community outreach

We all need a hand-up sometimes. Some of us need a little more. Since 1949, the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy has offered that support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A court decision in 2024 offered a boost in those services and changed the way the state approaches IDD. But the new federal administration’s policy changes and budget cuts put that progress at risk. WEMU's David Fair talked with the association’s President and CEO, Kristen Columbus, about all of it on this week’s "Washtenaw United".

The Rising Hope Housing program organizers can help Washtenaw County residents with prior criminal records find housing more effectively thanks to a state grant. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement condemning President Trump’s executive order addressing homelessness and drug use. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

The Ann Arbor Police Department on Tuesday showed its appreciation to the officers and volunteers who helped in the search to find 82-year-old Dr. Ralph Yang last month. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) is making summer more accessible, educational, and fun for everyone in the community. The library's eighth annual Summer Challenge, where readers of all ages earn badges for prizes, to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, offers a full slate of free programming. Lee Van Roth (formerly Rylee Barnsdale) will share more about the program and others being offered in a conversation with YDL Community Relations Coordinator, Sam Killian.

Housing and food insecurity continue to grow in Washtenaw County, and the organizations that assist people through the difficult times are facing some challenges of their own right now. Rhonda Weathers is the executive director of SOS Community Services. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the role SOS Community Services has played in its 55 years in the area.

There is strength in numbers, and in a time of increasing community need, banding together can make a difference. That’s the idea behind the group “Ann Arbor Women for Good.” The group has focused its efforts based on Grapevine’s philosophy of “Giving Circles.” WEMU's David Fair talked with business owner, community volunteer, credentialed leadership and executive coach Lisa Pasjberg about how the group started, its impact so far and what lay ahead.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan has earmarked $5.2 million to support households in need, over $1 million of which will benefit Washtenaw County nonprofits. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Pride Month is about to conclude, and important community conversations have been taking place. It's a month-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on their contributions, achievements and the ongoing fight for equality. WEMU's David Fair wraps up Pride month with Joe Halsch, president of the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor.

Current Ypsilanti Police Chief Tim Anderson took the reins from former Chief Kirk Moore who retired earlier this year after just two years in the role. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor recently sat down with Anderson to talk about his goals for the community moving forward, as well as police morale after several years of upheaval in the department.