The 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.

The 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 it

COVID-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

The 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.

Managing 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

Each 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

A 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."

For 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.

For 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.

African 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 Advocacy