Although it's an all-volunteer organization with a small operating budget, the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti operates as a multi-purpose cultural arts venue. With a year-round schedule of classes, dance performances, theater productions, art exhibits, special community events, and studio space that’s available to local artists - the Center hosts some 16,000 visits annually.
Joan Otis is remembered, by all who knew her, as a gifted teacher, accomplished artist and beloved friend. She touched the lives of thousands of students and fellow artists during a career that spanned 33 years, three local schools, and the Ann Arbor Potters Guild. Though gone, Joan left a generous legacy that will continue to support what mattered most to her during her lifetime.
Dr. Eugene Leslie and his wife Emily believed that no one could truly own a piece of land-that we can only use it, care for it, and pass it on to others. In keeping with that philosophy, they deeded their home and 50 acres of fields, prairies, and woods to the city of Ann Arbor in 1976 - the beginning of the Leslie Science Center, a place where people of all ages can explore the natural world.
Founded in 1928, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra has always been an integral part of the City’s cultural life. Through a variety of outreach programs - from open dress rehearsals to an Instrument Petting Zoo - the A2SO brings the magic of classical music to audiences of all ages.
For over 40 years, the Peace Neighborhood Center has been helping Ann Arbor area children and adults with everything from hot meals, transportation and emergency needs to summer camps and after-school activities for young people. During any given week, the Center's staff and volunteers work with as many as 300 people of all ages.
More than 20 years ago, three trustees at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation led the way to help create a special endowment at AAACF that could help improve the physical, economic, social and educational conditions that affect the quality of life for African Americans in our local community.
Implementing a strategy to reduce phosphorus is just one example of the Huron River Watershed Council’s work to protect and restore the 130-mile Huron River and its 910-square-mile watershed. A permanent endowment helps ensure that efforts to maintain the Huron River as a valued local natural resource will continue for future generations.
Last year the Ypsilanti District Library logged over 520,000 visits from area residents and offered nearly 2,700 programs and events – from book clubs, art exhibits, story times for children, author visits, to computer training classes and job search resources. An endowment at the Ypsilanti Area Community Fund, a geographic affiliate of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, helps support the library’s great services and secure its future.
Each year, a group of 21-25 Ann Arbor high school students award nearly $70,000 in grants to support youth programs across Washtenaw County. Since 1989, more than 200 students have served on the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council, awarding more than $1.5 million in grants that have helped to launch local programs and make a difference for thousands of young people.
Jewish Family Services’ roots date back to 1978 when a group of volunteers wanted to help address the needs of Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union. Since that time JFS has expanded its work and vision dramatically, and provides everything from refugee settlement services to family life education.
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