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
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.
Substance Use Disorder Provider Map
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services recently launched a new substance use disorder (SUD) mapping tool to identify licensed SUD treatment and recovery locations through a geographic search. Additional information can be found via this press release, and attached you will find a graphic and flyer which can be shared with community partners.
Here is the link to the map: Michigan.gov/opioids/find-help/misud-locator.
Opening Doors to Opportunity: Explore CBCF 2025 Scholarships
For more than 40 years, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has proudly supported talented and deserving students in their pursuit of higher education. As we continue to build on the legacy of empowering the next generation of Black leadership, we are excited to announce that our 2025 scholarship applications are now open!
These scholarships offer nine diverse opportunities for incoming freshmen, current undergraduate students, and master/doctoral candidates to achieve their academic dreams.
Scholarships Now Open:
- Ally Financial Law Scholars
- CBC Spouses Performing Arts
- CBC Spouses Visual Arts
- HBCU NREI
- The Tracking Foundation Multi-Year
- The Tracking Foundation Scholars
- CBCF Reducing the Financial Barrier (need-based)
- CBC Spouses Education
- CBC Spouses Essay Contest
All CBCF Scholarship applications close in March 2025. Visit their website to learn more about each scholarship opportunity including eligibility, application requirements, and deadline information. To apply, click here.
Detroit Legacy Business Project
The Detroit Legacy Business Project seeks to sustain and empower Detroit’s small businesses that have been in operation for at least 30 years and who have helped to shape the cultural identity and collective character of Detroit. Currently, the owners of eligible legacy businesses are encouraged to apply for financial assistance that can be spent on the following:
- Building repairs and renovations
- Product inventory, equipment and machinery, furniture, fixtures, and interior decoration
- Software subscriptions
- Façade improvement and exterior beautification
- Professional services
- Branding and visual marketing, advertising and publicity
- Financial planning, accounting and bookkeeping, legal services
- Architecture and structural engineering
Available Grant Applications
Contact Information
- City of Detroit Webpage
- Contact Email – detroitlegacybusiness@degc.org
Important Grant Resources
- Template for itemized budget
- Tax Clearance Letter (both are needed)
- Information about certificates of compliance
- Individual/business owner
- Business-only
- Commercial certificate of compliance
Promotional Collateral and Informational Documents
- Social media graphics
- PDF of application questions
- Program guidelines
- Slideshow presentation
- Information session recording
Free Probate Assistance
Free Resources from the Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell
Additional Helplines and Resources
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. You can text, email, or call for help. For more information, click here.
Physical and Mental Health Services
- 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.
- Medicare Assistance: Call (800) 633-4227 or visit Medicare.gov.
- Medicare Scams: Contact the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services at Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints or call (877) 999-6442.
- Wayne State Mobile Health Unit: Click here or call (877) 929-6342.
- Elder Abuse and Fraud:
- Call the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 242-2873
- Call the Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services: (855) 444-3911
- Wayne County Public Health Community Response Updated Hotline: Call (734) 858-1922.
- Michigan Medicaid Assistance Program Counseling Sites: See image below.
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.
Other Local Resources
- City of Detroit Health Department Resources: A list of programs offered by the Detroit Health Department can be found here or call (313) 876-4000 for more information.
- Redford Township Public Services Department: Visit Redfordtwp.com or call (313) 387-2670.
- Food Pantries:
- CARES Food Pantry: Located at 27835 Shiawassee Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336, the pantry is open Monday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Redford Interfaith Relief: Located at 18499 Beech Daly Rd., Redford, Michigan 48240, the pantry is open Wednesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Student Advocacy Center of Michigan Student Helpline: The helpline provides non-legal support and advocacy for students in grades K-12 who are facing challenges at school. Call (734) 482-0489 for more information.
Neighborhood Wellness Centers
Rosedale Fun Litter Pick-Up Club
Join the fun! The Rosedale Fun Litter Pickup Club is dedicated to beautifying our neighborhood through once-monthly litter pickups (on second Saturdays), fun, and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME! For more information, email funlitterpickupclub@gmail.com or call/text Mary Madigan at (313) 980-8850.
WHEN: Saturday, January 11, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Rosa Coffee Shop, 19180 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48223
Recurring Community Meetings
- Grandmont Community Association Board Meeting
WHEN: First Saturday of the month from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Basement Community Room of the Detroit Public Library – Redford Branch, 21200 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48219 - Farmington City Council Meeting
WHEN: First and third Mondays of the month from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Farmington City Hall, 23600 Liberty St., Farmington, MI 48335 - College Park Community Association Meeting
WHEN: Second Thursday of the month from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Detroit Police – 8th Precinct, 21555 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48219 - Charter Township of Redford Board Meeting
WHEN: Second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Redford Township Board Room – Township Hall, 15145 Beech Daly Rd., Redford, MI 48239 - Livonia City Council Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, January 15 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Dr., Livonia, MI 48154 - Detroit Chapter Families Against Narcotics Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Second Monday of the month from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sheffield Center Complex, 12000 W. Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204