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: Healthy Youth And Healthy Futures At The Corner Health Center In Ypsilanti
October 21, 2019 10:21Access to health care at a young age can prove difficult sometimes. Fortunately, the Corner Health Center makes it possible in a high-quality, judgement-free environment. The center's executive director, Versell Smith, Jr., joins WEMU's David Fair for a conversation about what the center is all about in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: Working Toward Racial Equity In Washtenaw County
October 14, 2019 11:50Washtenaw County is one of the economically vibrant communities in southeast Michigan. Yet, there are socio-economic and racial disparities to work through. That is why the county has created the position of Racial Equity Officer. Alize Asberry Payne is the first person to take the title and joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the "One Community" initiative in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: HomeShare Program Provides Affordable Housing And Companionship For The Elderly
October 07, 2019 11:50Providing affordable housing for low-income residents can be difficult, especially those who are senior citizens. Fortunately, Michigan Medicine created the HomeShare program, which allows seniors to share housing with other individuals. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair has a conversation about this amazing program with Janet Hunko, director of the Housing Bureau for Seniors at Michigan Medicine, and Judy Slater, who volunteers regularly with HomeShare.
Washtenaw United: Finding The Right Path Through The Peace Neighborhood Center In Ann Arbor
September 30, 2019 10:52For 50 years, the Peace Neighborhood Center in Ann Arbor has been providing opportunity to those facing social and economic challenges. The work continues today with services, such as the Alternatives for Youth (AFY) program. The center's executive director, Bonnie Billups, Jr., joins David Fair for a conversation about creating opportunity and working toward equity in this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: The Ann Arbor Center For Independent Living
September 23, 2019 11:26T he way we’ve developed the world isn’t always fully accessible. For those with challenges, accessibility remains an issue. WEMU's David Fair introduces you to two men who are helping open doors for those who often felt locked out. Alex Gossage is interim executive director for the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living and Will Purves is director of planning and program development.
Washtenaw United: Providing Better Services To Aging Adults In Rural Communities
September 09, 2019 10:55In rural communities, services, such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and access to public transportation, can be seriously limited. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) was created by the Corporation and National Community Service (CNCS) and housed within the Senior Services department at Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. The RSVP program seeks out community partnerships who are in need of volunteers to help support their mission and goals. Manchester Community R...
Washtenaw United: Building Futures By Expunging The Past
August 26, 2019 10:14If you’ve been convicted of a crime, getting a job can be far more difficult. That is particularly true for felons but even those with misdemeanors run into employment barriers. That’s the idea behind an upcoming expungement fair in Washtenaw County. In this week’s "Washtenaw United," attorney Michael Kiehne and Michigan Works! Washtenaw County Service Manager Johnny Epps discuss the societal benefits of helping the convicted fully reintegrate.
Washtenaw United: New Addiction Program At Packard Health Shows Promising Results
August 19, 2019 09:58Opioid addiction is ravaging all parts of the country, and Washtenaw County is no exception. Packard Health has launched a new Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to help the addicted. On "Washtenaw United" this week, WEMU’s David Fair will talk with Packard Health medical director, Dr. Ankoor Soni, about the shift in perspective, from addiction as a crime issue to one of public health.
Washtenaw United: Exploring Equity In Health Care Services In Washtenaw And Livingston Counties
August 12, 2019 11:40Bill Manns' initial career plan was to become a doctor. While working toward that goal, he recognized health administration was the better path to make the differences in health care services he thought necessary. Now, Manns is president of the St. Joseph Mercy Health Systems hospitals in Ann Arbor and Livingston. Manns shares his journey and discusses the future of health care in our community on this week’s "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: 'Telling It' Program Helps Kids With Trauma Through The Arts And Connection
August 05, 2019 10:52Childhood trauma takes time to heal. It also requires resources that may not be easy to find. Deb Gordon-Gurfinkel decided to use her experience in drama education to create a program called "Telling It." It uses arts as a means to help troubled youth in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Gordon-Gurfinkel joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss "Telling It" on this week's "Washtenaw United."
Washtenaw United: 'Stuff The Bus' Campaign Gives K-12 Students The Head Start They Need
July 29, 2019 11:00The school year is right around the corner for Washtenaw County K-12 students. Unfortunately, all too many will head to class without the supplies that better prepare them for academic success. That’s the purpose of the “Stuff the Bus” campaign that begins today. 89.1 WEMU’s David Fair gets the history and mission of the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive in this “Washtenaw United” conversation with the Ann Arbor Schools' Nancy Shore and United Way of Washtenaw County’s Susan Smith .
Washtenaw United: 'Our House' Program Helps Local Foster Kids Transition To Adulthood
July 22, 2019 10:21Once people age out of the foster care system, they face many uncertainties. That is why the 'Our House' program was created. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair is joined by Our House volunteer Rose Putler and client Alexis Deese-Romberg to discuss what this program brings to the community.
Washtenaw United: Ann Arbor Huron High Grad Headed To MIT After Winning ‘Varsity Letter’ Scholarship
July 15, 2019 11:41Bhuvna Murthy has performed more than 700 hours of community service through her high school career. Service work is a passion that formed early in her life and has manifested in great works to the benefit of many. That’s why the United Way of Washtenaw County awarded Bhuvna’s efforts with a “Varsity Letter” in Community Service. WEMU’s David Fair met with Bhuvna and UWWC Director of Development Susan Smith to discuss the Varsity Letter program and the past, present, and future of an outstand...
Washtenaw United: Building Educational Futures Through Relationships
July 08, 2019 10:00Get a personalized look at the work of the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan . It’s been around since 1975 and now has offices in Ypsilanti, Jackson, and Detroit, and there can be no question it is a community resource that is changing lives. Anell Eccleston is programs manager for the Student Advocacy Center and Jakobie Pillar is one of his mentees who just graduated from ACCE High School in Ypsilanti. Their story comes to you through WEMU’s partnership with the United Way of Washtenaw Cou...
Washtenaw United: New West Willow Neighborhood Association Building Brighter Future
July 01, 2019 11:16The New West Willow Neighborhood Association was formed in 2015 and, ever since, the future of the Ypsilanti Township neighborhood has become brighter. Long-time resident, association member, and neighbohood watch activist Janice Williams provides a look at living in West Willow and building to something greater.
Washtenaw United: 'Black Men Read' Program Changes Lives and Perceptions
June 17, 2019 09:00The mission of the Ypsilanti-based 'Black Men Read' program is clearly stated: "We exist to promote the power of stories, storytelling and literacy to children in order to normalize the historical and cultural contributions of Black people throughout the diaspora, uplifting Black men and all of the ways that they engage in their families and communities while disrupting tropes of Black father absenteeism." In this week's 'Washtenaw United,' you'll find out why the program is changing dynamics...
Washtenaw United: Building A Path Out Of Poverty At Ypsilanti’s Foundations Preschool
June 03, 2019 09:00It is said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That is particularly true if you live near or below the poverty line. Foundations Preschool has a mission to support at-risk children and their parents to create opportunities of prosperity. As a non-profit, the school can’t do it alone. That, too, takes a village. In this week’s "Washtenaw United," you’ll hear from the school’s executive director, Sandy Williams, and from United Way of Washtenaw County "Volunteer of the Year" Jessie Schlande...
Washtenaw United: Combating Poor Educational Outcomes Resulting From Adverse Traumatic Experiences
May 20, 2019 10:00Many K-12 students live with food insecurity, housing and transportation issues, and, too frequently, physical or emotional abuse. That presents a barrier to positive educational outcomes. In this week’s "Washtenaw United," WEMU’s David Fair talks with student advocate and Adverse Traumatic Experiences master trainer Jason Gold about how best to identify and deal with the issues to change life trajectories.
Washtenaw United: Creating A Better Future For The Local Latinx Community With Buenos Vecinos
May 13, 2019 10:13A recent study concluded that Washtenaw County does not provide equal opportunities in health, education, and other life essentials to its Latino citizens. Out of that study, the Buenos Vecinos collaborative was formed to make such things more available. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks about the program with its leader Charo Ledón and the UWWC's director of community impact, Bridget Healy.