community outreach

Envision a world where all people living with mental illness lead healthy productive lives and have equal opportunity. That’s the vision of Fresh Start Clubhouse in Ann Arbor. The non-profit emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and empower people living with mental illness and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. WEMU's David Fair talked about the people and the process with Fresh Start Clubhouse executive director Webb Lucas and member colleague Dan Seng.

LEAF Harm Reduction is a organization designed to help people recovering from substance abuse disorder. The program provides wellness checks and helps create community connections. Lee Van Roth shares more about LEAF's mission with the organization's director, Corn Williams.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. While most are planning their celebrations and family gatherings, there are all too many who struggle with grief through this time of year. There are strategies that can help all year long, and that’s the focus on the Ann Arbor-based non-profit, GrieveWell. WEMU's David Fair caught up with GrieveWell’s Outreach and Marketing Manager, Alice Liao, and they discussed the healthy management of grief and the journey to a place of peace.

The political climate has brought back to the surface open prejudice, bias and discrimination. These are challenges that, in the best of times, have been a part of the lives of the LGBTQ+ members of our community. But all young people are experiencing greater anxiety about social barriers. That’s where the Ann Arbor-based Neutral Zone focuses its work. Executive director Lori Roddy joined WEMU's David Fair to talk about the work to get around, over and through those hurdles.

No matter who you are or where you come from, building a happy, successful life and career will present its fair share of challenges. Now imagine taking on that task having just been released from prison. It can be daunting and overwhelming. A Brighter Way is an Ypsilanti-based non-profit that provides support and mentorship to returning members of our community. Organization deputy director LaQuan Hill joined WEMU's David Fair to share his story of imprisonment, release and working the path to a better future. Now, he's dedicated to passing along the lessons he’s learned to others in search of "A Brighter Way".

Lori's Hands is a nonprofit organization that connects college student volunteers to adults in the community who are living with chronic illness. The students provide companionship and practical assistance to people who share their health and life experiences to support students’ learning. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked to Maddi Riemenschneider, Lori's Hands Metro Detroit Senior Manager, and Eastern Michigan University student James Thurman about the organization's mission to connect generations within the community.

On November 4, voters will decide between two candidates running for mayor of Milan. Laura Russeau is a longtime advocate and community organizer who ran for Milan City Council two years ago is running against incumbent Mayor Ed Kolar, who is seeking his third two-year term. Russeau joined WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor to talk about her candidacy and the issues that are important to her.

In a world in which unity seems harder to come by, one local non-profit has found a way to help people connect in a creative way. The motto of Our Community Reads is, “A community that reads together, grows together.” Its founder and executive director is Kallista Marie. She discusses the work of the organization with WEMU's David Fair.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Intimate partner violence will touch the lives in two out of every five women in America. That holds true here in Washtenaw County, as well. For decades now, the issue has been brought out in the open, yet it remains a public health crisis. WEMU's David Fair spoke with SafeHouse Center executive director, Christine Watson, about raising more awareness and activism.

Many Hands Lifesharing Community is celebrating its next step in helping the developmentally disabled in Washtenaw County. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.