Family Empowerment Program

Mission

The Family Empowerment Program supports individuals and families through resource navigation and community building in order to foster self sufficiency and enhance quality of life.

The Family Empowerment Program (FEP)housed at Eastern Michigan University and coordinated by on-site social workers is a key point for social, health and

economic access, education support and community navigation. FEP serves families living in all Ypsilanti Housing Commission (YHC) communities. Through partnerships and programming, the FEP has developed a social services program whose purpose is substantially improve the educational, health, and economic outcomes for 900+ individuals currently living in YHC communities.

The FEP is designed to be flexible enough to address the needs a vulnerable individual may have: housing, food assistance, child care, transportation, access to health and dental care, all using the tools of self-empowerment, self-reliance, and agency with the support and coaching of the FEP staff. This person-centered approach to case management allows for staff to become familiar with each individual in the FEP,ensuring that programming and available services meet the needs of the individual aswell as those of the southern side of Ypsilanti ensuring a community-minded approach.

By establishing and nurturing community connections while establishing relevant goals for participants, the FEP helps its residents achieve success by assisting them in gaining traction at their jobs, improving education, financial literacy, and other measures that are designed to help families work their way to self-sufficiency.

Staff and Sites
FEP Organization Chart
New Parkridge
FEP Mental Health Service Coordinator:
Christa Hughbanks, LLMSW, CAADC
[email protected] | 734.787.2412
831 Hilyard Robinson Way, Ypsilanti MI, 48197
Permanent Supportive Housing Coordinator:
Melinda Miller
[email protected] | 734.787.0239
831 Hilyard Robinson Way, Ypsilanti MI, 48197
Property Manager: Yakisha Dorsey
[email protected] | 734.961.7563
Strong Housing Sites
Sauk Trail Pointe
Resource Service Coordinator:
Sergio Hernandez, LLMSW
[email protected] | 734.787.0606
928 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI, 48198

Property Manager: Yakisha Dorsey
[email protected] | 734.547.5117
Hamilton Crossing
Resident Service Coordinator: Lamar Thomas, BSW
[email protected] | 734.787.2609
596 S. Hamilton Street, Ypsilanti MI, 48197

596 S. Hamilton Street, Ypsilanti MI, 48197
Property Manager: Yakisha Dorsey
[email protected] | 734.484.1706
Ypsilanti Housing Commission Office
Mark Hammond, FEP Director
[email protected] | 810.394.2188
Zach Fosler, YHC CEO
[email protected] | 734.482.4300
University Partnership
The Family Empowerment Program works closely with Schools of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan. Since its inception, FEP has been a field placement site for over 40 BSW/MSW students. The program provides EMU’s Social Work 350 students their first community experience through various projects. If interested in a placement at FEP, please contact Mark Hammond at [email protected].
COVID-19 in Ypsilanti
EMU's Family Empowerment Program, the Washtenaw County Racial Equity Office, and the Center for the Equitable Family and Community Well-Being surveyed 676 Ypsilanti residents on the impact of COVID-19. Graphic recorder, and Ypsilanti resident, Yen Azzaro produced an interactive [PDF] on the results of the survey by race.
Donate to support FEP and Ypsilanti Families
The Family Empowerment Program’s extensive programming, outreach, and partnerships throughout the community do not come without their cost. Your gracious donation helps enable us to continue that which our residents utilize and rely on during their journey toward self-sufficiency.
If interested in donating, please visit the EMU Foundation.
Current Funders and Partners
Close Partners
Ypsilanti Housing Commission, HOPE Clinic, United Way of Washtenaw County, Washtenaw Community College, Ypsilanti Community Schools, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, Ann Arbor YMCA, Washtenaw County Racial Equity Office.
Current Funders