Lisa DeRamos, about the program, who it is helping and how it can connect you with available resources.

Tax season is in full swing now. Not many people love paying taxes, but for low-income individuals and families, it can be a hardship just finding the money for someone to prepare the taxes. Here in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan, there is expert, IRS-certified tax preparation assistance available, and there is no cost to any individual or couple earning less than $69,000 a year. Last year, in Washtenaw County alone, it saved residents over $2 million. WEMU's David Fair got the details in this conversation with the United Way’s Megan Tybos.

Research shows that having early childhood education produces better outcomes. Access and affordability are still issues for a great number of families. For parents of infants and toddlers, finding high quality and affordable day care has become increasingly difficult. Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County has been working in this arena since 1934 and is the oldest, continuously running childcare center in Michigan. Here in 2026, it is still working through these issues with local families. WEMU's David Fair talked about access and affordability and the future of early education with executive director Sandy Williams.

We’ve been through a stretch of bitter cold and wintery conditions. It has been inconvenient for most of us. For the unhoused, it has been potentially deadly. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Shelter Association of Washtenaw County executive director Nicole Adelman about the work and increased costs of helping those in need.