One Big Thing - Voices From The Community

Written by 5 Healthy Town Foundation staff

In 2025, One Big Thing has been honored to highlight organizations doing the work to bring needed resources to our communities and increase awareness of mental health issues and crisis prevention. From housing instability to suicide, social isolation to substance use addiction and recovery, these guest presentations have been instrumental in bridging the gap between awareness and action and helping us to be better informed stewards of local resources. At each quarterly meeting, information sharing helps to connect organizations that serve the needs of residents in the 5 Healthy Towns region.

The MJR Foundation was established in August 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in honor of Miles Jeffrey Roberts, who died by suicide on May 29th, 2017. Suicide is an epidemic that continues to rise, particularly among our youth. We strive to advance youth mental health and well-being through supporting evidence-informed programs and policies. These programs help build key skills, relationships, and connections to the community to promote social and emotional health and may include partnerships with youth, family, coaches, teachers, healthcare, or spiritual leaders. We also partner with other organizations in our community whenever possible to advocate for existing programs and offer support to address gaps in current services.

The Housing Bureau for Seniors assists adults age 55+ obtain and/or maintain sustainable housing through the provision of eviction and foreclosure prevention services as well as housing counseling. As a part of Michigan Medicine, we are not-for-profit and charge no fees. With a solid foundation of support from Michigan Medicine, the contributions of private and corporate donors, and grants from local civic groups and municipalities, we are able to ensure ongoing services.

michiganmedicine.org/community/community-healthservices/housing-bureau-seniors

Working to promote hope, recovery, resilience, and advance health equity in Washtenaw County by providing high-quality, integrated behavioral health services to adults and youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health, and/or substance use needs. All residents can secure support to improve their quality of life and reach their full potential.

As a founding partner in the One Big Thing initiative, the renewal of an eight-year Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage will assure continued support for resources to address the county’s needs, including behavioral health care, 24/7 crisis support, criminal justice diversion, and more. With the expansion, millage funds will continue to support the county’s needs until 2034.

washtenaw.org/839/ Community-Mental-Health

The mission of the Chelsea Senior Center is to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for area seniors and their families. Our vision is to be a leader in fun, learning, and resources for all seniors throughout our community. Chelsea Senior Center is a place where you don't have to act your age ... but you can!

The mission of the Chelsea Senior Center is to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for area seniors and their families. Our vision is to be a leader in fun, learning, and resources for all seniors throughout our community. Chelsea Senior Center is a place where you don't have to act your age ... but you can!

chelseaseniors.org/