Features

Longform Auryon Azar and Cedrick Charles in front of the future New Lakeview Apartments at EMU.

Here's how EMU is working to update all campus housing by 2025

Welcome Home 2025 is set to update all campus housing, some of it dating to the '70s, to better meet the needs of today's students.

Longform LaQuan Hill and Adam Grant at the A Brighter Way offices.

Washtenaw County organizations aim to make it easier to find employment after incarceration

It can be difficult or even impossible to find work after returning from incarceration, but local businesses and nonprofits are working to change that.

Innovation News Owner Megan Foldenauer at a pop-up version of the forthcoming Ypsilanti Art Supply and Atelier.

Locally owned art supply store to open in downtown Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti Art Supply and Atelier will be housed inside Riverside Arts Center in downtown Ypsi.

Innovation News Whatabout Theatre Vice President Daniel Jackson and President Michelle Weiss setting up for Whatabout Theatre's first event on September 10, 2022.

New Washtenaw County improv theatre seeks proposals for long-form shows

Whatabout Theatre, a relatively new Ann Arbor- and Ypsilanti-based improv theatre company, is seeking proposals for long-form structured improv shows through a new venture called the Revolving Stage Program.

Innovation News Cover art for "Cinema Ann Arbor."

New book by local author chronicles Ann Arbor film scene's "anarchistic" roots in U-M student groups

The book, titled "Cinema Ann Arbor: How Campus Rebels Formed a Singular Film Culture," will launch June 20 at Literati Bookstore.

Feature Story WISD students.

Community mental health collaboration with ISD helps students access mental health supports

Washtenaw Intermediate School District is working to fight stigma and provide mental healthcare to students with help from Washtenaw Community Mental Health.

Longform Melisa Tasker, program administrator for WCCMH.

New system streamlines process of getting substance use disorder treatment in Washtenaw County

For the past year, a new phone number has provided a convenient single point of access for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment in Washtenaw County to receive an assessment and referrals for further treatment.

Longform  Check-in area of St. Clair Community Mental Health in Port Huron.

Michigan community mental health agencies recognize families' role in treatment

Michigan's CMHs rely on families to help recovery and ensure that people function at their highest level.

Partner Content The Greater Flint Health Coalition’s work in gardens grew out of its SNAP-Ed direct education programming like Fresh Conversations and Rec-Connect™, pictured here at Burton Senior Activity Center.

Gardens growing change in Flint

The Greater Flint Health Coalition delivers nutrition and physical activity education with SNAP-Ed direct education programming to residents, including senior citizens, across Flint and Genesee County. 

Longform Eastern Michigan University Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology Kevin Karpiak.

Here's how Washtenaw County is reimagining policing

Community groups have advanced initiatives for decreasing police involvement, local law enforcement agencies and governing bodies have introduced their own innovative strategies, and policy has shifted to stop prosecuting certain crimes.

Longform UMS' Cayenne Harris and Sara Billman at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.

Jazz, breakdancing, puppetry, and more on tap for University Musical Society's Ypsi residency

UMS will launch a pilot residency program at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse this April, highlighting Ypsi artists and residents through a week of free and "pay-what-you-wish" musical events.

Innovation News Booksweet owners Truly Render and Shaun Manning holding up banned books.

Ann Arbor banned book club returns, featuring books challenged in Michigan

Ann Arbor bookstore Booksweet will launch the second "season" of its bimonthly Banned Book Club on April 14.

Innovation News A cornhole competition hosted by the American Cornhole Organization.

National cornhole tournament coming to Ypsi Township's Fowling Warehouse

Players competing to qualify for the American Cornhole Organization World Championships in July can earn points during the event and compete for a $5,000 prize. The general public is also invited to participate in social play.

Innovation News A promotional image for the Ann Arbor PTO Council's fundraiser.

Ann Arbor PTO Council launches fundraiser to support economically disadvantaged schools

While some Ann Arbor PTOs have raised as much as $238 per student per year, others have been able to raise only $40 per student per year. The new fundraiser aims to help close that gap.

Partner Content URC mi Stem forward 3

Mi STEM Forward Program Connects Employers with Talented Students

With more than 550 interns placed, the Michigan STEM Forward program is connecting Michigan’s young talent with companies in key industries across the state. Many of the interns are students at one of the three state research-intensive universities that make up the University Research Corridor (URC), an alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University dedicated to strengthening Michigan’s economy.

Longform Behavioral Health Therapist Aaron Neal, Outreach & Education Manager Ashley Anderson, and Clinic Director Lori Bennett at Corner Health Center.

Ypsi's Corner Health Center fills gaps in programming for young fathers, parents of transgender kids

As Corner enters its 40th year of serving the Ypsilanti area, it's launching a Fathers for Family program and a series of workshops called Stand Out! for parents of trans and non-binary kids.

Longform The Midlife Nightlife crew: Aaron Batzdorfer, Onna Solomon, and Chad Pratt at Lo-Fi.

Midlife Nightlife offers "sweaty" Ann Arbor dance party for those who want to be in bed by midnight

Doors for the popular Midlife Nightlife dance party at Lo-Fi Bar open at 8 p.m. and it's all over by 11 p.m.

Innovation News The Metric Marketing team, with founder and CEO Hannah McNaughton at lower left.

Two Ann Arbor businesses ranked on Inc. Magazine list of fastest-growing Midwest companies

Metric Marketing and RXA were recently included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 203 companies "Making an Outsized Impact in the Midwest."

Innovation News A poster for "Embodied."

Ypsi-based musician and director collaborate on song and video celebrating International Women's Day

Ypsilanti-based musical group Abigail Stauffer and The Wisdom released a song called "Embodied," with an accompanying video by Ypsilanti filmmaker Toko Shiiki, to mark International Women's Day.

Innovation News The dining room at Satchel's.

Ann Arbor restaurant announces it will split profits between owners and staff

The owner of Satchel’s BBQ recently announced a profit-sharing plan designed in part to help address staffing shortages.

Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.