community service

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.

Eastern Michigan University’s food pantry is marking its tenth anniversary of operation with plans to expand and grow in its community service. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The City of Ann Arbor has decided to renew its trial with Throne Labs to provide public restrooms downtown for $540,000. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Founded in 2001, the nonprofit Girls on the Run Southeast Michigan has provided high-quality, research-backed programming that blends physical activity with life skill development for over 24,000 girls in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. With nine locations in Ypsilanti, Girls on the Run aims to help participants realize their limitless potential and boldly pursue their dreams. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale shares more about the program with one of the Ypsilanti site leaders, Estabrook Elementary teacher Cheri Cottrell, on this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

The price of food is forcing some people to make some difficult decisions. The level of food insecurity among college students is increasing dramatically. Swoop's Food Pantry at Eastern Michigan University has seen the level of service it provides increase in recent years, and the projection is that the need will only grow. WEMU's David Fair talked with Swoop’s Pantry graduate assistant Colton Ray about what it takes and what it’s going to take to help a growing number of EMU students.

As you might imagine, those who are returning to the community after a period of incarceration face a good deal of prejudice and discrimination. That makes finding a job difficult and can result in higher recidivism rates. Billy Cole and Bryan Foley are working to not only change that but are trying to de-escalate community violence by addressing trauma and other factors that lead to incarceration. Billy and Bryan head an organization called Supreme Felons, and they share their personal stories that led them to professionally try and keep people out of the cycle of incarceration with WEMU's David Fair.

For more than 100 years, the Girl Scouts has worked to help turn young girls into strong, productive women. March is Women’s History Month, and the evolution of the Girl Scouts as an institution continues. JoAnna Roach is adult education and enrichment director for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She was a scout herself and now dedicates her professional life to working with girls and volunteers in what she calls “the best job in the world.” JoAnna joined WEMU's David Fair as the first guest on a month-long Women’s History Month series on "Washtenaw United."

Today, those at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County are working to provide free meals to those in need over the holiday. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

The fight for equality and inclusion for all continues. Nationally, there is an ongoing debate over "drag culture" and its impacts on community. As we begin to wrap up Pride Month, WEMU's David Fair spoke with the CEO of the Ypsilanti-based "Boylesque Michigan" drag troupe. Jadein Black discusses her personal mission and the nature of the troupe's mission to create greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.