community outreach

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.

The first use of alcohol and other substances often begins during the summer months. One local nonprofit is saving lives through education. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The American dream of home ownership is more and more difficult to attain. Many potential buyers cannot afford to purchase a home based on current mortgage rates, property taxes and inflation. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks to the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, Sarah Stanton, about the growing challenges of a market rigged against affordability.

State demographers warn that Michigan's aging population and stagnant labor market could have serious consequences if not addressed. One-third of Michigan's population is over 55, putting pressure on elder care and healthcare services. In Washtenaw County, there are a number of organizations working independently and collaboratively to serve the growing senior population. Among them is Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. WEMU's David Fair talked with Director Courtney Vanderlaan about what her organization is doing on its own and as part of the Big Hearts for Seniors collaborative.

Melvin Parson founded We The People Opportunity Farm with the mission of helping formerly incarcerated individuals get a second chance at life. After his tragic passing in March of this year, long-time member LaWanda Hollister took over as the farm's executive director. She talked with Lee Van Roth about her vision of keeping Parson's dream of helping others alive.

Food, housing, transportation, health care, education—the price of everything is going up and putting a strain on greater numbers of people. The hardship is worse for those who are already living at or under the poverty line. Combating poverty and the challenges that perpetuate poverty through generations is at the heart of the work performed by the Ypsilanti-based non-profit, Friends In Deed. While the need for assistance is growing, so is the resolve to address poverty and related issues. For Friends In Deed Executive Director R. Tyrone Kelsey, the mission is personal. He explains why in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Affordability not only continues to be an issue, it is a growing issue among working Americans. Here in Southeast Michigan, more than 40% of all households struggle to pay for basic needs like food, housing and healthcare. Current models indicate that number is likely to grow. Alyssa Alonte is the Manager of Community Investments at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She discussed how non-profits and individual donors are working to help get people through with WEMU's David Fair.