NEWSLETTER | September 2023 | |
A voluntary, county-wide collaboration focused on improving health,
health equity, and health care for Washtenaw's low-income, uninsured,
underinsured, and underrepresented populations.
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The 2023 Washtenaw County Opioid Summit will explore our local support system and innovative strategies to better meet the needs of people who use drugs. Brianna Dobbs, director of community initiatives at Home of New Vision, describes this year’s summit as an opportunity to build connections among cross-sector stakeholders. While also investigating data and evidence-based practices needed to support the people we serve. All are welcome! To attend this free summit register here. | |
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Yolanda Copeland will be working with the WHI to connect local community members with the programs offered by the many charitable organizations in our neighborhood. As a community ambassador, Yolanda intends to keep residents informed, share her experiences and knowledge with WHI members, and make new connections. | |
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The award recognizes collaborations that have had a significant and positive impact on community health over the past year. Nominated health improvement collaborations can address traditional health access and quality initiatives, as well as key social determinants of health such as food, housing, and transportation. To make a nomination, just fill out the linked form by Friday, September 22. | |
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United Way of Washtenaw County
Year founded: 1921
Year joined WHI: 2011
Mission: United Way of Washtenaw County CONNECTS people, resources, and organizations TOGETHER to create a thriving community for EVERYONE.
Key focus area: Community-based services for children and families affected by poverty.
Services:
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Early Childhood Services: United Way of Washtenaw County funds programs that teach parents in need how to nurture their children to fit their developmental needs best. Home visitors support social and emotional development in high-needs families.
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Health and Nutrition: A United Way program helps families enroll in programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The organization also collaborates with Food Gatherers in Washtenaw County. As well as providing food, the organization teaches nutritional values and cooking techniques.
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School-Aged Youth: United Way offers tutoring, attendance, and educational advocacy support to low-income students. Also, they support outside-the-classroom programs. Mentoring is part of the organization's mission to model and support ideal youth behavior.
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Financial Stability: United Way is proud to be the founder of our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Volunteers, as a part of the program, are trained to complete tax returns for low-income families and individuals at no cost. United Way also partners with Trust Plus, which provides confidential, accessible, and individualized financial support.
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Other services and programs:
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Older Adults: The organization helps seniors pay their bills and get medical care. Support is also given to prevention-based strategies to help seniors navigate senior services with advocacy skills.
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Housing and Homelessness: United Way offers programs to prevent homelessness. First, we assist those most at risk of homelessness. United Way also supports programs that allow individuals to find shelter in the short term while searching for long-term options. During this time, we offer programs that assist these individuals in finding permanent housing options.
President/CEO: Pam Smith
Address: 2305 Platt Rd. Ann Arbor, Mi 48104
Phone: 734-971-8200
Website: https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/
Instagram: @uwwashtenaw https://instagram.com/uwwashtenaw?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: @UWwashtenaw https://twitter.com/uwwashtenaw?s=11
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwwashtenaw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-way-of-washtenaw/
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Behavioral health news
Washtenaw County had Michigan’s lowest COVID death rate, new report shows Lucas Larson, MLive, Jul. 20, 2023
2022 Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage annual report
Washtenaw County. August 1, 2023
New data from Washtenaw County Health Department shows gun death rates are up 74% Pamela Osborne, Click on Detroit, August 16th, 2023
Youth news
Dexter leaders celebrate $8.5 million appropriation for new multigenerational community center, Lonnie Huhman, The Sun Times, July 11, 2023
Child care is expensive and understaffed – but a new Washtenaw County coalition aims to change that Natalia Holtzoman, Concentrate, July 13, 2023
Washtenaw County secures funding for recreation center serving Ypsilanti area Rylee Barnsdale, Concentrate, July 12, 2023
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Equity
Groundbreaking study finds major racial disparities in Ann Arbor traffic stops Natalia Holtzman, Concentrate, July 26, 2023
United Way Of Washtenaw County Invests $200,000 in grants to 15 local organizations United Way, press release, August 4, 2023
Housing
Washtenaw County Treasurer's "Bridge Loans to Affordability" wins 2023 NACo award. The Eastern Echo, August 4, 2023
Affordable housing, at last Julie Halpert, Ann Arbor Observer, July 25, 2023
Samaritas offers help and support to the underserved in Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan-FM David Fair, WEMU 89.1, July 10, 2023
New savings program for students launches in Washtenaw County Victoria Smith, Eastern Echo, May 24, 2023
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The Knight Foundation is accepting applications for nonprofits prioritizing community, equity, and collaboration. Deadline: September 30, 2023
Poverty Solutions and the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center (URC) co-sponsor the Collaborative Community-Academic Research Awards for faculty. Deadline: Ongoing
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The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation matches grants of up to $25,000 for programs that help increase access to healthcare, address critical public health issues, improve the quality of care, or enhance efficiency. Deadline: November
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and United Way of Washtenaw County seek to provide capacity-building opportunities for organizations doing racial equity/social justice work through access to consultants via the Catchafire platform. Deadline: Ongoing
The CSX Corporation Contributions program provides assistance to nonprofit organizations that address safety, environment, and wellness, with a focus on healthy lifestyles and wellness education. Deadline: December 15, 2023
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Community Resources and Events | | |
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that as many as 15 million people in the U.S. will lose Medicaid coverage during the public health emergency unwinding. In the first month of Medicaid redeterminations in Michigan, more than 80,000 lost Medicaid coverage--65,000 for procedural reasons, such as failure to complete the renewal form. The Washtenaw Health Plan can help residents reapply for Medicaid coverage or navigate other insurance options if they become ineligible for Medicaid. Call them at 734-544-3030
Sisters United Resilient and Empowered (SURE) is a peer support group for mothers of youth within the juvenile justice system. Facilitated by Florence Roberson, SURE Moms provides a space for moms to listen, encourage, teach, and learn from each other’s experiences. Learn more.
Join the U-M Healthy Aging Series on October 12 at noon for Navigating Your Medicare Choices and Benefits. With open enrollment underway, get the latest on what to consider, how to choose wisely, and how to get the most out of your chosen plan. Learn about Medicare tools, updates, and benefits. Register here.
Explore Ypsilanti along the Huron River and its rich history every second Sunday of each month. Tours will be led by Stefan Szumko, also known as the SlugWhisperer, a nature enthusiast and historian. Learn more.
Garrett’s Space plans to acquire a 76-acre property to provide residential programming for adults aged 18-28 who struggle with anxiety and depression. Residents will engage in calming and uplifting activities such as yoga, cooking, art, and gardening. Learn more.
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Enjoy fall on the Huron River at Ypsi Fall River Day at Frog Island Park on Sunday, September 24th, from noon to 3 PM. There will be kayak trips and family-friendly activities, including an educational program on river wildlife. The City of Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation Commission hosts Ypsi Fall River. Read more.
Home of New Vision and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can help you access free Naloxone to reverse overdoses. Read more.
Join the U-M Healthy Aging Series on October 6 at noon for Creating connections and reducing loneliness. The pandemic showed the power of human connection and the dangers of going without it. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a national advisory about the health impacts of loneliness. Learn about what we know and what you can do to help yourself and others stay connected. Register here.
My Future Fund ensures that all elementary students at participating county schools receive $25 in a Michigan Education Savings program account to save for college. Some students, based on household income, will receive $500 in free college savings, thanks to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Read more.
The “Over the Edge” fundraiser returns on Saturday, Sept. 23, to raise money for Friends in Deed, an Ypsilanti-based organization providing free transportation, vehicle repair services, and furniture to local low-income families. Learn more.
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WHI Communications Committee
September 12 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
WHI Opioid Project
September 19 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
WHI Stakeholders Meeting
September 19 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Washtenaw Opioid Summit
September 20
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