On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.
Reentry Coach Jessica Slone says one client stands out among the nearly 50 returning citizens she’s served through Pittsfield Township-based Packard Health‘s new Beyond Incarceration program. The client was preparing to leave jail with nowhere to live, no clear recovery plan, a pending divorce, and uncertainty about employment because of his criminal record. Before he was released, Slone helped secure grant funding for his first month’s rent and arranged placement in a sober living home. She also connected him with transportation, clothing, and other necessities before helping enroll him in a paid internship.
Today, she says, he has become active in the recovery community, earned recognition through community involvement, and has even been offered a management position on an upcoming project…