The Ypsilanti District Library is transforming how patrons can connect with social service resources in the community, thanks to a generous grant from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health.

With funding from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage, YDL will hire a fulltime Library Social Worker.

This MSW position will engage with the community at YDL’s three locations to help provide information, support, referrals, and follow-through to people experiencing challenging life circumstances. The Library Social Worker will help patrons seeking community resources such as mental health services, substance use services, housing services, food, education, and other social services.

“Embedding a social worker in the library will both support the community’s vulnerable populations and reduce the strain on YDL staff,” said YDL Director Lisa Hoenig.

Cynthia Wilson and Anna Lyon—student interns from EMU’s School of Social Work (pictured above)—are already in place at YDL-Superior to help connect those in need with vital services. A full-time LMSW will be able to offer case management services and will inform library programming with input from the community. They will also strengthen YDL’s existing partnerships with agencies like Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, Trinity Health, Michigan Medicine, Barrier Busters, Ozone House, Corner Health Center, and SOS Community Services. The social worker will not, however, provide onsite behavioral health treatments.

In addition to making the hire of a full-time social worker possible, funds from the County will go towards stipends for the EMU SSW student interns, giveaway incentives—like water bottles, toothbrushes, or bus tokens—for patrons in need, and trauma training for library staff from EMU SSW Professor Sarah Shea. An in-depth evaluation of the program to gauge its sustainability is also part of the three-year grant.

“YDL will be able to enhance the quality of its referrals, provide more in-depth assistance than staff could manage alone, and connect more patrons with much-needed community-based services and resources for improved mental, emotional, and physical health,” Hoenig said.

The YDL Social Worker is scheduled to be in place by the end of March.

Made possible by the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage Funding.