Washtenaw United
119 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -WEMU has partnered with the United Way of Washtenaw County to explore the people, organizations and institutions that are creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, you’ll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is, Washtenaw United.
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Episodes
Washtenaw United: Blacks In Washtenaw County More Likely To Face Felony Charges
September 28, 2020 11:15 - 898 BytesA recent study shows African Americans in Washtenaw County are far more likely than white people to be charged with felonies, and sentences tend to be longer. The data raises questions about prosecutorial discretion and biases in the criminal justice system. Aaron Kinzel is a lecturer of Criminology and Criminal Justice at University of Michigan-Dearborn and serves as Executive Director of the Youth Justice Fund. He joined WEMU’s David Fair on "Washtenaw United" to explore bias and the search...
Washtenaw United: Addressing Racism And Inequity By Creating Power, Agency, And Resilience
September 21, 2020 14:04 - 681 BytesThis past year has brought so much change to our community, from fighting the COVID-19 crisis to combatting racism and police brutality. The United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) is working to creating equity in access to opportunity and quality of life by the year 2030. UWWC campaign chair Brandon Tucker joined WEMU's David Fair on "Washtenaw United" to discuss the work that needs to be done over the next decade to meet those aspirations.
Washtenaw United: SafeHouse Center Continues Full Service To Survivors Despite Impacts Of Pandemic
September 14, 2020 10:09 - 854 BytesSafeHouse Center provides emergency shelter and an array of services to survivors on domestic violence and sexual assault in Washtenaw County. Like all other service agencies, the pandemic has an effect on the way it conducts its business and on the bottom line. In this week's "Washtenaw United," SafeHouse Center executive director Barbara Niess-May discusses maintaining vital and essential services during a public health crisis.
Washtenaw United: Safehouse Center Continues Full Service To Survivors Despite Impacts Of Pandemic
September 14, 2020 10:09 - 854 BytesSafeHouse Center provides emergency shelter and an array of services to survivors on domestic violence and sexual assault in Washtenaw County. Like all other service agencies, the pandemic has an effect on the way it conducts its business and on the bottom line. In this week's "Washtenaw United" SafeHouse Center executive director Barbara Niess-May discusses maintaining vital and essential services during a public health crisis.
Washtenaw United: 'Centering Justice' Giving Voice To Movement Toward Racial Equality And Justice
September 08, 2020 09:38 - 1.18 KBAll too often, when public discourse centers on issues of racial equality and justice, the voices we hear from are from white people. Ann Arbor-based NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work) is changing that by putting forth leaders in the Black community to lead the conversations. The online series is called "Centering Justice." Will Jones III is Relationship Manager at NEW. He joined WEMU's David Fair on this week's edition of "Washtenaw United" to discuss racism and the task of creating meaningf...
Washtenaw United: 21-Day Equity Challenge Offers Personal Journey Into Understanding Systemic Racism
August 31, 2020 10:34 - 671 BytesAs the search for an end to systemic racism continues to grow, some of the best advice is to first look inward. Toward that end, the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) is offering another 21-Day Equity Challenge. With support from the University of Michigan's Ginsberg Center, the UWWC joins other United Way chapters from around Michigan in raising understanding and awareness of racism. UWWC development and communications manager Ebony Robinson and Sara Saylor, the Ginsberg Center's assista...
Washtenaw United: "Barrier Busters" Increases Efforts To Help Those Affected By Pandemic
August 24, 2020 09:45 - 670 BytesThere are more than 90 service agencies and organizations in Washtenaw County helping area residents through the "Barrier Busters" program. For many, COVID-19 has only increased the need for assistance. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair discussed the issues with Moonson Eninsche from the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development.
Washtenaw United: 'Family Pod Match' Helps A2/Ypsi Area Parents Find Shared Child Care Opportunities
August 17, 2020 11:48 - 686 BytesThe prospect of an uncertain school year is causing a great deal of worry for most parents. A new service in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area called Family Pod Match aims to help navigate ways to alleviate some of that stress during COVID-19 and the new academic year. For this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with the program's founder, Sivan Jones, about how she can help find the right family match to share the burdens of daycare, so working parents can better balance need ...
Washtenaw United - Ypsi: In This Together
August 10, 2020 11:55 - 912 BytesWe are living through what many call a “double pandemic.” COVID 19-hit, and now we are struggling through another phase of change in the effort to end systemic racism and anti-Black violence. The struggles are real, and many feel alone and without support. Addressing it gave birth to the project “Ypsi: In This Together.” The program, developed in conjunction with the counseling services organization Collaborative ChangeMakers, is creating needed connection. In this week’s edition of “Washtena...
Washtenaw United: 'Faith In Action' Steps Up During Pandemic
August 03, 2020 08:56 - 660 BytesThe organization Faith in Action has provided food, shelter assistance, and other basic services to low income families in Chelsea and Dexter for decades. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, the organization has had to work extra hard. Faith in Action executive director Sheri Montoye joined WEMU's David Fair to share the stories of adapting to ever-changing circumstances and why there is inspiration to be found through fostering relationships through service work.
Washtenaw United: Local Organization Provides Assistance To Immigrant Families During Pandemic
July 27, 2020 08:53 - 832 BytesMexiquenses en Michigan is a grassroots, community organization established in 2016. It is integrated by vulnerable, immigrant families with limited access to decision-making, power, and resources. The Washtenaw County-based group dreams of what can be accomplished not just for immigrant communities, but with their active participation in all phases of the decision-making that affect their health, educational, and community outcomes. Organization president Maria Militzer shares this inspiring...
Washtenaw United: 'Catchafire' Program Helping Area Nonprofits Survive Pandemic Economy
July 20, 2020 10:36 - 674 BytesThe pandemic, and its impact on the economy, has forced some nonprofits to close. Others are just hanging on. The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation has partnered up to bring the services of "Catchafire" to the area, and it is making a difference. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with the foundation's Chris Lemon about how the partnership with Washtenaw Coordinated Funders and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund is creating a path forward.
Washtenaw United: 'Our House' Works With, And For, Area Foster Kids In Transitioning To Adulthood
July 13, 2020 08:15 - 908 BytesThe transition to adult life can be difficult for those raised in the foster care system. The Washtenaw County-based nonprofit, "Our House," was founded to make such transitions a little easier. However, the coronavirus crisis has made the organization's work more challenging. But, there are successes to champion and optimism for the future. In this week's "Washtenaw United," Our House executive director Natasha Doan-Motsinger speaks to WEMU's David Fair about how the organization, and those ...
Washtenaw United: Helping Local Transgender And Nonbinary Youth In 2020
July 06, 2020 11:55 - 658 BytesCOVID-19 and issues surrounding law enforcement and policing are impacting us all. Stay-at-home orders and bias can impact some portions of our community even more. The Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH) has received a grant from the United Way of Washtenaw County to assist transgender and nonbinary youth better deal with those issues. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair and MOASH executive director Taryn Gal will explore the intersection of adolescent ...
Washtenaw United: Ypsilanti District Library Helps Provide Historical Context On Race
June 29, 2020 08:24 - 614 BytesThe local and national dialogue on racism continues. To understand where we are and where we are going, it is important to understand how we got here. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair checks in with Sam Killian from the Ypsilanti District Library. They'll discuss the resources available while the library branches remain closed and look forward at what may come as they reopen.
Washtenaw United: Using Investment And Education To Build A Better Financial Future
June 22, 2020 11:23 - 675 BytesManaging finances can be difficult. It becomes infinitely more difficult if there is very little money to work with. COVID-19 has destroyed financial stability for a great many. Add in issues of racial and economic oppression, and the difficulties are further compounded. A grant secured via a partnership between the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) and the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development will allow for further investment in teaching residents in need how to ...
Washtenaw United: UWWC's National Day Of Action Goes Virtual For 2020
June 15, 2020 12:00 - 657 BytesEach year, the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) hosts its National Day of Action, where residents get together to improve their neighborhoods through community service. Yet, due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, this year will a little different. For this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair speaks to UWWC representative Madeline Mortimer and Engage @EMU staff member Kristen Klochko about the first-ever "National Day of Virtual Action," a partnership between UWWC and Eastern Mic...
Washtenaw United: Using Our Voices To Confront Systemic Racism And Police Brutality
June 08, 2020 11:46 - 686 BytesA matter of race and faith. Pastor Jason Robinson of Reach Church in Ypsilanti is ministering to an outraged and heartbroken congregation in the wake of yet another police killing of a black man. Is this time different? Will there be enough unity to make signifcant changes in systemic racism and bring an end to police brutality? Perspective from a faith leader in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: "Friends In Deed" Continues Community Support During Pandemic
June 01, 2020 09:04 - 926 BytesFor several decades, the Ypsilanti-based organization "Friends In Deed" has been a major asset to Washtenaw County residents. It has provided everything from furniture to financial aid to those who need it most. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation with Friends In Deed executive director Sarah Thornburg, who explains the organization's strategies during the COVID-19 crisis.
Washtenaw United: Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Adapts To COVID-19 Outbreak
May 25, 2020 11:50 - 925 BytesFor more than 50 years, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) has been investing in the community with the aim of improving quality of life. While the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t altered its mission, it has forced some changes in how the foundation decides how and where to apply its philanthropic efforts. In this week’s "Washtenaw United" conversation, WEMU’s David Fair explores the changing landscape with the CEO of the AAACF, Neel Hajra.
Washtenaw United: New Equity Challenge To Launch As COVID-19 Devastates African American Community
May 18, 2020 08:07 - 807 BytesAfrican Americans in Washtenaw County have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The percentage of infections and fatalities is higher than any other ethnicity. There are systemic reasons that existed pre-pandemic that are being highlighted by the crisis. The United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) is kicking off a new, five-day equity challenge in hopes of creating heightened awareness that, in turn, will prompt action to remedy the inequities. UWWC Vice President of Impact and Advocac...
Washtenaw United: Improving Adult Literacy Skills During The Pandemic
May 11, 2020 12:00 - 853 BytesFor nearly 50 years, Washtenaw Literacy has been dedicated to improving math and reading skills for adults. Now as the COVID-19 crisis goes on, the organization has had to change their tactics. Washtenaw Literacy executive director Amy Goodman joins WEMU's David Fair to discuss the organization's new methods in delivering the best adult education possible for this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: Packard Health Maintains Service Through Pandemic, Learns Lessons For The Future
May 04, 2020 12:37 - 688 BytesThe coronavirus pandemic has affected virtually everyone, but it has been particularly difficult for those who struggle with access to health care. On "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with Dr. Raymond Rion, executive director of Packard Health. It is the non-profit mission to help that part of the community, but there are changes in how many of those services are rendered.
Washtenaw United: Avalon Housing Increases Service Offerings In COVID-19 Crisis
April 27, 2020 12:16 - 685 BytesThe coronavirus crisis has proven particularly difficult for the homeless. Some Washtenaw County hotels are being used as temporary housing sites, but it is not a part of the long-term solution. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation with Aubrey Patiño, executive director of Avalon Housing in Ann Arbor, about what preparations are underway to serve the moment and the future.
Washtenaw United: UWWC Accumulates Over 80% Of Its COVID-19 Relief Fund Goal
April 20, 2020 12:17 - 683 BytesThroughout the coronavirus outbreak, the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has been building its $1 million, COVID-19 Community Relief Fund. It provides financial assistance to fellow nonprofit organizations to be put to use to those most vulnerable and in need. As of today, approximately $830,000 has been raised. For this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair is joined by UWWC president/CEO Pam Smith, who details the latest plans for the relief fund.
Washtenaw United: Systemic Racism Underlined In Pandemic, But Opportunity And Optimism Abound
April 13, 2020 12:22The Washtenaw County Health Department recently released data regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. The data shows African-Americans have a disproportionately higher number of cases, despite representing a much smaller segment of the overall population. On "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with Yodit Mesfin-Johnson, president and CEO of Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW) and chair of the board of the United Way of Washtenaw County. They discuss what the data reveals a...
Washtenaw United: Food Gatherers Addressing Increased Food Insecurity Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
April 06, 2020 12:51As we work through the Coronavirus pandemic, we must consider the needs of others, including basics like access to food. For more than 30 years, Food Gatherers has put feeding the hungry and addressing food insecurity at the center of its mission. During this public health crisis, the need for that work is increasing. Food Gatherers president and CEO Eileen Spring joined WEMU's David Fair to tell the story of a community coming together to make sure those needs are met in this week's installm...
Washtenaw United: UWWC Raises 2/3 Of Its $1 Million COVID-19 Community Relief Fund Goal
March 30, 2020 12:40The United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has committments for more than 600 thousand dollars in its effort to raise money for non-profits and those in the service sector. This week, it will begin setting priorities on how best allocate that money with a plan to get the money back into the community as quickly as possible. UWWC Vice President of Impact and Advocacy Bridget Healy provided the latest information in her conversation with WEMU's David Fair on this week's installment of "Washtenaw...
Washtenaw United: UWWC Well On Its Way To $1 Million Goal For COVID-19 Community Relief Fund
March 23, 2020 12:17As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many non-profits, businesses, and residents are under serious financial strain. The United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) decided to start a fund drive to help those in need. UWWC President/CEO Pam Smith joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation about the initiative in this week's installment of "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: The Latest On Washtenaw County's Response To COVID-19
March 16, 2020 12:45As the coronavirus outbreak continues, many developments have occurred in the state of Michigan. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair checks in with Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia about the latest precautions being taken in Washtenaw County to keep the virus from spreading any further.
Washtenaw United: Celebrating Americorps' 25 Years Of Service To The Community
March 09, 2020 11:13This fall, the Americorps program will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Washtenaw County has a robust Americorps program. In this week's "Washtenaw United," you'll meet two members who are taking the service work component of the program and building personal and professional growth into something of benefit to the greater community. WEMU's David Fair welcomes current Americorps member Tien Holmes and Americorps alumnus Brian Rakovitis to talk about the paths they're forging.
Washtenaw United: Personal Finances, Financial Literacy, And "Show Me The Money Day"
March 02, 2020 11:56As tax season gets closer, managing your finances can be challenging. Because of this, the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has partnered with local investment firm Revalue for an event called "Show Me the Money Day," which will offer free financial advice to any interested resident. UWWC financial stability specialist Tien Holmes and Revalue CEO Angela Barbash join WEMU's David Fair for a conversation about personal finances, financial literacy, and the resources to plan for the future ...
Washtenaw United: Turning Conflicts Into Solutions Through The Dispute Resolution Center
February 24, 2020 11:24Conflict resolution is not an easy task, which is why the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) was created. For several years, it has worked toward bringing peaceful and equitable solutions to local conflicts in both Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. DRC executive director Belinda Dulin joins WEMU's David Fair for a conversation about the center's mission in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: Changing The Face Of Racial Leadership In Washtenaw County
February 17, 2020 11:24Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW) has made it its mission to get nonprofit organizations the help they need. Their latest endeavor is the "Champions for Change" project, which intends to help achieve racial equity in leadership positions. Two of NEW's representatives, Melvin Henley and Will Jones III, explain the program in detail in this week's "Washtenaw United" with WEMU's David Fair.
Washtenaw United: Moving To An Empowered Future With 'Girls On The Run'
February 10, 2020 10:45"Girls on the Run" is a national program with a Washtenaw County chapter. It is a 10-week program designed to get girls moving but with an even more aspirational goal: Empowerment and confidence. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks to two of the program's leaders, Rhonda Fields and Manuela Yost. Plus, you'll meet one of the program's beneficiaries, Yost's daughter, Linda Gomez.
Washtenaw United: Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper Helps Build Brighter Futures
February 03, 2020 10:47The "My Brother's Keeper" program was created by the Obama administration in 2014, and Washtenaw County was among the first to sign on. Two representatives from Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper (WMBK), Rod Wallace and Jamall Bufford, talk to WEMU's David Fair about its latest projects for this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: Reflections On The UWWC's 21-Day Equity Challenge
January 27, 2020 13:14The United Way of Washtenaw County's 21-Day Equity Challenge is at an end. For this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair welcomes three guests who reflected on their participation in the challenge, what they learned individually, and how they can carry the message forward. A Brighter Way executive director Aaron Suganuma, Building Matters Ann Arbor executive director Jessica A.S. Letaw, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County enrollment coordinator Capri Ervin.
Washtenaw United: Washtenaw Intermediate School District Works To Address Educational Inequities
January 20, 2020 10:45The 21-Day Equity Challenge continues this month as put forth by the United Way of Washtenaw County. The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) is working to contributing to the cause, not only through the challenge, but throughout the year. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with WISD superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel and WISD justice facilitator Greg Myers about the district's work to promote equity and social justice.
Washtenaw United: U-M's Ginsberg Center Increasing Equity Through Partnership And Collaboration
January 13, 2020 09:26The United Way of Washtenaw County's 21-Day Equity Challenge is underway, and several organizations are doing their part to improve equity and social justice in the community. Among them is the University of Michigan's Edward Ginsberg Center. Two of the center's representatives, Dave Waterhouse and Dr. Neeraja Aravamudan, discuss their current efforts with WEMU's David Fair in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: 2020 Begins With 21-Day Equity Challenge
January 06, 2020 12:58The New Year is officially underway, and the United Way of Washtenaw County has now kicked off its 21-Day Equity Challenge. Ann Arbor YMCA President/CEO Toni Kayumi and Ypsilanti Township trustee Monica Ross-Williams talk to WEMU's David Fair about how they hope to improve equity, particularly on the Eastern side of the county, through partnership, development and increased opportunity.
Washtenaw United: Providing Food And Emergency Relief To Saline's Neediest Residents
December 30, 2019 12:50Saline is considered a rather affluent community, and some of its residents are still of need of basic necessities, like food and health care. For the last 50 years, Saline Area Social Service has been there to lend a hand. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation about the impacts Saline Area Social Service has made with its executive director, Anne Cummings, and one of its most devoted volunteers, Lynne Bush.
Washtenaw United: Reducing Eviction Leads To Less Homelessness In Washtenaw County
December 23, 2019 12:50Receiving an eviction notice is a difficult situation. Typically, it's the first step to homelessness. In response to this, SOS Community Services and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission created the SOS Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Eviction Prevention Program, which helps maintain housing for those at risk of eviction. SOS's executive director, Rhonda Weathers, and its housing support coordinator, Zhe-Ahnte Johnson, explain their program in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair for this week's "...
Washtenaw United: 'Girls Group' Guiding Teens And Young Women In Washtenaw County To A Sound Future
December 16, 2019 10:43Young women in Washtenaw County can face many obstacles in life, whether they're financial, educational, or emotional. Since 2003, Girls Group has been there to put these young women on the path to success. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation about the work Girls Group does with its executive director, Sue Schooner, and one of its first participants, Tanee Collins.
Washtenaw United: The 21-Day Equity Challenge Launches In Washtenaw County In January
December 09, 2019 11:29Fighting racism and social injustice is an ongoing battle. Washtenaw County residents will have a chance to make a difference through the United Way of Washtenaw County's "21-Day Equity Challenge." For this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair sits down for a conversation with UWWC President/CEO Pam Smith and UWWC board chair Yodit Mesfin Johnson about how the challenge works and what it seeks to accomplish.
Washtenaw United: We Can Fight Housing Discrimination And Win!
December 02, 2019 09:39The Federal Fair Housing Act banned housing discrimination in 1968, but fair housing laws are not self-enforcing. The Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid Michigan (FHC) is one of many organizations across the nation, whose mission is to ensure that no one faces discrimination when searching for a place to live. FHC's executive director, Pam Kisch, sits down with WEMU's David Fair to discuss the center's ongoing work for this week's installment of "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: VITA Volunteers Ready To Help Out Residents With 2019 Taxes
November 25, 2019 10:03The end of the year is approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about filing your tax returns. Such a task can be daunting, which is why the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) developed the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation about this program with UWWC senior community manager Amanda Reel and Bob Mull, who was UWWC's 2017 Volunteer of the Year.
Washtenaw United: Ann Arbor Meals On Wheels Driven By Volunteerism
November 18, 2019 10:55Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels relies on nearly 100 volunteers each week to ensure that our homebound neighbors receive their meals. People volunteer for a variety of reasons, and sometimes, it becomes a family affair. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels executive director Courtney Vanderlaan and one of its volunteers, Crystal Metzger.
Washtenaw United: Improvements In Washtenaw's Mental Health Services And Public Safety
November 11, 2019 11:23Back in November 2017, Washtenaw County voters approved a millage to increase funding for mental health services and public safety. In the last two years, those funds have been allocated to 11 new programs. Derrick Jackson from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department and Lisa Gentz from Washtenaw County Mental Health Services join WEMU's David Fair for a conversation about how these vital services have improved and what lies ahead in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: Ozone House Celebrates 50 Years Of Sheltering And Mentoring Local Youth
November 04, 2019 11:34For 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 benefited from this organization, and, now, he acts as one of its advocates and volunteers there as well. Youness and Ozone House executive director Krista Girty join WEMU's David Fair for a conversation about Ozone House's work and legacy in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: Personal Redemption And Community Opportunity Through Urban Farming
October 28, 2019 10:56There are many ways to work towards equity and opportunity in our community, but urban farming might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Melvin Parsons saw the trade as a way forward for himself and is now expanding and giving back through his "We the People Growers Association" and the "We the People Opportunity Center." Parson joined WEMU's David Fair for this week's installment of "Washtenaw United."