community outreach

Federal funding cuts are having a dramatic impact on our community's ability to keep people fed. Among the affected is Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. WEMU's David Fair talked with its executive director, Barbara Niess-May, about how the organization is overcoming the adversity now and whether it's sustainable.

Ann Arbor Public Schools will welcome hundreds of community members to its inaugural Celebration of Partners and Volunteers this evening. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor has more.

It can be difficult to ask for help. For some, there is needless and harmful stigma or shame. And that should never be the case. Michigan Ability Partners continues to work to create pathways of self-sufficiency for veterans and those with disabilities. The transformations for those the organization work with are self-directed and, therefore, personal and more rewarding. Learn more in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Disability Partners Chief Executive Officer, Jan Little.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It remains an under-addressed issue around the country and here at home in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair talked with Safehouse Center executive director, Christine Watson, about the ongoing efforts to enhance sexual assault prevention and to increase the help and support for survivors.

The Ypsilanti Engagement Center, a short-term crisis intervention facility run by Home of New Vision, has suddenly shut its doors due to a major funding loss. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Alyshia Dyer was elected Washtenaw County Sheriff last November and has been on the job since January. She ran on a progressive policing agenda with an eye towards reducing harm in the community. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor sat down with the Sheriff to discuss how the transition is going early in her tenure and what her plans are for the future.

Older members of Ann Arbor’s LGBTQ+ community have limited places to connect, and some are coming together to share their concerns about the changing political and cultural climate. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

There are times when help is desperately needed, and it feels like there is nowhere to turn. Providing that resource is the mission of the 2-1-1 program. Dial 2-1-1, and you can be connected to assistance for critical services like housing, food, utility assistance and more. This is a nationwide program, and, in our area, the help center is administered by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. WEMU's David Fair was joined by 2-1-1 operations director Tasha Ball to learn more about the program and how it can serve as the connection needed to start the journey forward.

As part of WEMU’s recognition of Black History Month, we will be having conversations with distinguished members of our community. That includes community financial executive and Eastern Michigan University alumnus, Michael Pugh. He hails from a family of health care workers and grew up with a single mother. That experience led him to the personal realization that financial health is just as important as physical health. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor discussed with Michael his passion to help underserved communities find opportunities to build generational wealth.

Creating inclusive spaces for those with sensory needs is at the heart of "Feed the Need Sensory Zone." It’s a Washtenaw County nonprofit fostering a more inclusive community. Organization founder, Tiana Haygood, joined Rylee Barnsdale for this week's “On the Ground Ypsi.”