Throughout Washtenaw and Jackson Counties, a wide variety of resources are available to support young Michiganders facing challenges. Whether you’re seeking support as an LGBTQ+ individual, facing food insecurity, needing housing assistance or mental health support, or dealing with substance use disorders, there are services to meet your needs.

I encourage you to explore these resources and reach out for support as needed. These services are here to help you navigate and overcome the challenges we all face from time to time. We want to ensure you have the support you need to thrive and build a successful future in Michigan.

If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at  sensshink@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2426. And don’t forget to visit my official Facebook page for the latest updates.

Educational Resources

Fill Out Your FAFSA 

Many of Michigan’s graduating seniors qualify for state financial aid, potentially saving thousands on tuition. You might be eligible for more aid than you think, so don’t wait — complete your FAFSA now! Deadline for Fall 2024: June 30, 2025

Filling out your FAFSA is free and usually takes less than an hour. Start at fafsa.gov. Don’t let financial barriers hold you back — act now to secure the aid you need for your education.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship
To support our students and reduce college expenses, my Democratic colleagues and I expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen.

Under this scholarship, students can receive: 

  • Up to $2,750 annually for up to three years at a Michigan community college.
  • Up to $5,500 annually for up to five years at a Michigan private college or university.
  • Up to $5,500 annually for up to five years at a Michigan public university or in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college. 

For more details, visit Michigan.gov/achievement. To explore additional scholarships and grants, visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid. 

Links to Additional Educational Resources 

The Community College Guarantee
Senate Democrats are working to deliver the Community College Guarantee which, if passed into law, would open more pathways for high school graduates across the state to attend community college, preparing a brighter future ahead for the state of Michigan and its workforce. 

Food Resources
Housing and Homelessness Programs
  • Washtenaw County Housing and Homelessness Programs: Access resources and programs for housing support in Washtenaw County here. 
  • Washtenaw County Street Survival Guide: Offers resources specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, including housing, food, and health services. Read the survival guide here. 
  • Community Action Agency is a Housing Assistance and Resource Agency: Connect with Housing Resource Specialists who can offer rapid re-housing assistance and can provide referrals to other appropriate service agencies. 
    • Reach out now to a Jackson County housing specialist by calling (517) 784-4800 
    • For utility assistance in Jackson County, call (517) 784-4800 or (800) 491-0000; Ext. 1222 
    • For Weatherization Assistance in Jackson County, (517) 784-4800 or (800) 491-0000; Ext. 1272 
  • Other Crisis Intervention Resources in Jackson County 
    • Dochas Service Center for At-Risk Youth: Call (517) 788-4605
    • Aware Shelter for Domestic Violence: Call (517) 783-2861 
LGBTQ+ Resources
  • Jim Toy Community Center: A resource center dedicated to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. More information can be found at jimtoycenter.org. 
  • The Trevor Project: Provides 24/7 support with counselors trained to assist young people in the LGBTQ+ community. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or visit thetrevorproject.org. 
  • Additional LGBTQ+ Resources: Find additional LGBTQ+ resources around the state by following this link.  
    Mental Health Resources
    • Crisis Lines: 
      • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat here for 24/7 confidential support. 
      • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255 for 24/7 support. 
    • Locating Mental Health Treatment Services: 
      • Michigan 211: Call 211 or visit mi211.org to connect with someone who can help locate mental health resources. Their services are confidential, anonymous, and available in 180 languages.
      • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Visit FindTreatment.gov to find treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders.
      • Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs): CMHSPs offer comprehensive services for individuals with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders across Michigan. Find your local program here. 
    Resources for Substance Use Disorders
    • Alateen Meetings: Alateen meetings offer a support group to young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. You can find Alateen meetings in your area by clicking here, and scrolling to the bottom of the page. If there are no Alateen meetings near you, teens are welcome at Alcohol Anonymous meetings, too.
    • Drug-Free Jackson: Find a variety of resources from Narcan training and vending machines, to treatment providers, recovery centers and counseling in the Jackson area at https://www.drugfreejackson.com/resources.
    • Home of New Vision: A nonprofit that offers person-centered programs and specialized services designed to uplift and support individuals, families and communities impacted by addiction. Take a look at the resources they offer at homeofnewvision.org/.
    • Face Addiction Now (formerly Families Against Narcotic): From educational programs and events to scholarships, volunteer opportunities and more, FAN offers a wide variety of support services and resources to assist individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Learn more about everything that is offered at www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/.
    • Resources from the State of Michigan: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of services supporting those struggling with substance use, gambling or mental health.
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Get 24/7 confidential help for mental health and substance use disorders by calling the free and confidential national helpline. SAMHA’s National Helpline is available 24/7, 365-day-a-year offering treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families. Find more information at www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.
    Voting Resources for Young Voters

    Update your voter registration, find your polling place, locate your clerk’s office, request an absentee ballot and more with the Secretary of State’s Michigan Voter Information Center. Visit mi.gov/vote.

    Michigan needs more election poll workers for the early voting period and Election Day. Democracy MVP is the state of Michigan’s award-winning, non-partisan poll worker recruitment program. Sign up with Democracy MVP today to get trained, get paid, and help your community run smooth and secure elections! Sign up here: michigan.gov/sos/elections/pollworker.