Episode Details

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower explores some of the most pressing challenges facing Michigan today—from youth mental health to the future of social services and the growing need for affordable housing.

Phil is joined by Dave Morin, CEO of Samaritas, a 90+ year-old nonprofit serving vulnerable populations across Michigan. With demand for social services rising and resources stretched thin, Samaritas is taking an innovative approach to meeting these challenges.

At the center of that effort is the newly launched House of Innovation—a collaborative hub in Detroit designed to bring together entrepreneurs, technologists, and social service leaders to rethink how care is delivered. Morin shares how this unique space is already sparking new ideas and scalable solutions—and what it could mean for communities across the state, including West Michigan.

The conversation also highlights a powerful initiative recognizing high school coaches who are making a meaningful impact on student mental health—underscoring the critical role trusted adults play in young people’s lives.

It’s a forward-looking discussion about innovation, collaboration, and building stronger support systems for Michigan communities.

Samaritas