The wait is over! FedUp is hosting our annual Backyard BBQ Fundraiser on THIS FRIDAY, July 12th from 5pm–8pm at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse! Get your tickets now! 

It's going to be a fun-filled night of good food, mocktails, a pie-in-the-face contest, and more! Bring your wallets and help support our cause!

July is National Disability Pride Month! This month we honor the history, achievements, and struggles of the disability community. July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was passed in 1990.  The ADA was a landmark law that broke down barriers to inclusion and prohibits discrimination based on disability. Disability Pride is about reclaiming visibility in public and rejecting shame and ableism. You can celebrate Disability Pride Month by expanding consciousness and awareness and honoring the many skills and talents of the disability community!

Visit the resources below to learn more: 

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/celebrating-heritage-months/disability-pride-month/ 

https://www.ameridisability.com/how-to-display-disability-pride/

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! This month is about bringing awareness to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the US face when it comes to mental illness. We honor and uplift historically underrepresented communities in their mental health journeys. You can show support this month by learning more about mental health and spreading awareness. Together we can reduce the stigma and lessen the barriers surrounding mental health in communities of color. If this is something that affects you, you are welcome to come talk with us and get support!

Visit the resources below to learn more: 

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/bebe-moore-campbell-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month/ 

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/knowledge-and-news-women-owh-blog/national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month

July 4th marks the birth of our nation AND the birth of our wonderful Pastor Anna! While July 4th is a day of celebration for many of us, it’s important to remember the history of injustices in this country and the healing that is still needed. 

Pastor Anna works tirelessly to combat the many barriers that are still so prevalent in our community. We can all learn from her commitment to social justice and advocacy. We appreciate all that Pastor Anna does for our community – FedUp wouldn’t exist without her! Show her some love, y’all!

Caelan (he/him) came to FedUp with years of quick service experience from Panera Bread. Caelan loves to serve the community as a staff member at the Daytime Warming Center in Washtenaw County and as a children's Capoeira Summer Camp co-director. Caelan brings talents of organization, networking, and vegan cooking to the meal program!

Kat’s journey in disrupting parts of the criminal legal system began with personal experiences, including having a formerly incarcerated father. This foundational root has fueled her dedication to investing in communities and divesting from systems that exacerbate harm. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, her dedication to create positive social change led her to work with various public defender organizations, including the Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit and the Ingham County Office of the Public Defender, where she served as a Criminal Defense Social Worker. In addition to her professional work, Kat is deeply engaged in community-based leadership roles, dedicated to amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities and making a lasting impact on justice-impacted individuals and their communities. Kat is currently supervising the MSW Interns for FedUp. Kat is also running for Washtenaw County Commissioner District 6! Vote Kat for County!

I am a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Prior to my seminary training and ordination in 1987 I was a teacher and coach in a small school district in Ohio. I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. GO ROCKETS!

I have served congregations throughout Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. I have served rural, suburb, small town and urban congregations throughout my career prior to retirement. My last congregation was Bethlehem Lutheran in Pemberville, Ohio. I hope to be an additional communication link to congregations and other community groups concerning the ministry provided by FedUp.

Chris has been volunteering with FedUp for almost a year now. He is a general contractor who has immense knowledge in his field, and we are so appreciative of the partnership we have with him and the hard work he does to help us serve our community. Chris also has a master’s degree in Health Science Neurobiology from Saginaw Valley State University.