The NEW Center houses a diverse mix of 20 nonprofit organizations that serve a broad spectrum of the regional community. The following descriptions provide an overview of current tenant organizations, their programs and constituencies, and their importance to our community.
Tenants are listed in alphabetical order:
ANN ARBOR YOUTH CHORALE: The Ann Arbor Youth Chorale consists of two children’s choirs. Comprised of approximately 80 members, aged 9-16 years, it exists to enrich artistically the lives of children, their families, and the community through choral music instruction and performance. The children are from many racial, economic, and religious backgrounds. They represent Ann Arbor and the neighboring cities and townships.
The Ann Arbor Youth Chorale offers two auditioned/graded choirs. The Descant Choir is a preparatory level choir while the Concert Choir is for more experienced children who already demonstrate vocal ability, along with basic skills in note reading and singing in parts. Each choir is dedicated to fostering excellence in musicianship. At their respective levels, children learn basic concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics, along with skills in vocal technique, breathing, tone production, diction, and sight singing. Students study vocal literature from a broad range of musical styles and periods. They are exposed to new languages, as well as the customs, beliefs, and values of the world’s cultures.
While working with professionals in a nurturing atmosphere, students realize their musical potential, experience the satisfaction of achievement, and make lasting friendships. They also develop life-long transferable skills such as discipline, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Contact: Mary Jackson, 734.996.4404, or email:
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APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATIVE: ATC is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is "To design, develop, demonstrate and distribute appropriate technological solutions for meeting the basic human needs of low income people in the developing world. ATC works with University student design teams, professionals and our clients in the developing world to create technologies that are culturally sensitive, environmentally responsible and locally repairable in order to improve the quality of life, enhance safety, and reduce adverse impacts on their environment.”
ATC creates long term partnerships with our client communities in Latin America to help monitor and maintain our technologies.
All ATC designs are licensed through Creative Commons so that any NGO or individual can copy or improve upon our work.
Contact: John Barrie, 734.668.4811, or email:
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ARTRAIN: For almost 40 years, Artrain has developed and delivered world class art and education programs to under-resourced communities. Artrain's mobile facility is the only one of its kind designed to carry original artwork across the country. Winner of the National Medal for Museum Service, Artrain travels to communities across the United States fulfilling its mission to enrich lives and build communities through the arts. Since its founding in 1971, Artrain has traveled coast to coast, making 845 community visits and welcoming 3.2 million visitors. Artrain brings the museum experience to children and adults, often for the first time. It creates a surprising cultural experience, de-mystifying the world of art, fostering dialogues and helping young and old alike spark their own creativity. Artrain brings diverse community groups together, providing guidance in regard to fundraising, organizing and promoting an exhibit. Artrain has fostered the creation of hundreds of arts programs around the country and instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride in their communities. A powerful catalyst, Artrain sparks the formation of local and regional arts councils, strengthens art education programs, builds community pride and spurs downtown revitalization efforts.
Contact: Debra Polich, 734.747.8300, ext. 235.
ASSOCIATION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATION: (Affiliate Program) The mission of the Association is to provide opportunities for professionals and students in the field of outdoor recreation and education to exchange information, promote the preservation and conservation of the natural environment, and address issues common to college, university, community, military, and other not-for-profit outdoor recreation and education programs.
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education is the definitive resource for current and emerging outdoor recreation professionals in the university, military, municipal and the not-for-profit sectors. Founded at the International Conference on Outdoor Recreation in 1993, AORE is a grass roots, member driven organization dedicated to advancing the field of outdoor recreation and education. The professional membership of AORE collectively manages, on an annual basis, instructional and rental programs that generate millions of hours of recreational activity. The influence of these programs on future generations of land users is unparalleled within the outdoor industry. The annual conference brings together professionals and students for high-level instructional workshops, networking, social functions and each conference site hosts a vendor exhibition hall that serves as an educational forum and direct buying conduit to manufacturers and other outdoor industry service providers. Through AORE, members have a mechanism to interact with and influence decisions made by public land managers and the human powered outdoor recreation industry. AORE is committed to promoting ecologically sound stewardship of the natural environment and serves as a collective voice for its members regarding topics of regional and national concern.
Contact: Jeannette Stawski, 810.299.2783, or email:
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THE BOYCHOIR OF ANN ARBOR: The Boychoir of Ann Arbor seeks to provide vocal training, choral education, and performance opportunities to musically gifted boys in Southeastern Michigan. Through the learning of first-rate choral literature, the boys develop a life-long love of music. Following the English boychoir tradition, the discipline of the choir’s program endeavors to develop leadership skills, self-confidence and team spirit in each boy, while also providing an important peer group for boys who love music and singing. The Boychoir of Ann Arbor includes the Preparatory Choir (for beginners, generally ages 7-10), the Performing Choir (for more experienced boys, ages 9-14), and the Arbor Singers (a changed voice choir for teens and young men, ages 14-19).
Contact:
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or 734.663.5377.
DETROIT RESCUE MISSION MINISTRIES: Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) works to rebuild Detroit one life at a time by providing food, shelter, counseling, treatment, and other support to homeless and/or addicted men, women and children. Ultimately our mission is to help each individual become more productive members of the community, spiritually committed and grounded in strong and caring families.
Founded in 1909, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is one of the most established rescue missions in the U.S. We offer the following services through the programs indicated: food, clothing and emergency shelter; transitional supportive housing; substance abuse treatment, prevention and youth services; central intake; education and job training; permanent housing; and a permanent housing program for homeless disabled adults.
Contact: Chad Audi, 313.530.3820.
DEVELOPMENT AND GUIDANCE INTEGRATIVE SERVICES: (Affiliate Program) Development and Guidance Integrative Services (DGIS) is a faith based 501(c)(3) tax exempt community outreach and supportive service organization. Our mission is to provide access and empowerment to low-income individuals and families within their communities. Our objective is to heal communities by integrating neighborhood-based holistic human development services and concepts. The DGIS three-fold approach is: 1. to promote young people grades K-12 in their communities through neighborhood-based program development; 2. to promote “the young adult” 18-32 years by providing access to vocational, educational, community and economic development opportunities; 3. to initiate and demonstrate partnerships that lead to community transformation and change.
Contact: Dale L. Griffin, 734.757.7335.
FIT 4 LIFE OF AMERICA, INC.: (Affiliate Program) Fit 4 Life of America, Inc. provides guidance for Better Health & Aging to reduce the rates of overweight and obesity and the related chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis or cancer!
Contact: Greg Miller, 734.434.3777.
GLOBAL RELEAF: This organization's mission is to educate the public about the value of trees and the need to properly select, plant, and maintain them. Global ReLeaf facilitates and coordinates community tree plantings, helping community groups select sites, arranging to acquire trees, and providing technical assistance on planting day. Global ReLeaf also stresses education about the care and maintenance of mature trees.
Contact: Gail McPherson, 800.642.7353.
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HURON RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL: The Huron River Watershed Council is a coalition of Huron Valley residents, businesses, and local governments established under Michigan’s Local River Management Act. The mission of the Council is to inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies that protect, rehabilitate, and sustain the Huron River System. Services of the Council include hands-on citizen education, technical assistance in policy development, and direct river protection projects.
Contact: Laura Rubin, 734.769.5123.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ANN ARBOR: The Junior League was established in 1982 to develop and fund projects in the Ann Arbor area in response to specific community needs. They were instrumental in establishing Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor and the Hands-On Museum. Current projects include a collaboration with Perry Nursery School of Ann Arbor; Hands Are Not For Hitting, a non-violent conflict resolution program for public school second grade students; and Done In A Day. The Junior League of Ann Arbor, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.
Contact: Debbie Urguhart, 734.996.8818.
KINGCARE: KingCare is a non-profit before- and after-school enrichment program for Kindergarten-5th grade students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Ann Arbor. The program is overseen by a Board of Directors, comprised of parent volunteers and is run by Executive Director, Heather Brescol. KingCare's mission is to provide quality childcare to the families of King School in order to allow parents to work or become educated. The program employs college students from the surrounding universities who are seeking degrees in education. Students at KingCare are encouraged to work within the choice system, seeking out activities and opportunities that interest them, all while building social and problem-solving skills and developing positive relationship with peers.
Contact: Heather Bresco, 734.994.4485, or email:
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LEGACY LAND CONSERVANCY: The Conservancy protects – forever – local natural areas, farmland, and open spaces, here where you live. Since 1971, the Conservancy has protected 3,619 acres of land in Washtenaw & Jackson counties. Conservation priorities include the Waterloo-Pinckney natural corridor, farmland, and rivers and wetlands. Programs of the Conservancy include acquiring permanent conservation agreements on private property, acquiring land outright for nature preserves, and providing assistance and information on conservation options, estate planning, and the benefits of preserving open lands. Stewardship days and tours are held at the preserves, and annual events highlight recently protected lands.
Contact: Susan Lackey, 734.302.5263.
LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION OF AMERICA: The Lymphoma Foundation of America provides help and support to lymphoma cancer patients and their families: information, referrals, nurse-counseling, educational programs, and medical travel assistance. We do research on the environmental causes or cancer, and give research grants to scientists. Recently we were chosen “Top10 Best Health Charity,” and received the Human Charity seal of approval. LFA is an advocate for patient rights.
Contact: Belita Cowan, 734.222.1100.
NAMI Washtenaw County: NAMI Washtenaw County is a self-help, support, and advocacy organization for persons with mental illness and their families. NAMI Washtenaw County publishes a monthly newsletter mailed to over 700 members and supporters. It sponsors public education and support group meetings. It campaigns for better services for persons with mental illness, especially in the areas of health, housing, employment, and education. NAMI Washtenaw County representatives frequently speak to community groups about mental illness and lead the fight to reduce stigma and promote public understanding of mental illness.
Contact: Carolyn Moehrle, 734.994.6611.
NONPROFIT ENTERPRISE AT WORK (NEW): The mission of Nonprofit Enterprise at Work, Inc. (“NEW”) is to help nonprofits succeed by strengthening nonprofit management and offering solutions to issues facing our nonprofit community. Since 1993 NEW has provided a wide array of management support services for nonprofits in Washtenaw County and southeast Michigan. NEW’s primary services include the NEW Center (office space and shared equipment to 18 nonprofit tenants and affiliates, and general meeting space for local nonprofits); BoardConnect® (board development through training and volunteer matching); npServ™ (helps nonprofits share internal operations to increase efficiency); ResourceConnect® (first stop for nonprofit training and management needs); and various management tools (guides, surveys, directories, and other resources).
Contact: Michael Tyson, 734.998.0160.
PARTNERS IN PERSONAL ASSISTANCE (PPA): Partners in Personal Assistance is a nonprofit organization that offers an empowering solution for elders and people with disabilities who want to exercise independence and self-determination in managing their personal care. PPA provides training and education opportunities for Personal Assistants (PAs) who are dedicated to providing high quality care. We advocate for positive working conditions, living wages, affordable health care and other benefits for PAs. PPA supports alternatives to costly institutional care so that people with disabilities and elders may live in their own homes and actively participate in their communities. Our e-mail address is
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.
Contact: Lena Ricks, 734.214.3890.
REAL LIFE LIVING SERVICES: Our mission at RLLS is to provide in-home and community supports, care, assistance & companionship for people with disabilities. Help children, adults, elderly from a few hours a week to 24-7 support. Accept private pay and referrals from DHS, CMH, others. Insured, bonded, & CARF accredited.
Contact: Benjamin Woodside, 734.222.6076.
THE CAMPAIGN FOR AGING RESEARCH: The Campaign for Aging Research is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2008. Our mission is to give everyone a new perspective on life in respect to the aging experience and life expectancy. Our activity is supported by three major websites:
- Elderhelpers.org: matches people in need of help (elders or family) with volunteers in their own communities.
- Healthyyears.org: provides information on our activities overall and handles our Lifestyle Guide program which provides lifestyle advice to maximize one’s “healthy years” capital.
- Fightagingdiseases.org: in order to foster collaboration, the site provides information to the aging research professional and encourages communication between diverse governmental, nonprofit, and for profit organizations involved in the field of aging research.
Contact: Charlie Warren, 858.926.5784.
WASHTENAW ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY ADVOCACY: ACA’s mission is to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have choices, opportunities and the supports they need to be fully included in community life. ACA advocates for the human, civil and constitutional rights of persons with disabilities as well as their right to lead self-determined lives. ACA focuses on individual person-centered planning, and works with individuals of all ages to secure the supports and assistance needed to become fully participating, productive citizens. ACA has served the communities of Washtenaw County since 1949. ACA receives funding from the Washtenaw United Way, along with a variety of federal, state and county grants and contracts.
Contact: Sherry Fernandez, 734.662.1256.
WASHTENAW LITERACY: Washtenaw Literacy is a volunteer-based organization formed in 1971 providing free literacy instruction customized to the needs of adults throughout Washtenaw County. Volunteers provide individual and group tutoring in reading and writing skills and in English as a second language so adults can improve their personal, family, and community lives. Washtenaw Literacy is proud to be recognized with a Nonprofit Excellence Award in 1998. For more information go to www.washtenawliteracy.org.
Contact: Amy Goodman, 734.879.1320.
WOMEN'S CARING PROGRAM: (Affiliate Program) The group's mission is to serve as leaders for supporting children and families on the road to independence through early childhood development. Launched in 1979 by a circle of friends, the Women's Caring Program attained official non-profit status in 1995 and initiated the ChildCare Commitment program. Today, ChildCare Commitment provides financial support for quality childcare and early education across Michigan for children ages birth to five in working poor and disadvantaged families who otherwise could not afford it. Since 1998, WCP has raised nearly $1.7 million and awarded tuition assistance to more than 1,000 children in 64 counties statewide.
Contact: Nancy Jennings, 877.307.3002, or email:
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