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.

Two kids standing outside in Hamilton Crossing the one boy in front is smiling and the girl behind has an inquisitive look on her face.

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

    Washtenaw County LogoUnited Way logoaaacf logo


    washtenaw county racial equity officecorporation for supportive housing logoYHC logoMichigan Blue Cross Blue Shield