community outreach

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.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (YMOW) plays a vital role in keeping seniors across the community fed, connected, and supported. As federal and local funding streams face uncertainty, YMOW is faces rising demand for services. Lee Van Roth discussed the challenges with YMOW president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

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.

Avalon Housing broke ground this week on its first Ypsilanti project on North Washington, but there are still many concerns regarding how all its tenants will be to handle expected reductions in social services. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ypsilanti Community Schools is helping students experiencing housing insecurity get situated for the start of the new school year. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.