Running away from problems usually doesn't work. Running through problems can be a game changer. That's where an Ypsilanti-based non-profit comes in. Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan serves Washtenaw and four other counties in empowering young girls by running—literally. The exercise is healthy in and of itself. The connections and relationships created help increase confidence and self-determination. WEMU's David Fair runs through the reasons why this is a program making a difference in our community with Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan's executive director, Danielle Plunkett.

Child abuse is still one of those subjects that are too frequently discussed in hushed tones. The aftermath of abuse can be lifelong, and that’s why prevention is so important. That’s where the Washtenaw Area Council for Children comes in. Its mission is to prevent victimization of our youngsters by working with kids, parents and youth-serving professionals. WEMU's David Fair gets a look at those efforts with the council's executive director, Tim Richey.

Efforts to combat income inequity and social justice have to have a strong foundational place from which to work. Literacy is right at the top of the list. Washtenaw Literacy is under new leadership, and it comes at a time when non-profits are struggling to find the financial support to maximize community impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with the new executive director, David Martineau, about the impact of the organization and where it goes from here.

The state budget hasn’t been passed yet, but all indications are that it will include significant cuts to social safety net programs. That will have impacts throughout the community, including at The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the center's CEO, Alex Plum, and discussed how he is preparing for the known and the unknown.

Dementia is ravaging. It steals from you. It robs from your family and friends. Still, there can be moments of joy. How we care for the afflicted is a work in progress. Joanna LaFleur is the founder of Memory Lane Foundation and is a dementia care expert with over 20 years’ experience. She joined WEMU's David Fair and took us through the process of creating a simpler approach to caregiving and providing dignity for a loved one with dementia.

If you couple community building with the power of storytelling, perhaps we can build a better world. That’s a big part of the philosophy of the 826michigan organization. It serves the creative young minds in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Ypsilanti and has now moved operations to the campus of Eastern Michigan University. WEMU's David Fair caught up with 826michigan's Washtenaw County Program Manager, Megan Gilson, about the process of engaging the right brain and putting it to work for personal and societal growth.

There is a silver wave underway. The percentage of older adults in Washtenaw County is growing, and forecasts expect that will continue. A good number of our elderly are on fixed incomes or on the low end of the earning spectrum. The costs of goods and services, particularly housing, is going up. How are we going to bridge the gap? That’s a question the Washtenaw Housing Alliance works to answer on a daily basis, including its new Shared Housing program. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director, Amanda Carlisle about helping our seniors to peacefully age in place.

We all need a hand-up sometimes. Some of us need a little more. Since 1949, the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy has offered that support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A court decision in 2024 offered a boost in those services and changed the way the state approaches IDD. But the new federal administration’s policy changes and budget cuts put that progress at risk. WEMU's David Fair talked with the association’s President and CEO, Kristen Columbus, about all of it on this week’s "Washtenaw United".

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that primarily affects Black and Hispanic people. There are significant gaps in access to high-quality health care for people who live with the disease. Dr. Sarah Reeves is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of Michigan. She focuses her research on ways to improve access to quality health care for those living with sickle cell disease. Reeves discussed her work with WEMU's David Fair.

Public art in Ann Arbor says a lot about the character and identity of the city. The Ann Arbor Public Art Commission chooses to celebrate those who add to that dynamic, and the Golden Paintbrush Awards is one of the ways it does that. The nominating periods for the 2025 awards will close on August 1st. WEMU's David Fair talked about public art—and the awards—with the commission’s special projects committee member, Sophie Grillet.

President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill" is now the law, and it includes significant cuts to many social safety net programs. That includes Medicaid and food programs. Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels delivers a lot of meals provided by impacted food pantries to the community’s aging and homebound population. What will the impact be moving forward and what is the plan to accommodate the changes? WEMU's David Fair discussed it with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

Housing and food insecurity continue to grow in Washtenaw County, and the organizations that assist people through the difficult times are facing some challenges of their own right now. Rhonda Weathers is the executive director of SOS Community Services. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the role SOS Community Services has played in its 55 years in the area.