CEHHS faculty and students help improve life for children in Southwest Detroit

DETROIT, MI. - On Saturday May 13th, 2017 UM-Dearborn's Associate Professor Dr. Christopher Burke and students from his EXPS 220 and EDD 485 classes participated in the Building a Brighter Neinas community park project sponsored by ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), as part of the Arab American Day of Service and hosted by Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy in Detroit. 

The event brought together over 450 volunteers who helped to clean up the school grounds, sort donations for the schools clothing closet, plant flowers, spread mulch and begin the installation of the Alayna Elabed Brighter Neinas Community Park designed by the students at Neinas Elementary School in collaboration with pre-service teachers from the UM-Dearborn's College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS).

Students working at the Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy's
acquired lot for the park.

The installation of the Alayna Elabed Brighter Neinas Park is one success in a five year collaboration between students and teachers at this Detroit Public School and pre-service teachers at UM-Dearborn. For the past 18 months, Dr. Burke's students have been collaborating with students from Mrs. Amy Lazarowicz’s 4th and 5th grade science classes to study, design and plan the park based on data collected from a community survey to identify goals for the park. When the classes came to a consensus about their final design they built full scale tables and recycling containers which were installed in the park during this event.

Neinas' students and UM-Dearborn's teachers designed and tested scale models
of the picnic tables and recycling bins for the park out of craft sticks and glue

On May 16, Dr. Burke shared this experience with the Michigan Department of Education "Top 10 in 10 Innovation Roadshow" as an example of an innovative promising practice, and on May 18th CEHHS' students Jenine Conners and Rachel Marple joined Dr. Burke, Mrs. Lazarowicz and three students from Neinas to talk about the place based collaboration at the South East Michigan Stewardship Coalition's Community Forum at Eastern Michigan University.

Students built 3D models and received feedback from Ryan Marshall, an architect
from FX Architecture, to develop a formal plan based on their models

Salute! to the Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity

DETROIT, MI - The Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity (CDSE) - a community-driven organization by the University of Michigan-Dearborn, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, received the Breakthrough Award from the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) during its annual awards dinner Salute! to Healthcare on November 3, 2016 at the Atheneum Suite Hotel in Detroit.

CDSE received the 2016
Breakthrough Award

The Breakthrough Award is presented to an individual or organization for their impact on the health and well-being of southeast Michigan through community engagement and innovation. This year GDAHC decided to honor the Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity (CDSE) with this award.

The overarching objective of the CDSE is to develop evidence-based solutions that seek to create equity across education, public and community health, healthcare, wellness and human services. To achieve this aim, the CDSE partners with community, corporate, education, government, health and wellness organizations spanning the Detroit area, the State of Michigan and the United States.

Working in collaboration with these stakeholders and through the application of leading-edge research, the CDSE seeks to implement actionable solutions by way of innovative programs and policies, systems and environment best practices and responsible evaluation mechanisms—among other channels.

Center of Disparity Solutions and Equity team members

  Currently, there are more than 20 professionals, from the University of Michigan-Dearborn as well as a number of regional organizations and institutions, associated with the CDSE. These regional organizations range from healthcare payers to free clinics to health systems to school districts to social service organizations and more.

Examples of the substantial work, with actions implemented, that have been completed include:

1. hotspotting to identify geographic areas of high concentration of chronic diseases and at-risk populations
2. across-sector collaborations to lessen the disparities and burden of determinants of health;
3. working of institutional policies to increase equity; and
4. convergence of education and health and human services entities to increase educational attainment and quality of life. Some of the areas of clinical focus has involved, but has not been limited to: autism spectrum disorder, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities.

The CDSE features knowledgeable faculty and staff members who are passionate about eliminating disparities across education, health and human services. These experts bring together other faculty members, students and communities in effort to help eliminate disparities.

The CDSE works from the position that progress and positive change can be realized, that equity throughout the areas of education, public and community health, healthcare, wellness and human services is a true possibility.

CEHHS Education Student Applies Knowledge to Help Children in Haiti

Rachel and Valmy. Valmy was the first child
sponsored through Reach Out

Rachel Marple, visited Haiti, for the first time, six years ago on a mission trip with an organization called Reach Out to visit remote villages located in the mountains to install water filtration systems. During this trip she remembers having met a young man with Down syndrome whose family was unaware that his condition even existed. “It was then and there that I decided to pursue a degree in which I could take overseas what I was learning here at home”, Rachel said.

Now, she is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education: Learning Disabilities at UM-Dearborn College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) and she is also the co-founder of the non-profit organization “Reach Out: LaFond”.

LaFond is a community located 40 miles from Port-au-Prince that struggles with impoverished conditions and children do not have access to quality schooling. “Reach Out:LaFond” was created to inspire people to sponsor the education of students. In Haiti, many students are required to live without their parents in order to go to school in faraway places, so the mission of this organization is to provide a better education to children within their own community.

 

Djerson, a student in LaFond, practices
writing sentences in English

In addition to be the co-founder of “Reach Out:LaFond”, Rachel serves as the Treasurer and Mission Trip Leader. Currently there are three members who maintain the organization and they are in the process of adding two new board members to the team. The organization has approximately 50 families sponsoring over 65 children in LaFond.

Rachel is very active working on finding sponsors and planning the trips. Currently the organization is fundraising for the construction of a new church; they partnered with another organization to bring shoes to students; they recently started a lunch program in which students receive a hot meal during the school day and this past summer they had their first medical mission trip. “We were able to see and treat 688 patients throughout the 4-day clinic”, Rachel said.

Volunteer nurses seeing a young patient during the medical mission
trip

Rachel mentioned that the Special Education: Learning Disabilities program is providing her tools to share with the teachers of the school in LaFond. For example, they are working with staff to implement an RTI program (Response to Intervention) within the schools that will help identify at risk students before waiting for them to fail. Rachel reflects on her education, “I truly believe that as a result of my education, Reach Out will produce more effective teachers and in return have children who are flourishing academically.”

Looking to the future, Rachel would like to work with the school administration in order to implement a PBIS program (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). The organization also set a goal to help schools add on a grade each year until hitting the 12th grade. Right now, schools go from Pre-K to 7th grade.

“We want to see our students grow up to be world changers, and I believe they will be as long as they have access to education. After all, people only know what they are taught!”, Rachel said.

Elementary students pose for a photo during recess

To learn more about ReachOut:LaFond, visit their webpage at http://www.reachoutlafond.org

Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity (CDSE) partners with Samaritan Center

by The Reporter

As a part of its mission to eliminate disparities and promote equity in education and health, the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS), through its Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity (CDSE), recently partnered with Samaritan Center.

Located in East Detroit, Samaritan Center is a one-stop resource location that serves more than 1,500 southeastern Michigan residents daily and houses more than 80 community services.

Through the partnership, CDSE evaluated Samaritan Center services with hopes of expanding the service menu, improving their community outreach and highlighting the center as a model for other communities.

“Twenty percent of the people went to four or more partner organizations. That tells you they are meeting their mission of being a one-stop resource,” said Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity Program Manager Jennifer Teller, who conducted the work with CEHHS Dean Janine Janosky, Associate Dean Laura Reynolds and Public Ally Amanda Ford. “And visitors had thoughtful ideas of what else they’d like to see at the Center and were happy to share them. For example, one young man said the Samaritan Center is a safe place in a challenged neighborhood and suggested a park for children.”

Earlier this month, the team presented their findings to the Samaritan Center. Teller said the partnership was a success and the CDSE will continue to seek out and work with community organizations.

 

Jennifer Teller, program manager in CEHHS and
Br. Francis Boylan, CSC pose with children at the
Samaritan Center (Photo by Kathleen Malicke)

“It was satisfying to see that the Samaritan Center visitors and partners were all on the same page. They were appreciative of our work,” she said. “Research is an important endeavor as many people are out there helping others in need. We worked hard to assist them in fulfilling their mission by determining the impact of the Samaritan Center.”

Samaritan Center Executive Director Mark Owens said, “Samarian Center has been fortunate to find a partner with University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Education, Health, and Human Services to work with us to better serve the thousands of Detroit residents who visit Samaritan Center and 87 partner agencies. The professionalism, the attention to detail and responses to our questions have been excellent and we look forward to a long-term relationship.”

About the Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) formed the Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity in 2015 in order to continue CEHHS’ emphasis on scholarship, diverse health and human services experiences, and effective instructional and leadership practice. The Center for Disparity Solutions and Equity aims to reduce disparities for a movement to equity in education, health, and human services focused upon policies, systems, and environments. To learn more about the Center visit umdearborn.edu/cehhs/cehhs_cdse.

Dr. Lisa Martin receives the Susan B. Anthony Campus Award

DEARBORN, MI - University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Commission for Women honored Lisa Martin and Beth Morrison during the organization’s annual Susan B. Anthony Awards Dinner on April 7, 2016 at Park Place in Dearborn. The awards recognize a member of the campus family and a member of the local community whose work exemplify the dedication of Susan B. Anthony on behalf of women. During the event that included Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as the keynote speaker, Dr. Martin received the Campus Award and Beth Morrison, president and CEO of HAVEN, recieved the community award. 

Lisa Martin, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Beth Morrison

"It's such an honor to receive this year's Susan B. Anthony Campus Award" - Dr. Martin said. "I am grateful to the Commission for Women for their recognition and I look forward to a long future career where I plan to continue working on issues of gender equity on campus.  It was a wonderful night, with inspiring speeches by Rep. Debbie Dingell and Provost Davy, and Geri Barrons."

 
Lisa Martin, holds a joint appointment in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) as professor of Health and Policy Studies; and the College of Arts, Science and Letters (CASL) as professor of Womens' and Gender Studies. She has revitalized the curriculum of both Health Policy Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies.
 

 

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell participated as keynote
speaker at the 2016 Susan B. Anthony Awards dinner

Dr. Martin is a member of the SOAR Advisory Board and also serves on the Center for the Education of Women Scholarship Committee, both of which provide financial support to socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Through her directorship of the Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL) program, she has been able to connect students to numerous campus and community opportunities that are transforming students’ career paths and lives and developing their skill as leaders for social change.

As a result of these efforts, WILL students now lead the campus effort to end gender-based violence in organizing the successful “Take Back the Night” events, as well as their work on the current campus climate survey and “Abuse Hurts” campaign. Under Lisa’s leadership, WILL has put together a mentoring program for at-risk girls at Vista Maria as a way to encourage these girls to see college as an option.

Lisa has demonstrated leadership in the development of a series of site visits that connect students with local leaders such as the CEO of the Coalition on Temporary Shelter, the CEO of Walbridge Industries, and the President and CEO of HAVEN. These site visits give students the opportunity to learn from successful women leaders and strengthen our connections with community organizations. These connections have led to internships, mentorships, and employment for students.

As a result of these and other initiatives, Dr. Lisa Martin is positively impacting life at UM-Dearborn, improving our community, and changing lives of our students.

About Susan B. Anthony Campus and Community Awards
The Commission for Women (CFW) present Susan B. Anthony Campus and Community Awards annually to recognize a member of our campus family and a member of the local community, whose lives and deeds exemplify the dedication, fortitude, political agitation and involvement of Susan B. Anthony on behalf of women.  Anthony forced a nation to recognize human rights, challenged gross inequities endured by women in our society.

The first Susan B. Anthony Campus Award was presented at a Luncheon in 1979.  The Susan B. Anthony Community Award was established in 2004.  Today, both awards are presented at an awards dinner program which includes a silent auction fundraiser.

Power in Community: MLK Day of Service 2016

DEARBORN, MI - For the 23rd year, UM-Dearborn celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting the MLK Day of Service on January 18, 2016.

UM-Dearborn Chancellor Daniel Little; Jonathan Larson,
Chair of Committee and Cassandra Fluker, Director
of Student Activities at Henry Ford College welcome
volunteers to MLK Day of Service.

This is one of the biggest and more cherished campus traditions in which faculty, staff, students and alumni from UM-Dearborn in partnership with Henry Ford College, get together to spend a morning of work to lend a helping hand to more than 20 community service organizations throughout Metro Detroit.

Jonathan Larson, Academic Advisor of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) has been part of the MLK Day of Service Committee since 2008, serving as Chair of the Committee for the last four years. He lead the planning of this day that usually begins in April and continues through the Day of Service in January.

Larson mentioned that "This year we worked with 20 different community agencies including Fish and Loaves, Cass Community Services, Michigan Urban Farming Initiative and Priest Elementary School".

Donation from CEHHS community and MLK
volunteers to Priest Elementary School

CEHHS community and MLK volunteers donated socks to Priest Elementary School in Detroit as part of the planning for this event.

"I'm proud to honor Dr. King's legacy by coordinating a large scale service event which impacts the entire region and highlights the service culture of UM-Dearborn", Larson said.

Jonathan Larson,
Chair of MLK Day of
Service Committee

Chancellor Daniel Little welcomed volunteers to campus before they embarked on their service activities such as packing food for Kids Against Hunger; cleaning areas at Blight Busters; working with Michigan Urban Farming Initiative; organize donations at South Oakland Shelter; painting buildings at Franklin Wright Settlement or sorting food at Fish & Loaves.

"It fills my heart with pride every time I see young people… give a day of service to contribute to the betterment of our region", Little said.

There were nearly 500 volunteers this year who despite the frigid temperatures decided to honor Dr. King's words: "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."

Volunteers helping at Blight Busters