community outreach

Testimonials are pouring in to remember Melvin Parson. The founder of We The People Opportunity Farm in Ypsilanti passed away on Thursday. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Joan Sampieri, a well-known Washtenaw County advocate for civil rights and a role model to many, passed away in January. In the '70s, she ran women’s and girls’ defense classes and served at a rape care center. After moving to Michigan, she became President of the League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County. Sampieri’s daughter, Jennifer Fairfield, talked to WEMU's Caroline MacGregor about her mother’s life and legacy, including her work with the Ann Arbor chapter of the NAACP and the Western Washtenaw Democrats.

For as long as we’ve been discussing advancements in mental health care and the work to destigmatize mental health issues, there is still a lot of work to be done. One of the efforts in Washtenaw County is the “#wishyouknew” campaign. It is put forth by the Washtenaw County Health Department. WEMU's David Fair talked with the county's communications coordinator, Lisa DeRamos, about the program, who it is helping and how it can connect you with available resources.

At Ypsilanti Community Schools, the Resiliency Center has grown into one of these spaces that really is making a difference in our community. Since its start, the center has expanded from a single room into a multi-room resource hub, offering clothing, hygiene supplies, internet access, and connections to community services for hundreds of families each year. Lee Van Roth talked about the Resiliency Center's history and the work it does today with its director, Cherisa Allen.

Research shows that having early childhood education produces better outcomes. Access and affordability are still issues for a great number of families. For parents of infants and toddlers, finding high quality and affordable day care has become increasingly difficult. Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County has been working in this arena since 1934 and is the oldest, continuously running childcare center in Michigan. Here in 2026, it is still working through these issues with local families. WEMU's David Fair talked about access and affordability and the future of early education with executive director Sandy Williams.

We’ve been through a stretch of bitter cold and wintery conditions. It has been inconvenient for most of us. For the unhoused, it has been potentially deadly. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Shelter Association of Washtenaw County executive director Nicole Adelman about the work and increased costs of helping those in need.

As winter continues in Washtenaw County, monthly heating bills may be a source of sticker shock for some residents. WEMU’s Ana Longoria shares ways to save money while staying warm.

Grocery prices are higher, the cost of clothes and school supplies is higher, just about everything we buy for our households is more expensive than a year ago. Affordability is a political issue, but for all too many, it’s a personal crisis. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is providing aid for these everyday items through its Community Fulfillment Center. WEMU's David Fair finds out more about the center’s growing role from UWSEM community engagement and outreach associate director Chris Taylor.

Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The national holiday is an annual reflection on how far we've come, where we stand along with progress that still needs to be made since Dr King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the National Mall in August of 1963. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talked with Eastern Michigan University Chief Access and Opportunity Officer Dwight Hamilton, as we explore the meaning of this day and associated activities here at EMU.

As national policy changes continue to reshape access to housing, food, health care, and other basic resources, more people are turning to local nonprofits for stability and support. Here in Ypsilanti, that increased need is being felt every day by organizations working directly with individuals and families in crisis. Tyrone Kelsey is the executive director of Friends In Deed. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his organization's ongoing mission to serve the public and the challenges they will face in the near future.