community outreach

"Students have a right to learn—no matter what." That is the motto of the Ypsilanti-based Student Advocacy Center of Michigan. The center stands up for K-12 students who deal with suspensions, face racial barriers, and get denied access to special education. Decky Alexander shared more about the center's ongoing work with its Co-Executive Director, Anell Eccleston.

Those reentering society after incarceration face numerous challenges, including addressing their own health. Yet, access to quality health care, housing, and other necessities can be exceedingly difficult. In response to this, Packard Health has partnered with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department to create the "Beyond Incarceration" program. Lee Van Roth talked all about this amazing initiative with Packard Health reentry coach Jessica Slone.

School is a month away for many students here in Washtenaw County. Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) are helping them get the supplies they need. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

A YMCA building that closed its preschool collaborative doors in March reopened in June as something else entirely — a free, neighborhood-embedded wellness and community hub now known as the "Neighborhood Collaborative". Ann Arbor YMCA President James Highsmith spoke with Lee Van Roth about the development of the Neighborhood Collaborative and what the future may hold for it.

When we think about a just society, we often think about laws, courts, and consequences. But what if we look at it through a humanist lens? True justice isn't about punishment. It's about recognizing the inherent dignity and infinite potential of every single human being. And nowhere is that test more critical than in how we treat our youth. Under the leadership of its Executive Director, Jason Smith, the Michigan Center for Youth Justice has championed tectonic shifts that are reshaping youth justice to build a stronger and more compassionate future for generations to come. Smith talked about the center's continuing mission of developing a truly fair justice system with Decky Alexander.

Military veterans and their families can face many difficulties after serving our country. Anything from housing to proper physical and mental health care can sometimes be out of reach. Fisher House Michigan in Ann Arbor is a resource for these veterans. Decky Alexander talked about Fisher House's work with its executive director, Kate Melcher.

Programming has grown swiftly in the last year-and-a-half at nonprofit Peace Neighborhood Center’s HUB Community Center in Ypsilanti Township. Thanks to a recent renovation of its facility, the organization now holds more community activities, including weekly dinners. Lee Van Roth talked all about Peace Neighborhood Center's latest endeavors with its executive director, Bonnie Billups.

Extreme temperatures are not safe for anyone and even riskier if you are older or have health problems. During the warm weather months, many of our homebound senior neighbors are navigating high summer temperatures alone. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talked with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels President and CEO Barbara Niess-May to talk about how the community can help watch out for their elderly neighbors.

There are a good number of families in Michigan and here in Washtenaw County that have children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of them don't go as far in life because there isn't enough opportunity available. Kerry Kafafian is among those parents. That's why, back in 2005, she began working on creating and developing a community for her son. 21 years later, the Many Hands Lifesharing Community is coming to fruition. Kerry joined WEMU's David Fair to tell her story on this week's "Washtenaw United."

Organizers are proudly reflecting on the growth of "Peacenic Ypsi," an annual community picnic intended to build bridges between residents and law enforcement, as its third year approaches. This year's event takes place on Saturday, June 13th at Ypsilanti's West Willow Park. Lee Van Roth talks about this summer event with Peacenic Ypsi founder Pastor Joseph Jackson.