Several youth oriented organizations came together for a block party on Saturday, Sept. 15 to raise awareness about youth services offered in Ypsilanti. Washington Street was lined with bounce houses, free food, Xbox gaming and even airbrushed tattoos.
The event, called Rock the Block, was hosted by the Corner Health Center in partnership with the Ypsilanti District Library, Ozone House, The B. Side and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Department.
“I think it’s really great what the health center provides; not everyone can afford health care,” said Tiffany Cho, a member of the youth leadership council for the Corner Health Center.
Eastern Michigan University junior Ryan Phillips said he’s been going to the Corner Health Center for about three years now.
“They provide quality and professional healthcare for a college-friendly budget like mine,” Phillips said.
Ypsilanti resident Rosalind Brown was appreciative of the message the block party promoted.
“I’ve lived in Ypsilanti my whole life. It’s always nice to see community outreach programs, especially ones tailored to things as serious as your health. I plan on coming back to show support next year as well,” she said.
Ozone House provides shelter and support for homeless, runaway and high-risk youths. The organization provides a variety of housing options and a range of services, including therapy and case management.
“No matter how a young person finds us, no matter what traumatic and troubling circumstances they have known, we strive to meet each person right where they are and help them get where they need to be,” reads the organization’s website.
The B. Side is an Ypsilanti organization that encourages and provides support for youth entrepreneurs.
“These projects are supported through enterprise, business education and mentor relationships, which teach self-sufficiency and the initiative in reaching their self-defined goals,” according to their website.
The Corner Health Center’s mission is to help young people ages 10-21 make healthy choices by providing quality healthcare, education and support. Their staff includes physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, nutritionists and health educators like Monique Hoyle, who was in attendance at the block party.
“The mission of the block party was to get young people to stop inside of the health center and demystify healthcare stigmas,” Hoyle said.
For more information about the Corner Health Center call (734) 484-3600 or visit their website at www.cornerhealth.org.
