community outreach

Violence is far too pervasive around the country and right here in Washtenaw County. There are efforts to address these matters educationally, legislatively and through the criminal justice system. There is a program in Washtenaw County that is taking its anti-violence message straight to the streets called WeLIVE, which has a particular focus on preventing retaliatory violence. And the program is proving to be one successful. WEMU's David Fair was joined by community outreach specialist Roger Roper and Derrick Jackson from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office to find out more on efforts to prevent retaliatory violence.

Combatting poverty is difficult, particularly when you work against systemic issues that have been in place as long as the country. Ypsilanti-based "Friends In Deed" offers immediate and direct assistance to those in need but also invests in programming and mentorship that helps people build the tools and support community needed to get out of poverty permanently. Tracey Hoesch and Amtheyst Floyd from "Friends In Deed" joined WEMU's David Fair to share the progress being made to better address local poverty.

WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale learn more about the group SURE Moms from its founder, Florence Roberson. SURE stands for Sisters United Resilient and Empowered and is aimed at improving the lives of individuals and the community. It defines itself as a "peer support group for mothers of youth within the juvenile justice system".

WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale talk to Rev. Donald Phillips, who, along with his wife Dr. Teleah Phillips, lead the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It's a church that has 180 years of history, but they have a mission for the 21st century.

For more than 50 years, the Spectrum Center at the University of Michigan has been a leader in serving LGBTQIA+ students. The need remains, but the nature of the needs is changing. WEMU’s David Fair was joined by the director of the center, Jesse Beal, to look at the center’s role today and where it's headed.

The efforts to help refugees resettle in Washtenaw County will be receiving a boost in the coming weeks. Jewish Family Services, or JFS, will be opening a new food pantry with a commercial grade kitchen to help feed those in need. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

The research group behind the Guaranteed Income pilot program in Ann Arbor is beginning the process of searching for participants. The first step is to open a portal where people who are interested can sign up to receive updates. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

A local non-profit will soon be marking 26 years helping those who are struggling to improve their quality of life. The organization is called DAPCO. It helps those in the Ypsilanti community with everything from building a business to relationship mentoring to helping with health care and baby products. WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale were joined by DAPCO's co-founder, Brenda Griffin, to discuss community impact.

Mexiquenses en Michigan is a grassroots, community organization established in 2016. It is integrated by vulnerable, immigrant families with limited…

On the job for nearly two months, Michael Cox says he's taking some time to get to better know the city and the men and women of the police department as…