Washtenaw United

The words, "I want to be ready," spring from one of the 6,000 African American spirituals that speak not just about waiting for what's next but actively preparing the ground we stand on. Here in Washtenaw County and in most communities, keeping cultural legacies alive and present requires that same kind of preparation. That’s what the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale stands for. Decky Alexander talked about the chorale’s history and purpose with its musical director, Dr. Lavonte’ Heard.

The "Power of the Purse" fundraiser is one of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan's most anticipated events. It has raised more than $450,000 to fund organizations focused on advancing the economic success of women. Decky Alexander talked about this year's Power of the Purse event with Katie Groves, UWSEM's Senior Director for Engagement and Experience.

We will be talking to the Sister Yvonne Gellise Fund for Permanent Supportive Housing Services' development director, Madeline Garcia, and Norman Herbert, the fund's cabinet chair, on why and how permanent supportive housing is widely proven to be the most successful solution to chronic homelessness.

Today, we're going to talk with two changemakers, co-directors Scott Ellis and Molly Smith from Avalon Housing, one of the most well-known non-profits in Washtenaw County, and whose mission is to build healthy, safe, and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness.

Today, on Washtenaw United, we are talking about tearing down invisible walls with the Access for All initiative at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science and Nature Center. My guest is Charlie Reischl, Director of Advancement for both organizations, and we are going to look at why keeping these spaces open to everyone in our community should be essential. 

Joining us today on Washtenaw United is Rhonda Weathers, the Executive Director of SOS Community Services. For over 50 years, SOS has served as a vital buffer against crisis, partnering with families and other community partners to pave a way for housing stability. Today on the show, we will trace SOS's roots, examine what happens when and if these social safety nets fracture, and look at why programs like Rapid Re-Housing are vital to the future of Washtenaw County. 

We are going to talk with the legendary, charismatic community trailblazer, Versell Smith Jr, the Chief Development Officer of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, on how the shelter is the most profound of life necessities and one that is in short supply. 

SafeHouse Center in Washtenaw County, even for those who have not had direct utilization of its services, is a household and community-held name. Its mission is to empower survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence by providing advocacy, support services, such as 24-hour outlying, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and they help survivors access safety, healing, and justice. And yet, as much as SafeHouse navigates all the complexities around sexual and intimate-partner violence, it cannot survive as a solo act and needs Washtenaw County as a system to solve housing, accountability, and cultural stigma together. Christine Watson, Executive Director, returns to Washtenaw United to share with us how we as a county and community can be more united in supporting SafeHouse, its mission, and all the people they serve.

A student in a public school is pushed out or not allowed. Maybe it's a misunderstanding or miscommunication or a lack of advocacy, someone to help that student navigate the complexity or cautiousness or callousness of the public school system. The public school is not broken. As Anell Eccleston, co-executive director of the Student Advocacy Center says, it just needs re-imagining of what it means to see true equity in schools.

When pediatric care is centralized in major hospital centers, in the U.S., non-medical travel costs can swallow nearly half a family's daily income. And yet, organizations like the Ronald McDonald House exist to ensure that receiving life-saving care doesn't hinge on whether a family can afford a $200-a-night hotel room. Today, on Washtenaw United, we will be talking to Dr. Douglas F. Manigault III, the Director of Development at Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor, about how his organization fills the critical gap for families.