Author

Sarah Williams

Sarah Williams is a freelance writer and photojournalist based in metro Detroit. Her work focuses on individuals and nonprofit organizations investing in their communities through arts and culture, holistic healthcare, education and neighborhood revitalization.

Follow her on Instagram @sarahwilliamstoryteller 

Sarah Williams's Latest Articles

Maggie DeSantis
Maggie DeSantis shares how community development organizations formed a leadership pipeline

Years ago, in Detroit, “community development was more like shoelaces, string, and Scotch Tape,” says Maggie DeSantis. But through collaboration, professionals in the field have developed a talent pipeline and garnered more respect for the field. Read Sarah Williams’ Q&A with DeSantis to learn about the evolution of the work.

Caitlin Crutcher (white shirt) plays foosball with youth before programming at Eastside Community Network
Detroit nonprofits unite to foster next gen community development leaders

A cross-city collaboration focusing on youth development has more young people exploring how they can impact their communities now and find meaningful careers down the road. The project has taken off, and the potential for more growth is likely.

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives Executive Director Christine Bell
The evolution of Detroit’s Springwells neighborhood: Nonprofit leader shares her perspective

Christine Bell of Urban Neighborhood Initiatives reflects on the highs and lows of a vibrant area of Southwest Detroit during her 18 years working in the Springwells neighborhood.

Produce at Forgotten Harvest's Client Choice Market
Forgotten Harvest’s Client Choice Market fosters dignity in food assistance

A premier food rescue organization serving Southeast Michigan is changing how it delivers healthy, nutritious meals to people in need by providing a shopping experience to center families’ choices.

Jeanine holds a photo of her grandmother in front of her house in 1965.
Keeping Detroit homes in the family for future generations

Detroit has more than 5,000 existing heirs’ properties with deceased owners. One nonprofit is helping to keep properties in the family.

Edythe Ford
Meet Edythe Ford: Welcome to the neighborhood, here are the rules
Resilient Neighborhoods: Ground Zero invites youth to collide with Jesus, community, and opportunity

“I have to tell everyone I know about this good news that has given me life and joy, peace, and true fulfillment that I couldn’t find in relationships, sports, awards, or anything else,” says Micah Williams, youth director at Central Detroit Christian. He and his wife Megan, two recent Wayne State grads, are working to share hope and friendship with teens in the community. 

Resilient Neighborhoods: Woodbridge welcomes fall with porch concerts and Co-Hop beer tappping

Woodbridge Neighborhood Development invites you to celebrate the season with an all-day concert series from neighborhood artists and community-grown/harvested beer that supports minor housing repairs for seniors.

Tepfirah Rushdan and Lindsay Pielack, Co-directors of Keep Growing Detroit
If you want to go far, go together: Nonprofits practice shared leadership

Read about how Southeast Michigan nonprofits are using collective labor and innovation to move their missions forward through shared leadership models.  

Members of the Detroit Creative Society carry a bench they designed.
Resilient Neighborhoods: SW Detroit youth arts collective strives to build community with creativity

This Southwest Detroit collective aims to foster and uplift local artists by providing the access and support they need to grow.

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