Welcome from Steve Petty

Welcome to the Spring 2025 Issue of Connected! Spring is almost here, bringing fresh energy, optimism and excitement for the year ahead. In this issue, you’ll find updates on our latest initiatives, community partnerships, and meet some of the individuals who create impact in our neighborhoods and communities.

We’re excited to share some of the recent developments at the Dexter Wellness Center – which continues to thrive through our collaboration with Dexter Community Schools, offering new programs and services to help people live their healthiest lives. The center also provides a temporary home for the Dexter Senior Center, which is preparing to open its new 10,000-square-foot facility this spring.

We’re also pleased to share updates about our One Big Thing (OBT) initiative and our new focus on collaborative grantmaking, which funds community-led projects focused on improving and supporting mental health. What began in 2019, as an idea to affect mental health, becomes clearer every day as we strengthen our partnerships with organizations like Chelsea Hospital, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, U of M Community Health Services and the VA. Our common focus to support vulnerable individuals in our 5 towns unites and guides our work together.

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Through One Big Thing (OBT) and partnerships with local businesses, schools, and nonprofits, we’re working together to create healthier, more connected communities. Programs like Working Well, which supports employee wellness initiatives, and Memory Cafés, offered in the senior centers which provide a supportive space for caregivers and those with memory challenges, help individuals to find resources they need to attain a healthier lifestyle.

Of course, none of this work would be possible without the people who make it happen. From our coalition leaders to new organizational leaders in new places, we recognize and appreciate the contributions of our partners, who give their time to support community wellness.

As we move forward, we’re excited about the opportunity to partner in new ways to make our communities healthier. As always, we invite YOU to learn about how YOU can become more involved in our work – join a coalition, volunteer, or simply try a new class or workshop.

In good health, Steve