Happening Now

Holiday Assistance Including Food Baskets

• The Brother Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program is now accepting family referrals for families who may need additional support. 

• Holiday assistance includes Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, winter clothing, toys, family essentials, and other seasonal support.

• Complete the Family Referral Form Here: Family Referral Form. Families are encouraged to submit a referral early. Assistance is based on program availability.

  • 2026 Holiday Distribution Dates:

• Thanksgiving: Saturday, November 21, 2026

• Christmas: Saturday, December 19, 2026

• Location: Ypsilanti Community Middle School, 235 Spencer Lane, Ypsilanti.

Request a Food Basket for Thanksgiving

• Looking for a food basket to help you get through the Thanksgiving Break? The Ann Arbor Community Center is taking requests for food baskets right now.

• Supply is limited so please complete an application for assistance today by going here: Request for Assistance.

Holiday Gift Opportunities

Families can visit a2schools.org/community/winter-giving/gifts to view different opportunities to receive holiday gifts for their children through local organizations.

Saturday, November 7, 2-4pm: Ann Arbor District Library Cold Weather Gear Swap

• When: Saturday November 7, 2026: 2:00pm to 4:00pm 

• Where: AADL Downtown Library (343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104): Lower Level Program Room

• Description: Do you have old coats or gloves that no longer fit? Are you looking for new cold weather gear? Come by to pick up some things that will keep you warm.

• You do not need to drop items off in order to pick something up.

More Resources for Winter Needs

❄️Visit a2schools.org/wintergiving to find community resources for free food, winter clothing, gifts and more❄️

Academic Support

Free Tutoring from Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy offers free ESL, academic, digital literacy and other types of tutoring.  Learn more by going to washtenawliteracy.org or by viewing the fliers below.

• In-Person Tutoring for Adults (Ypsilanti)

• Citizenship Tutoring (Ann Arbor and online)

• Digital Literacy Tutoring  (Ypsilanti)

• In-Person ESL Tutoring (Several Locations)

• Online ESL Tutoring

• Tutoring for Returning Citizens (Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti)

• Reading, Writing and Math Tutoring for anyone 16+ (Ypsilanti)

FREE Weekly Online Tutoring, GED and ACT/SAT Help by College Students

• End the Cycle Offers free weekly online tutoring by U-M College Students.

• Parents can sign up their students here: www.endthecycleatum.org/students. 

**AAPS is sharing this resource as an information item. AAPS does not vouch for the quality of this service. Parents should use their judgment when deciding if this service is right for their child.**

Financial Support

Get Help with Your Finances: Washtenaw County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)

• This free financial counseling service is designed for all income levels. 

• Get support around late rent payments and how to create emergency funds. 

• The FEC staff also has a partnership with DTE and can help consumers with shut-off notices, set up DTE payment plans, and help consumers navigate other utility services.

• Learn more here: Financial Empowerment Center Brochure.

• Schedule an appointment: FEC Scheduling Page

Food and Groceries

Find FREE Food for your Family

• Need free groceries or meals? Check out the Food Page at a2schools.org/communityresources or visit the Find Food page at foodgatherers.org/foodresources/ 

Healthy Neighborhoods Team

The Washtenaw County Health Department Healthy Neighborhoods team can help connect you to community resources and support. Learn more here: washtenaw.org/3820/Healthy-Neighborhoods-Team

Supportive Connections
Supportive Connections is a City of Ann Arbor Program that offers help for individuals and families. Learn more here: a2gov.org/services/supportive-connections

For Latinx Families: Buenos Vecinos

If you or someone you know needs assistance navigating local services & resources, please reach out to info@buenosvecinosmi.org or call 734-210-0112. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda para navegar servicios y recursos locales, comuníquese con info@buenosvecinosmi.org o llame al 734-210-0112

Health and Wellbeing

Care Solace Helps Families or Staff Connect to a Mental Health Provider 

Care Solace is a free service that connects students, staff, and their families to care. You can use Care Solace to find available mental health and substance use providers matched to your needs. 

• Connect with Care Solace 24/7 for free by calling (888) 515-0595 or by visiting caresolace.com/aaps.

• Multiple Languages supported. 

• Care Solace flyers are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin

AAPS Suicide Prevention Month resources

Fangs and Venom is the theme of the next Science Cafe on Thursday, October 22nd at 6 PM at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti. Researchers from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University discuss tarantulas and rattlesnakes. Science Cafes are presented by the UM Museum of Natural History as an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting.

Telling It is a youth centered program offering teens a safe, welcoming, judgement-free space to express themselves and explore the arts. The program is free and open to youth ages 13 to 18 on Mondays from 4 to 5:30 PM at the Teen Drop-In @ Peace HUB at 1515 W. Harris Rd in Ypsilanti. Explore a variety of arts including visual arts, music and vocal expression, theater and storytelling and more. For more information email Telling-it@umich.edu or call (734) 649-3118.

Get a Sports Physical Through RAHS!

Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS) is offering sports physicals at their Scarlett Middle School Location. Learn more here: RAHS-Scarlett Sports Physicals. 

Substance Abuse Program for Adolescents: Catholic Charities Intensive Outpatient Program

• The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured treatment program for adults and adolescents managing substance use.

Learn more here: Catholic Charities IOP Program Flier.

WCC Dental Clinic

Beginning Feb 10th, the WCC Dental Clinic will offer low cost dental services for anyone in the community. Learn more here.

Trinity Health’s Nutrition Buddies Program 

• This FREE program for middle schoolers (ages 11-14) pairs youth with a medical resident physician mentor for 4 weeks of in-person, hands-on culinary classes at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Women's Health Center. 

• All participants also receive a weekly produce subscription, a kit of cooking tools to keep, and one week of free summer camp at the Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor.

• Register Here

• Learn more at here

Empowered Mom (Mamá Empoderada) Group for Mothers of Young Children

• Empowered Mom (Mamá Empoderada) is a free 10-week program for Spanish-Speaking pregnant mothers and mothers with at least one child ages 0–6 living in Washtenaw County. 

• The program focuses on better understanding young children's needs and behaviors while encouraging self-care. 

• Free child care and transportation are provided. 

• Sessions run from September through November 2026. 

• Families can CLICK HERE to complete an interest form

• See flier for more information

Dungeons and Dragons Group for Teens Struggling with Anxiety 

• Thrive Counseling is offering a FREE Dungeons and Dragons group for teens struggling with anxiety.

• Sessions happen Oct 16-Nov 20 from 4:00-5:30pm at the AADL Mallett’s Creek Branch (3090 E Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48108).

• Space is limited and registration is required.

• Register at bit.ly/FallDD 

• Cost is $25 (scholarships available).

• Learn more by viewing the Flier.

Heat and Utility Support

Utility Bill Assistance – New Rules Make It Easier to Qualify!

• Michigan's Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps eligible households pay electric and natural gas bills. 

• Beginning October 1, 2026, families can apply using their current utility bills. 

• A past-due balance, shutoff notice, or prior State Emergency Relief approval is no longer required!

• Assistance is based on household eligibility and available funding.

• How to Apply: Call 2-1-1 to connect with a participating energy assistance agency in your area or visit: michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance

Looking for heat or utility support this winter?
There are resources to help Michigan families stay warm! Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4pw2IwJ

House Repairs

Get on the Waitlist for a FREE Roof Replacement from Washtenaw County

• The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development is opening their Roof Replacement Waitlist Tuesday, January 20th. 

• If selected, folks will have their roof replaced completely FREE of charge. 

• The waitlist will open promptly at 12:00pm and will close at 4:00pm.  

• To join the waitlist, please call (734) 544-3008 or visit www.bit.ly/3PJhelp

Housing Support

Funding available for Ann Arbor residents facing eviction

• Do you live in Ann Arbor and are facing eviction? You may qualify for funding to help prevent your eviction. 

• Learn more and apply here: Housing Eviction Prevention Program.

Legal Support
Washtenaw Family Law Assistance Clinic

• This Clinic is for Individuals with low income (under 200% of poverty) who need legal services for a domestic Personal Protection Order (PPO) or family law issues such as divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, minor guardianship; etc., and who are not represented by an attorney. 

• Learn more and see Clinic dates here: Washtenaw Family Law Assistance Clinic

🧑‍⚖️ View more resources for Financial and Legal Help here: Financial and Legal Help.

Public Benefits Assistance

Need Help Getting Cash Assistance, Food Assistance or Health Care Coverage?

• University of Michigan Law Students can help anyone who is trying to access public benefits.

• To get support, call 734-252-6375 or email pbapboard@umich.edu 

• Public Benefits Project Flier