mentorship program

When former President Barack Obama signed a declaration establishing the My Brother's Keeper Task Force, it promised a coordinated federal effort to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. Washtenaw My Brothers Keeper will hold a celebratory gala on Sunday, November 5th. In the meantime, WEMU's David Fair discussed the organization's growing scope of work with Washtenaw My Brothers Keeper project specialist, Jamall Bufford.

Ypsilanti native Deshawn Leeth has spent most of his young life in and out of the juvenile justice system, and, by age 18, he was sent to prison. After his release, Leeth discovered there were very few resources to help him readjust to society, which led to create the nonprofit mentorship organization, "Underdawg Nation". Leeth talks about his experiences while incarcerated and his work with underserved youth with WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

The creative arts can play a significant role in providing structure and direction for our at-risk children. However, access to such programs often prove difficult for many families, particularly in lower income communities and communities of color. How can youngsters connect with strong mentors and gain access to good training? That’s the mission of Elevation Youth Corp. WEMU's David Fair talked with the group's president, Keith Ragland, and its executive director, Yolanda Ragland, about engaging and connecting at-risk youngsters to a brighter future.

There is a value in mentorship and the wisdom of our elders. Unfortunately, not every family has access to such relationships and it can have adverse educational impacts. That’s the reason the Washtenaw County Foster Grandparent Program exists. WEMU's David Fair met with the director of the program, Sandy Bowers, and foster grandparent Annie Young. They discussed the positive differences created for both children and the foster volunteers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County will be merging with its sister organization in Metro Detroit. WEMU's Cathy Shafran reports.

Mitigating inequity continues to prove difficult. That can be said for people of color, women, and those on the low-income side of the economic scale. Now, imagine trying to overcome those barriers fresh out of prison. Helping overcome those obstacles for convicts returning to society is the purpose of "A Brighter Way" in Washtenaw County. Adam Grant is a former inmate himself and now serves as its executive director. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss his story of redemption and the work underway to help others do the same.

Since 1969, Ozone House has been a place where young people can go to for shelter and protection from their troubled lives. As the organization celebrates…

For the last five decades, Ozone House has been a place where troubled young people can go for shelter and guidance. Bara Youness was one of many kids who…

The Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this month. In "creative:impact," WEMU's David Fair and Deb Polich of The Arts…

During the Obama administration, a new program called "My Brother's Keeper" was established to assist young people of color in their education and…