community outreach

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.

As winter continues in Washtenaw County, monthly heating bills may be a source of sticker shock for some residents. WEMU’s Ana Longoria shares ways to save money while staying warm.

Grocery prices are higher, the cost of clothes and school supplies is higher, just about everything we buy for our households is more expensive than a year ago. Affordability is a political issue, but for all too many, it’s a personal crisis. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is providing aid for these everyday items through its Community Fulfillment Center. WEMU's David Fair finds out more about the center’s growing role from UWSEM community engagement and outreach associate director Chris Taylor.

Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The national holiday is an annual reflection on how far we've come, where we stand along with progress that still needs to be made since Dr King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the National Mall in August of 1963. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talked with Eastern Michigan University Chief Access and Opportunity Officer Dwight Hamilton, as we explore the meaning of this day and associated activities here at EMU.

As national policy changes continue to reshape access to housing, food, health care, and other basic resources, more people are turning to local nonprofits for stability and support. Here in Ypsilanti, that increased need is being felt every day by organizations working directly with individuals and families in crisis. Tyrone Kelsey is the executive director of Friends In Deed. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his organization's ongoing mission to serve the public and the challenges they will face in the near future.

Affordability is one of the major issues in 2026, and it has exacerbated food insecurity throughout the country and here at home in Washtenaw County. There are resources to help, but not everyone knows what is available. That is particularly true when you move beyond the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas. One such support service organization is the Manchester Community Resource Center. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Carol Wotring about what is available and how increasing demand is impacting that part of our community.

The City of Chelsea is seeing early success with its community social worker pilot program. Goals are now in place for the program’s second and final year with hopes that it could be extended. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels continues to experience high demand for help putting food on the table. That demand is reflected in the organization's decision to add an eighth service route. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The City of Ann Arbor’s Snow Match program has been growing steadily with more volunteers signing up to help their fellow residents with snow removal. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.