Once 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.

Bhuvna 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 outstanding

Get 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 County

The 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.

Sickle cell disease afflicts thousands of people across the country, especially people of color. This particular disease has led to a number of dangerous health issues and can even be fatal. In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair sits down with University of Michigan research assistant professor Dr. Sarah Reeves and United Way of Washtenaw County president Pam Smith about what work is being to combat the disease and the social stigma that comes with it.

The 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

It 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 Schlanderer

Many 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.

A 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.

Food insecurity and hunger is more pervasive in Washtenaw County than you might think. In this week’s "Washtenaw United," WEMU’s David Fair finds out what is being done, in both the short and long term, to eradicate the problem. In this conversation, Food Gatherers president and CEO Eileen Spring and United Way of Washtenaw County president and CEO, Pam Smith, discuss the progress made and the work still to be done.