Annual โRockinโ for the Hungryโ raises more than 1 million meals for Washtenaw County families
The annual 5-day radio broadcast saw local personalities from ann arborโs 107one, legislators and volunteers take to the mic to help raise donations.
Report: 59% of Livingston, Washtenaw County families donโt have adequate child care
Recently published reports from the coalition showcase the extent to which families and providers are struggling and how those struggles are impacting local employers.
New coalition addressing child care challenges in Livingston, Washtenaw counties
The new effort brings together local child care providers, families, policymakers and businesses to develop and implement a regional action plan over the next year.
United Way of Washtenaw County awards $50K to organizations helping women, families
United Way of Washtenaw County has granted $50,000 to five local organizations that help women and families maintain financial stability.
Three Washtenaw County nonprofits to receive $16K from United Way for emergency food efforts
United Way of Washtenaw County is releasing $16,000 in grants to three local nonprofits to supplement recent food shortage efforts.
Ann Arbor schools strongly urging students, staff to wear masks upon return from winter break
AAPS is recommending all students, teachers and staff wear face masks for two weeks following winter break.
Keep your pets safe during holiday travel
Many families will be traveling over the holidays and taking their pets with them for the adventures. If youโre going to be out and about with your furry friend, there are some things you can do to make it safer and more enjoyable for them.
Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor, DTE bring holiday spirit to families with hospitalized children
Families enjoyed a festive evening at Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor ahead of the holidays.
University of Michigan, Trinity Health Michigan partner to bring pediatric specialties to Metro Detroit
Metro Detroit residents will now be able to access advanced pediatric specialty care at Trinity Health Oakland hospital.
This charity event is one you wonโt want to miss
Are you looking to support a local charity over a fun meal? The Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit is hosting its 4th annual house chef challenge on October 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sheri Mark, Chris Gadulka, and Brandon Wright joined Tati Amare on โLive In The Dโ to discuss the event.
3 ways online learning can still be a good option for families
Even though restrictions have pretty much been lifted or lessened, the end of the pandemic hasnโt ended online learning as a good option for parents and kids.
University of Michigan expert: Formula shortage hitting low-income families hardest
An associate professor of nutritional sciences at U-M explains who has been impacted the most by the nationwide formula shortage -- and why.
Ann Arbor nonprofits to launch financial security program for Washtenaw County families
United Way of Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation are partnering with a national nonprofit to help families overcome their financial struggles.
Metro Detroit child care centers getting extra help from Michigan Works! offices
Child care centers across Southeast Michigan are getting some extra help from their local Michigan Works! offices amid ongoing staffing shortages.
Ann Arborโs Forsythe Middle School closed Wednesday over โstudent incidentโ
Ann Arbor Public Schools closed Forsythe Middle School on Wednesday after learning of an earlier incident involving a student.
Ann Arbor high schools addressing โconcerning social media posts,โ allowing students to go home
AAPS is allowing high school students to go home for the day after threatening posts emerged online.
![Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent responds to building closures amid staff shortage](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/82ixkKK2fU_emuFga7owK-OI_bo=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/APHLIO27BFFTVPIWQ4XSFFNUYY.jpg)
Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent responds to building closures amid staff shortage
Swift said the district is looking into the factors that made several schools shift to remote learning recently.
![Washtenaw County commissioners commit $2 million to address local childcare needs](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/bMFsLH5piMUnuV7UWXS_QAVP5CY=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZD4GRDI37RBHLPQKULSXHYUBCM.jpg)
Washtenaw County commissioners commit $2 million to address local childcare needs
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners aims to ensure equitable futures for Washtenaw County residents with new plan.
![Back to school: Teachersโ dos and donโts for upcoming school year](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/MtfnHMxmH-7PdJTmeSLWbwWuB1M=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-16-2021/t_0618b0cad06d40bb97ca9be4ee1252c0_name_image.jpg)
Back to school: Teachersโ dos and donโts for upcoming school year
โBack to schoolโ is going to mean something a little different for each community this year, and experts say itโs important to prepare for what that will look like for your family.
![Psychologist weighs in on how to make the most out of watching the Olympics with your child](https://media.clickondetroit.com/theme/images/placeholder-16x9-wdiv.png)
Psychologist weighs in on how to make the most out of watching the Olympics with your child
The Olympics are a chance for families to spend some time together as they watch the sports and events.
![Mother of 5-year-old killed in Macomb County hit-and-run planning to donate at least $20K to families in need](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/ncIlGVoDCfANqSn5abQAfEuksss=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-07-2021/t_e2792445152b4447a2cf19b62cec7297_name_image.jpg)
Mother of 5-year-old killed in Macomb County hit-and-run planning to donate at least $20K to families in need
Every day for Tiffany Draper began with a touch from her son, Preston.
Capacity limits at Ann Arbor pools will remain in place due to record low staffing, city says
The city announced its current outdoor pool capacity limits will continue unless staffing increases.
![Food Gatherers announces sponsorship of summer food program for Washtenaw County children](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/viTCvXzg2sU_MM-6EIVa_DW_wcw=/800x600/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SIVF6BDCDRFXXJNCVZAQNR6AY4.jpg)
Food Gatherers announces sponsorship of summer food program for Washtenaw County children
Food Gatherers will be active on meal distribution sites this summer getting healthy food into the hands of families in need.
![Registration opens for University of Michigan Museum of Natural Historyโs virtual summer camp](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/lwncTXyhvQ68k-oPvt4a1nt63iY=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/J6EK2YE3CJCPXB5T73TEZMA2P4.jpg)
Registration opens for University of Michigan Museum of Natural Historyโs virtual summer camp
You can now sign up your K-8th-grader for virtual summer camp at U-M's Museum of Natural History.
![University of Michigan hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday for campus community](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/hB0aMIy9JCwdlglEHfb34DYlZdA=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7GYDNHA7SBCOTBYNRY2R4UOP54.jpg)
University of Michigan hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday for campus community
University of Michigan is running a vaccine clinic for its community, Ann Arbor Public Schools students and families this afternoon.
![Parents protest against delay of in-person learning at Ann Arbor schools](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/yZa9jS9pqHd0aFJrFGxiO5LXaKg=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-18-2021/t_279b6e6c7e7c4ee19fa64f6d8cb3a33c_name_image.jpg)
Parents protest against delay of in-person learning at Ann Arbor schools
People protested Sunday outside Pioneer High School, pushing for Ann Arbor Public Schools to allow more students back into the classroom.
![Book a private playtime at Ann Arborโs Hands-On Museum with your pod](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/FvsRx7pkh-HvUlvYn-c8Bh2mJe8=/570x321/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W5XJN2X625BVHGP2WJ5N2CZMKM.jpg)
Book a private playtime at Ann Arborโs Hands-On Museum with your pod
ANN ARBOR โ Itโs been a long year of closures, and one group that has felt it the most is parents. Luckily, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has begun offering reservations for pods of up to 25 people to come and enjoy the beloved childrenโs museum. How it works:Each pod pays a set price for a group up to 25 people (including babies). To qualify, the registrant must be an EBT or WIC card holder. The card must be shown to museum staff on the day of their reservation.
![U-M: Parent depression, stress caused by pandemic had negative impact on kidsโ schooling](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/VNOef3BY-n6PRrAaoYdQ_FeUQd8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/C6J7DPDB7VDTZPJHMFVHHOXOJE.jpeg)
U-M: Parent depression, stress caused by pandemic had negative impact on kidsโ schooling
Most of the parents said that their children learned online from home, using school-provided electronic resources, educational apps and social media. Roughly 35% of parents reported that their childrenโs behavior changed since the pandemic began, including feelings of sadness, loneliness and depression. Daily schedule disruptions and a lack of access to free and reduced-price meals from school were significant stressors, parents reported. โResearch suggests that, unfortunately, the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression among parents remained high through the summer and early fall. Co-authors on the study are U-M doctoral student in psychology and social work, Kaitlin Ward and U-M undergraduate research assistants Kasey Downing and Olivia Chang.
![$1 million goes to Matrix Human Services to help youth, seniors, vulnerable citizens in Michigan](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/E_LesuQijKLtMw83Snk7f40lMkU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/MGHLDR2TAZA5RJ2JDMIXGOPYFU.jpg)
$1 million goes to Matrix Human Services to help youth, seniors, vulnerable citizens in Michigan
DETROIT โ Matrix Human Services announced Tuesday it received over $1 million in grants to fund four multi-generational programs. Matrix says this grant will improve their overall health and nutrition, allowing them to age in place gracefully. Matrix says this grant will go to help adults who seek to become early childhood educators. Seniors interested in participating in this program can contact Matrix Human Services at matrixhumanservices.org. Matrix helps rebuild Detroitโs neighborhoods through the efforts of over 550 employees at more than 50 program locations throughout the city.
![Hundreds of physicians, psychologists call for Ann Arbor Public Schools to reopen](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/NtMvW8zG1D6bARFf38VfmXegJMc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F6CMOFS27VERFK5VHOXKTTAGDA.jpg)
Hundreds of physicians, psychologists call for Ann Arbor Public Schools to reopen
ANN ARBOR โ More than 350 local physicians and psychologists have signed an open letter and petition to the Ann Arbor Board of Education and Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, urging them to reopen schools for students who choose to learn in-person by Gov. โThe scientific, health and psychological consensus is clear: It is possible for children and teachers to safely return to school with proper mitigation measures. AdโMy own experience of seeing the devastation caused by school closure among Ann Arborโs children has been eye-opening and heartbreaking. โItโs time for Ann Arbor to make the rational decision to allow students and families a choice of in-person schooling. AAPS students deserve better.โThis is the third letter that Ann Arbor healthcare providers has sent to AAPS and coincides with efforts by parents to reopen the schools due to negative impacts their children are facing during the closures.
![U-M researchers: Parent visitation should not be restricted at pediatric hospitals](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/PWu7bxYUrCz-vmBnhkKukIQwWt4=/1280x960/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YYFD4JTM3BABVE7YGFGG5WQ2SU.webp)
U-M researchers: Parent visitation should not be restricted at pediatric hospitals
Vance: The majority of hospitals changed policies to limit visitation to one parent/caregiver at the bedside. Several hospitals restricted all parents, caregivers and others required that only one parent be designated as the โvisitorโ for the duration of the hospitalization. I am hopeful that with this statement and the attention it may garner, that hospital administrators review visitation policies to ensure they arenโt overreaching. Vance: The term โessential careโ came directly from parents who stated this is how they wanted to be viewed. The specific phrasing of โessential careโ is new in this context, but for a long time, there have been many advocates for family-centered care which integrates family involvement.
![Pediatric patients in Ann Arbor experience โbedside toy storeโ ahead of Christmas](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/MesjoM-t-kidKVHxS3anYLsf-CA=/1600x1194/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/5QGZZP6C5RGBXAHONJ2ZUPW3EI.jpg)
Pediatric patients in Ann Arbor experience โbedside toy storeโ ahead of Christmas
A member of the Mott Child and Family Life team dressed as an elf delivers presents to a pediatric patient at Mott Children's Hospital. ANN ARBOR โ Although the coronavirus pandemic has changed holiday traditions worldwide this year, the annual โbedside toy storeโ at C.S. This year, members of the Mott Child and Family Life Team played elves and went โshoppingโ for the perfect gifts patients. A member of staff picks out toys for a family of a hospitalized child at Mott Children's Hospital. Before the pandemic, the holiday store is an event that lasts days and involves 20-30 volunteers who help wrap gifts and stock the shelves.
![Fund drive raises more than 49K emergency food boxes for hungry Washtenaw County residents](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/z2cdL7pHOXqp4Smq4fEJpJ6TDzw=/1280x856/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/EV4A5F2RQ5D2NODV2AP652GD5Q.jpg)
Fund drive raises more than 49K emergency food boxes for hungry Washtenaw County residents
ANN ARBOR โ The annual Rockinโ for the Hungry fund drive by Food Gatherers, ann arborโs 107one and Kroger raised 49,083 emergency food boxes for residents experiencing food insecurity in Washtenaw County. The final number shattered the initial goal of raising enough funds for 30,000 emergency food boxes. The 5-day fund drive went virtual for the first time this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. โThe emergency food boxes will be distributed by our partner pantries throughout Washtenaw County and each box provides a weekโs worth of meals for one person.โSince March, Food Gatherersโ partner agencies have reported a visitor increase of 30%-300% -- nearly half of whom have never had to seek food assistance before. Students from Community High School raised more than $82,000 for this yearโs Rockinโ -- their largest-ever gift to the fundraiser.
![The Gift of Warmth: How to help families in need](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/HbQChgF56k7XGHUioWPEJEGUaIA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-01-2020/t_264e1f301e6e415886f9a55399e1ef83_name_image.jpg)
The Gift of Warmth: How to help families in need
โAnd I was at that moment, probably like a lot of us, needing some help.โThat is when the Heat and Warmth Fund, or THAW stepped in to help the family. It continues to provide assistance with utility bills to families during difficult times in their lives. โAny season is bad when you canโt afford utilities,โ said Brandi Turner THAW Utility Assistance Center Manager. All day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. To donate to the Gift of Warmth telethon, click here: https://thawfund.org/donate/online/Gift of Warmth telethon: You can donate to help families in needWatch more
![Interview with Rachel Hurst about Krogerโs Zero Hunger, Zero Waste program](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/7eCILRSvNm2kom8PA_CUDz0I7sA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_74caab0dc2aa4aa0beb13373bcd54138_name_image.jpg)
Interview with Rachel Hurst about Krogerโs Zero Hunger, Zero Waste program
Kroger is working to help Michigan families get the food they need during the holiday season and beyond. More coverage: Americaโs Thanksgiving Parade special section
![Types of toys, games families are playing with more this year](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/oOG_Yhdwb6Nz5HY9MCjkkuCqcJ8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-25-2020/t_b356b08a5f384ed393d70f4926e5245b_name_image.jpg)
Types of toys, games families are playing with more this year
DETROIT โ The COVID-19 pandemic has many families spending more time at home together, and that means more time to play and have fun together. As part of this yearโs Help Me Hank toy test, we asked our families to share with us the types of toys and games they find themselves playing more. Part 1: Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020โฒs top toys ahead of the holidaysโPre-pandemic, post pandemic, anytime. She said when the pandemic started in March, it was all about puzzles, books and board games. โWe have bought more games, especially games that we can play as a family because we have more time to play games now than we ever did before,โ said mom Sarah Mayberry.
![One nurse is helping hundreds of thousands of people in the Heart of Detroit](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/PO6sGKc2JSyiU1gHxjp3Mooeysc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-10-2020/t_893e4619ef694c798cfd649bea7c5fce_name_image.jpg)
One nurse is helping hundreds of thousands of people in the Heart of Detroit
Her work here in Metro Detroit and around the world has gotten her recognized by outlets like CNN and People Magazine. Najah Bazzy is a woman who saw a need and is now impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. She started a Zaman International out of the back of her van in 1996 and now it has grown to a 40,000 square foot facility in Inkster. Through a voucher program, women have access to free basic needs like food and clothing. Watch the video to see how Mitch Albom shows us exactly how Najah is helping others in the Heart of Detroit.
![University of Michigan releases video that explains coronavirus to children](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/lSgmTPQipfMaOq9a2RRuq-U24Ts=/1047x589/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BOTKL4H7R5EWVOILN4YI33CX3A.jpg)
University of Michigan releases video that explains coronavirus to children
For small children experiencing school closures and months without play dates, the experience can be particularly confusing and difficult to grasp. Thats why the University of Michigan School of Public Health created a video for children that provides scientifically accurate information in an engaging way with age-appropriate graphics. Coronavirus is a word people are talking about a lot lately, is how the short video begins with a child narrator. Its creators hope the video will spark constructive conversation about the virus in households with children ages 6 to 11. It also calls young viewers to action to follow public health methods to provide both personal and community protection.
![Metro Detroit friends join forces to help parents struggling during COVID-19 crisis](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/9jgoeYVyk3Xkp4CqupleeKItC5w=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-25-2020/t_c1152559e62745e3b37e9043cc05a9e9_name_image.jpg)
Metro Detroit friends join forces to help parents struggling during COVID-19 crisis
DETROIT A Metro Detroit woman and her friends noticed a group of people who need help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. They do love babies and they say that love inspired their act of kindness. When the crisis hit, Renee Ahee and two of her friends set to work helping Detroits youngest and most vulnerable. Ahee turned to Development Centers in Detroit and its CEO Catherine Liesman. Click here to learn more about Development Centers
![New video explains coronavirus, social distancing for children](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/E4YgNTc9SWP3r6ZBP39iHWECw_U=/1600x899/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7CDBIQZCVBDTCDI5JWOAP3UB4.jpg)
New video explains coronavirus, social distancing for children
ANN ARBOR, Mich. The University of Michigans School of Public Health created a video that can help explain the coronavirus (COVID-19) to children between the ages of 6-11. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Heres where we stand as of Thursday morningThe school released the kid-friendly video to share scientifically-accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic that will keep kids engaged, officials say. The short video -- narrated by a child -- discusses COVID-19 symptoms, how the virus spreads and how to prevent the spread of the virus. The video also touches on the importance of social distancing, even though it can be difficult to isolate from family and friends amid the pandemic. The school is also sharing a family guide with tips for discussing the COVID-19 pandemic with kids.