Ypsi nonprofits faced an avalanche of need in 2025, and they’re preparing for more to come
Ypsi's social service nonprofits are reporting that they're stretched thin after a year of disruptive federal policy.
On the Ground
On the Ground helps to tell the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for communities. The intended impact is for “solutions-oriented” media coverage, engagement, and ultimately understanding of the community, resulting in awareness and investments that can contribute to the vitality and prosperity of the district covered.
The concept of On the Ground is to use an “embedded journalism” model to maintain a presence in a specific community. During this time the publication focuses weekly coverage on those neighborhoods to tell the story of the people, organizations, and businesses working and living there.
On the Ground has been embedded in the city of Ypsilanti since July 2017.
On the Ground is supported by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Washtenaw Community College, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Ann Arbor SPARK, Washtenaw ISD, and Center for Health and Research Transformation.
To learn more about On the Ground program, click here.
Washtenaw sheriff’s office and Ypsi nonprofit team up to keep youth out of the justice system
The new Restorative and Preventative Intervention and Diversion (RAPID) program is a pre-arrest deflection initiative designed to connect youth with support before they become entangled in the criminal legal system.
Ypsi Bourbon Fest offers rare bourbons, plus tequila, beer, and wine, in 5th year
Ypsilanti Bourbon Fest will bring an expanded list of more than 100 local and rare spirits back to the Michigan Firehouse Museum on Jan. 17.
Tinker, EMU’s facilities dog, helps students reduce stress in “open paw-fice hours”
Since fall 2024, Tinker the facilities dog has been available to students four days a week on campus.
Ypsi schools’ Resiliency Center provides Christmas presents and more for families experiencing homelessness
The Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) Resiliency Center hosted its third annual holiday celebration Dec. 17, offering presents and games for about a dozen YCS students.
Ypsi high school’s fast-growing Arts, Beats, and Eats event highlights student accomplishments
Ypsilanti Community High School's third annual “Arts, Beats, and Eats” featured hands-on experiences, live performances, and a holiday market.
Ypsi’s Student Advocacy Center marks 50 years of supporting student success and educational equity
The Student Advocacy Center of Michigan is celebrating its 50th anniversary of working to ensure that every student is heard, supported, and treated equitably.
Ypsi schools’ new agriscience/botany program has students developing green thumbs
From planting an orchard to using photographs of plants for a postcard charity project, students in Ypsilanti Community Schools' new career and technical education program are getting their hands dirty.
EMU expands loan repayment assistance program to include 16 additional majors
Eastern Michigan University has seen success in a pilot loan repayment assistance program for education students, so the university is now rolling that same protection out to 16 additional academic areas of study.
Ypsi high school culinary program receives Rachael Ray Foundation grant
Ypsilanti Community High School is one of 48 schools nationwide to receive a competitive $5,000 Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant supporting culinary programming.
