Dear Neighbor,
As your State Senator, I am continuously honored to serve the communities of Northwest Detroit, Redford Township, Livonia, Farmington and Farmington Hills, in part by connecting you with resources available to you as well as with upcoming events in our community.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if I may ever be of assistance to you. You can email us at senmcavanagh@senate.michigan.gov or by calling 517-373-7748.
In service,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
Featured in This Newsletter
- Resources
- Upcoming Community Events
- Additional Helplines and Resources
Resources
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities in Higher Education for Michiganders
Colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping the future of our state. Recognizing this, Senate Democrats have expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program to create the “Community College Guarantee.” The scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting a series of informational webinars. Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here.
Learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website here.
Storm Damage Resources
Many have been affected by the storms that swept across Michigan in recent months. Below are hyperlinked resources from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) that you may find useful as you work with your insurance company to file a claim and repair damages.
Additional information regarding severe weather preparedness is available on the DIFS website. Consumers having issues with their insurer or claims process may file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Services toll free at (877) 999-6442 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with any questions you or your constituents may have. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.
DIFS Consumer Counselor: Insurance Policies and How to Claim What is Yours
DIFS Guide to Resolving Insurance Problems/Complaint Form
DIFS Consumer Counselor: Homeownership vs. Repair Cost Policies
InsuranceClaims Tracking Sheet
Free Resources from Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell
Important Announcements from Federal Student Aid
On August 7, the Department announced that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will be launched through a new process. Starting on October 1, the Department will release the 2025-26 FAFSA form for testing with a limited set of students and postsecondary institutions. The agency will make the FAFSA form available to all students on or before December.
This new process was informed by conversations and feedback from students, institutions, and other stakeholders and is consistent with software industry best practices.
The Department will invite volunteers to participate in the testing period, and, over time, make the form available to an increasing number of participants, starting with hundreds and expanding to tens of thousands of applicants. This process will allow the agency to test and resolve issues before making the form available to all students and contributors. Using this approach, the Department will implement full functionality — submission, processing, and corrections — at the same time.
A phased rollout will also allow the Department to incorporate user feedback to ensure the form’s instructions are clear and easy-to-use and provide resources for the community that support students and families.
Throughout the testing period, the agency will share regular updates with students, institutions, and stakeholders to make sure they clearly understand progress. This will also boost confidence among students and families, institutions, state agencies, and other partners.
Furthermore, the Department will continue to seek feedback from stakeholders via listening sessions and a new formal request for information (comments due by September 13). The agency will publish what it has learned through these engagements, including releasing a new roadmap with additional tools for those planning for a successful 2025-26 FAFSA season.
The top priority is ensuring students have access to the maximum possible federal financial aid to reach their education goals.
Notably, as a result of investments through the FAFSA Student Support Strategy and the partnership of community and stakeholders, 2024-25 FAFSA submission rates significantly increased the past six months, with the submission gap from the prior year falling from roughly 40% in March to under 4% today.
Student Debt Relief
The Biden Administration emailed all borrowers with at least one outstanding federally held student loan to provide updates on potential student debt relief. The Department expects that all proposed forms of relief would be provided to eligible borrowers without requiring any action from them (no application required). Otherwise, they have until August 30 to call their servicer to opt out. The rules that would provide such relief are not yet finalized, and receiving the message does not guarantee specific borrowers will be eligible. The Department will provide additional information to borrowers once these rules are settled this fall (video).
Upcoming Community Events
Coffee and Conversation
WHEN: Tuesday, August 27 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: North Rosedale Park Community House, 18445 Scarsdale St., Detroit, MI 48223
I hope to see you there!
Calling Business Owners! Learn How to Get Funded with Making Money Moves Series
Grandmont Rosedale Community has partnered with the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneur Project and LISC Detroit to bring entrepreneurs a series on how to create or improve business financial documents on paper and apply for funding to scale! Sign up now as spots are limited.
Grant Writing Training in Detroit
SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Detroit, MI from September 5-6, 2024. This training is for grant seekers across all disciplines. Attend this class and you’ll learn how to find the funding sources and write winning grant proposals.
For event details visit: grantstraining.com/dt0924
Northwest Detroit Farmers Market
WHEN: Every Thursday, June 6 – October 10, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: North Rosedale Park Community House, 18445 Scarsdale Detroit, MI 48223
Rosedale Park – Building a Healthier Community Event
From the Rosedale Park Improvement Association: Rosedale Park residents, we want your feedback on the state of community health in Grandmont Rosedale. Your opinions will help shape how we form the action plan to create a healthier neighborhood.
Join us at the GRDC office, 18445 Grand River, Detroit, MI from 6-8 pm. RSVP via the link: forms.office.com/r/gyz9S5METK or call 313-470-0425.
Livonia Touch-a-Truck Event
Tour de Livonia Bike Race
Livonia’s Good Old-Fashioned Neighborhood Corn Roast
Detroit Summer Music Event Schedule
Recurring Community Meetings
- Grandmont Community Association Board Meeting:
Saturday, September 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Grandmont Rosedale Development Center, 19800 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48223 - Farmington City Council Meeting:
1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Farmington City Hall, 23600 Liberty St, Farmington, MI 48335 - College Park Neighborhood Meeting:
1st Monday of the Month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Detroit Police 8th Precinct, 21555 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48219 - Charter Township of Redford Board Meeting
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Redford Township Board Room – Township Hall, 15145 Beech Daly Road, Redford, MI 48239 - Livonia City Council Meeting
Wednesday, August 26th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Dr, Livonia, MI 48154 - Detroit Chapter Families Against Narcotics Monthly Meeting:
2nd Monday of the Month from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Sheffield Center Complex, 12000 W. Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204
Additional Helplines and Resources
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for anyone struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit their Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis line provides veterans and their family members with 24/7, confidential support. To connect, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
- Trevor Lifeline: The Trevor Project has trained counselors who understand the challenges young people in the LGBTQ community face and are available for support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or click here to speak with a crisis counselor.
Call Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Though based in Lansing, MI, Michigan 2-1-1 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Visit FindTreatment.gov, a confidential and anonymous resource, to locate treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders near you.
Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs
CMHSPs provide a comprehensive range of services and support to children, adolescents, and adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders in all 83 Michigan counties. Find your local program here.
City of Detroit Health Department Resources
A list of programs offered by the City of Detroit Health Department can be found here or call (313)-876-4000.
Elder Abuse and Fraud
- Office of the Attorney General: (800) 242-2873
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services: (855) 444-3911
Food Pantries
- CARES Food Pantry: 27835 Shiawassee Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, Mon and Fri 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tue-Thur 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Redford Interfaith Relief: 18499 Beech Daly Road, Redford, Michigan 48240-1804, Wed-Fri 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Redford Township Public Services Department: Redfordtwp.com or (313)-387-2670
Medicare Assistance: (800) 633-4227 or Medicare.gov
Medicare Scams: Contact DIFs at Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints or (877) 999-6442
Student Advocacy Center of Michigan Student Helpline: No-Cost support and education helpline, (734) 482-0489
Wayne State Mobile Health Unit: Visit waynehealthcares.org/Mobile-Health-Unit or (877) 929-6342
Wayne County Public Health Community Response Updated Hotline: The new hotline will be (734) 858-1922