By Lisa Carolin
The two-year pilot project of establishing a community social worker position in Chelsea is well underway thanks to funding from the City of Chelsea, the Washtenaw County Health Department, Trinity Health/Chelsea Hospital, and the Chelsea School District.
Chelsea Community Social Worker Emilee Fetters, who has been on the job since October of 2024, introduced herself at the Chelsea Human Rights Commission meeting on Feb. 5.
Fetters said her position is focused on providing crisis intervention and conflict resolution. She collaborates with the Chelsea Police Department as well as doing community outreach. She also helps to bridge service gaps within the Chelsea School District.
“My position works to address needs after the 3 o’clock hour and for families that need additional assistance,” said Fetters. “I do a lot of resource navigation such as housing assistance, financial and food assistance, legal assistance, substance use support, and accessing mental health resources for people through Washtenaw County Community Health.”
Fetters can provide the connection between the police department and mental health.
“We collaborate on calls related to mental health and well-being concerns,” said Fetters. “Officers at the police department will sometimes contact me about an individual and I will do follow up. I can make referrals for community members for mental health treatment.”
Fetters’ main office is located in the basement of the city offices at 305 South Main St., but she also spends a lot of time at the Chelsea District Library and the Chelsea Senior Center. You can see her schedule on the City’s website where you can also make an appointment to meet with her- https://www.city-chelsea.org/services/community_social_worker2.php
When asked about unmet needs she has experienced thus far in Western Washtenaw County, Fetters said there is not enough emergency and affordable housing and that there is a need for more transportation options particularly in the evening hours.
Also at the HRC meeting, members reviewed the MLK Day event on Jan. 18 featuring a visit from the Flint Freedom School Collaborative participants. Close to 40 people attended, and the plan is to possibly invite the FFSC again next year and to invite more children to attend.
(See slideshow below)
Also discussed at the HRC meeting was the yearly review and plan, which will be presented to Chelsea City Council in March. HRC members scheduled two work sessions — on Feb. 24 and Feb. 27, both at 6:30 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled HRC meeting will be on March 5 at 7 p.m.
