A Downriver nonprofit is putting the "neighbors helping neighbors" spirit into action, stepping up to support some of metro Detroit's most vulnerable residents.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Downriver nonprofit builds ramps, restores independence for vulnerable residents

St. Joseph's Helpers, a Taylor-based organization, dedicates volunteers' time and skills to repairing homes and helping seniors and people with disabilities live healthier and happier lives.

On Detroit's west side, volunteers are installing a brand new ramp for a woman in need just one of many projects they've completed since starting in 2023.

Powered entirely by volunteers, St. Joseph's Helpers is building more than just ramps. They're also giving seniors, like 86-year-old Irene Tinny, dignity and hope.

"For her to come home and see this ramp, it might brighten her day up to know that she gets to come home and she gets to come out and be a little independent on her own without anyone taking her up and down the stairs," said Shinese LaVergne, Irene's granddaughter.

LaVergne said her grandmother recently lost both of her legs due to a medical complication. Now, she's waiting in a rehab center until her home is safe to live in again.

"But she's still a trooper, though. She still has good spirits. She can't wait to come home," LaVergne said.

Detroit Councilwoman Angela Whitfield-Calloway connected Irene to St. Joseph's Helpers after meeting volunteer and board member Tony Rosati at a community meeting a few months back.

"And I thought this would be an excellent project for them, and I knew he would say yes, and he certainly said yes," Calloway said.

Growing need in the community

Irene is just one of hundreds receiving support from the nonprofit. Rosati said they're on track to help about 1,800 people this year, up from 350 in 2023 when they started.

"Neighbors seem to have isolated themselves. You can say the cellphone isolates people, but I think more what's happened is COVID. COVID put us all in our houses and we didn't come out for quite a while," Rosati said.

Rosati said he's trying to change that feeling of isolation.

"As a kid growing up in the 60s, I was raised you helped your neighbor. My grandmother baked, you would take things to neighbors. We had a lady who lost her husband. I would go cut her grass for 10 cents. You could buy two packs of baseball cards with that. That's kind of the way I grew up," Rosati said.

From raking leaves to leaky roofs, the mission is simple, said volunteer and board member Dennis: to restore safety and security.

"I was looking for a way to use the talents the lord has blessed me with to help those in need," Dennis said.

And they're doing it all for free.

Although they enjoy seeing the reactions from those they're helping after a project's complete, Dennis said that's not why they do it.

"We've had hugs, we've had tears, we've had pats on the backs, and it all feels great, but that's not the reason why we do it. I'm just that I can help others in need with the talents that I have," Dennis said.

St. Joseph's Helpers is always looking for volunteers and donations. You can visit their website at https://sjhelpers.org/ or call 800-303-5075.

People in need of help can do the same, and if a project is too big, they'll even connect you with additional resources.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Sitting at the corner of 9th and Vinewood streets is a hidden gem and the oldest bar in Wyandotte: Gold Star Bar, which has been serving the community for more than 100 years.

The historic establishment was a topic of conversation at 7 News Detroit's recent "Let's Talk" event in Wyandotte, but Gold Star Bar is more than just a place to grab a drink. It's a piece of living history where the community keeps old traditions alive.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Wyandotte's historic 'Gold Star Bar' is making new buzz

Current owner Joanne Cristoff, who has owned the bar since 1995, says the atmosphere feels more like a family living room than a local watering hole and that's by design.

"If we don't know you, we're going to know you before you leave," Cristoff said.

One of the last remaining house bars in the area, Gold Star Bar has been serving up the same no-nonsense menu since 1923. And yes, it's still cash-only.

Those are just some of the traditions Cristoff plans on keeping alive for years to come.

"I remember as a little kid and once in a while, my dad taking us, and it was bars like this it was your traditional bars. They knew my dad. The kids sat at a table with a pop and a bag of chips and that's what we still do here too," Cristoff said.

Cristoff bought the historic bar in 1995 not to change it but to protect it.

"I just wanted to keep it running and it's a neighborhood bar, which you don't see anymore," Cristoff said.

Cristoff says it all began with the original owner John Bozymowski, who poured his life into this Wyandotte bar.

"I feel lucky to be part of this as far as the history in here, even though I'm not originally part of the family," Cristoff said.

Gold Star has survived major historic events including Prohibition, the Great Depression and even a devastating fire that happened in the 1950s in the apartment upstairs.

"The neighborhood came to help and they tried to rescue the children and they were only able to get the one out," Cristoff said.

Pictures and articles hanging in the bar remind customers like Amanda Mjaeski, who has been coming to Gold Star Bar for more than 20 years, of that fateful day.

"Every time we bring someone new in, we show it to them. It's pretty astounding that this place is still here in the shape that it's still in and that it's still going," Mjaeski said.

She and another regular, Anthony Darrington, who started coming here about 15 years ago, say the bar may look like an ordinary house from the outside but inside, it truly feels like home.

"I was welcomed and embraced pretty much immediately and then after that, I found out that Gold Star Bar is really not the Gold Star Bar, it's really the Gold Star family," Darrington said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Whether it's cats or dogs, Pound Pals Downriver is making sure any animal that finds their way into the Wyandotte animal shelter is getting the help they need.

Watch Carli's full report in the video player below How a Wyandotte shelter is turning secondhand goods into second chances for homeless pets

"(We do everything) from fleas to heartworm treatment for dogs to trauma," said Tom Abraham, the shelter's director.

All the money made through donated items sold over the last several years helps animals like Brody (below), who was found about a month ago with a wounded leg.

The bone was actually protruding through his skin so we funded his medical care and now you can see that he is completely walking and happy," said shelter manager Alyssa Stafford.

Stafford said the money made through this fundraiser gave Brody a second chance at life, and now he's ready for his forever home.

"Instead of being euthanized at intake, we treat them," Alyssa said.

The yard sale runs from September 10-13. Only the mums are being sold at a fixed price. Everything else, including holiday decor and dinnerware, is up to the buyer.

So, we take any reasonable offer," Tom told me.

So there are some Christmas items back there, if Im like hey can I get a bunch of these and Ill donate $10, would that work? I asked Tom.

"Yes, absolutely," he replied.

Tom told me some people can even skip the shopping and just donate if they want to. That's exactly what Kathy Sullivan did ahead of the fundraiser.

Theres so many instances of animal abuse and things like that, that are just horrible so I want to support a place that really helps animals," Kathy said.

Now celebrating 15 years of success, Tom said this may be their most crucial year yet.

"It works out well for us," Tom said. This year donations have been down and veterinary costs have been up so its really critical for us to raise this money for pets at the shelter so that they can get their second chance.

For more information on the Pound Pals Downriver Garage Sale, including how to donate, click here.

Where Your Voice Matters

The Hazel Park community came together Wednesday night to remember two lives tragically taken on Labor Day: 41-year-old Linda Hill and her 12-year-old son Kardi Jackson, both found dead inside their home on Berdeno Avenue.

As police announced the arrest of a possible suspect, loved ones gathered at Hazel Park Junior High School for a candlelight vigil, sharing memories, heartbreak and a call for justice.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Hazel Park community holds vigil for mother and son killed in Labor Day homicides

Dozens of candles cast a warm glow on faces filled with grief as family and friends gathered just days after the mother and son were discovered dead in their home. Police have not released how they died, only that they suffered injuries from what investigators call "apparent trauma."

On Tuesday night, Hazel Park police arrested a possible suspect, a 43-year-old man.

"I don't know who it is yet, but I'm very happy about that," said Shatara Harris, a family friend who is glad someone is behind bars for the crime.

Previous coverage: Suspect arrested in double homicide after mother, 12-year-old son found dead in Hazel Park Suspect arrested in double homicide after mother, 12-year-old son found dead in Hazel Park

Harris and Amber, another family friend, are struggling to process how a mother and son's lives were cut short without warning.

"It's tough. Even going into the house, it's tough to look at blood everywhere, seeing little finger prints on the walls," Harris said.

"I didn't expect that to happen on Labor Day. Everything was cool on Labor Day and then my sister got the call," Amber said.

Amber said 12-year-old Kardi should have been entering his second week at Hazel Park junior high. Instead, mourners gathered outside the school Wednesday night releasing balloons in his memory.

"To see everybody out here to support and stuff like that, it feels good," Amber said.

Previous coverage: Hazel Park police investigating double homicide after mom, son found dead Hazel Park police investigating double homicide after mom, son found dead

The Hazel Park School District and the city are surrounding the victims' loved ones with support.

"Well I'll tell you what, when the balloons were, let go it was so incredibly moving and I thought about all my teachers and principals have talked about how wonderful of a young man he was," Superintendent Amy Wilcox said.

"I think it was heartwarming to see the community come together, but it's sad young kids have to go through something like this. It's unfortunately something that they will have to remember for the rest of their lives," City Manager Edward Klobucher said.

The family is leaning on each other while also calling for justice.

"We can sleep a little better at night knowing that the person who is responsible for this is locked up, so we do feel a little bit of relief but at the same time, we still lost two loved ones, and a child at that," Harris said.

The family has created a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

One man was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after a fire destroyed a home on Middle Lake Road in Independence Township Monday evening, marking the third house fire in the area in just one week.

Fire Chief David Piche said his department has been unusually busy recently with the string of fires. The fire chief said this was the third fire his department has responded to in one week.

See the latest report in the video below

Independence Township house fire sends one to hospital; 3rd house fire in a week

"Not very typical for a suburban department but obviously it happened for us," Piche said.

The fire started in the garage, where crews say the homeowner attempted to fight the blaze with a garden hose before calling 911. Two vehicles were in the garage, with at least one completely destroyed.

"Homeowner said there was some popping noises but we haven't confirmed that yet," Piche said.

Both the homeowner and his wife were home when the fire broke out. The male homeowner was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but everyone made it out safely, including the couple's cat.

"Everyone's okay, husband and his wife were home. There was a cat in the house and the cat got saved and then we had crews from various communities helping us out here today," Piche said.

Long-time neighbor Margareth Shubert witnessed the fire unfold while she was enjoying the holiday in her backyard. She has known the couple for decades and said they have lived in the home for more than 30 years.

"I was sitting in the backyard and I saw Sue come out of her sliding glass door and the door to the garage was open and she started yelling for her husband, call 911, call the fire department and went from there," Shubert said.

"I can't believe it, it's like a nightmare, just like a nightmare," she said.

As investigators work to determine what sparked the blaze, Piche thanked the nearby departments that helped respond to the call.

"We depend on mutual aid quite a bit so, everybody did a great job and we're glad the homeowners are safe. A house is a house but it's all about being safe and keeping people from injury," Piche said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Michigan State Fair is back in Novi for Labor Day weekend, expecting more than 200,000 visitors over four days of family fun, food, and entertainment.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Michigan State Fair returns with new attractions and enhanced security

For many Michigan families, the fair represents a cherished Labor Day tradition.

Latavia Widmayer has been attending since childhood, when it was held in Detroit, and now she's sharing the experience with her own children.

"It is heartwarming and fun, and I get to experience being a child with them," Widmayer said.

The fair features classic attractions, including rides, games, and traditional fair food.

Renee Bain-Keene, owner of the Great American Grill, has been serving fair favorites for decades. Her family's stand has been a Michigan State Fair staple since the 1960s.

"We do fresh-squeezed lemonade, which has been around forever, and we also do the fresh hand-dipped corn dogs," Bain-Keene said. "Well, we make memories is what we make, which is such a nice thing about what I do."

Organizer Craig Bender says the fair offers activities for all ages, from the midway to the agricultural barns.

"This is a family event that's going to remain so, and I think people really appreciate this version," Bender said.

While visitors can enjoy returning favorites like pig races and the butter cow, this year brings new attractions, including the Dialed Action Big Air Stunt Show and sea lions.

The fair has also implemented enhanced security measures, according to Fair Manager Blair Bowman. Changes include earlier closing times and a new policy requiring minors to be accompanied by adults.

"We'll have all types of surveillance protections in place, cameras, everything that we can do on our part to have people come and enjoy a safe and good fair this year," Bowman said.

For Bain-Keene, the fair marks the beginning of her favorite weekend of the year.

"There's nothing like going to the fair. To see the animals, ride the rides, eat the food, there's so many wonderful things to do at the fair, and I enjoy being part of it," Bain-Keene said.

The Michigan State Fair runs Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs $10.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A century-old family tradition continues to thrive in metro Detroit, where Bommarito Bakery has been serving authentic Italian treats since 1925.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Bommarito Bakery celebrates 100 years of serving authentic Italian treats in metro Detroit

The family-owned bakery recently received a historic marker for its current location on Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores, recognizing its significant role in the community's development.

Current owner Eric Adams says the family legacy began when his father-in-law, Jim Bommarito, opened the original shop in Detroit back in 1925. The bakery moved to its current St. Clair Shores location in 1961 and has been a neighborhood staple ever since.

"Consistency and family, really," Adams said when asked about the bakery's success.

Adams credits Jim Bommarito with bringing the first cannoli to Detroit, establishing a tradition that continues today through multiple generations of the family.

"Jim Bommarito is the original one who came to Detroit and did the first cannoli - 1925; nobody else had them before that," Adams said.

The dream to bring fresh, authentic Italian flavors to metro Detroit remains alive through Bommarito's granddaughter, Christine Corrado, and her three sisters: Rose, Grace, and Fran. They continue using the original recipes that have made the bakery a local institution.

Despite increased competition from larger retailers, the family-owned bakery maintains its loyal customer base through personal connections and quality products.

"Everybody and their brother has a bakery. Meijer, Kroger, Walmart, but we hold our own here, and I'm just so grateful to our patronage and the people that embrace us the way they do because we embrace them, we love them," Corrado said.

Long-time customer Susan Gerth has been visiting the bakery since 1962, still stopping in for her favorite sub. She now also picks up day-old bread and other available items on Thursdays to donate to a local food pantry.

"I've been coming here probably since 1962," Gerth said.

Another loyal customer, Craig Miserlian, has been coming to the bakery since high school and now brings his son Alex to continue the family tradition.

"Probably since I was in high school and I'm 62 years old, so that's a lot of years," Miserlian said.

"It's old-fashioned, it's family-owned, and they have the best pizza around," Alex said.

The St. Clair Shores Historical Commission honored the bakery with a historic marker, recognizing its century-long contribution to the community.

"I can't even express the joy I feel and my sisters feel and my brother-in-law, and all of us feel that, 100 years, oh my gosh, you know," Corrado said.

When we asked Adams how to ensure the bakery stays open another 100 years, he emphasized maintaining their core values.

"The same recipe. Recipes in the food, recipes with the customers. Fresh made every day, fair prices, and connect with the people," Adams said.

Despite rumors about potential closure, Adams assures customers the family-owned bakery isn't going anywhere.

"Our goal is to have my son and my daughter-in-law and the next generation continue the business. There's a lot of rumors that we're closing. Not going to happen. Some of us old timers might retire and work less, but we're always going to be here," Adams said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A 56-year-old woman is recovering in the hospital after being struck by a vehicle while riding her electric bike and then left in a ditch for hours in what police are calling a hit-and-run crash.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Woman recovering after being hit by car while riding electric bicycle

Monique Rathbone was found on Sibley Road near Burr early Sunday morning after a man walking to work heard her screaming for help and called 911.

"I was left for dead," Rathbone said. "The pain was unbearable, my whole left side of my body."

Rathbone's daughter, Dominique Rathbone, said her mother was taking her usual route home from work at a local restaurant when she was hit from behind while riding on the shoulder with the flow of traffic.

"That's her main route to and from work," Dominique said. "It's heartbreaking. What was she lying there thinking about? How many people passed her and just didn't care to see what she was doing because she was trying to get attention."

Brownstown Township Police Detective Ian Morrison said police are investigating the crash.

"Yeah, so there's no question on that, so when I looked at the bike, I could tell she was struck by a vehicle, and she knows she was struck by a vehicle, so we're just trying to nail down an exact vehicle and time frame," Morrison said.

Morrison is asking anyone who may have seen anything to come forward.

"Just reach out if anyone saw her riding a bike or saw someone who might have seen her driving in the area," Morrison said. "So what we're interested in would be from the area of Inkster and King Road northbound from there to Sibley and then eastbound to Telegraph."

Monique is recovering from severe injuries, including a punctured lung and broken ankle. She and her family are thankful for the man who stopped to call 911.

"Thank you so much for stopping and helping my mother because had it not been you, she could've been still laying there, she could've been gone," Dominique said.

The family is also pleading with the driver to come forward.

"If possibly you may have been under the influence or just think maybe you hit a deer or an animal or something, have the heart to turn yourself in, please, you literally left my mother there to die, she could've been dead," Dominique said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A popular family-owned restaurant in Southfield has reopened its doors after a devastating kitchen fire forced it to close more than two years ago.

Kerby's Koney Island at Northwestern Highway and 10 Mile Road is welcoming back customers and staff to a renovated space that features new floors, booths, kitchen equipment and a dedicated carry-out counter.

Watch the video report below: Kerby's Koney Island in Southfield reopens after devastating fire

"We're back to normal like we used to be and we're welcoming them back," Van Keros, the owner of Kerby's, said.

The restaurant closed on June 14, 2023, following a kitchen fire that left Keros devastated.

"Oh, I tell you, I felt sick," Keros said.

The rebuilding process took longer than expected due to insurance approvals and city regulations.

"It did take some time because everything we do, it has to go through the approval of insurance and everything and then we have to deal with the city," Keros said.

Watch our previous coverage when the fire happened below: Kerby's Koney Island damaged by fire

For employees like lead cashier Semaj Becker, who had been working at the Kerby's location on Telegraph Road during the closure, the reopening feels like coming home.

"To reconnect with the customers, to come in here, to come into a new space," Becker said.

Becker recalls the shock of learning about the fire.

"Well when it happened, I got the phone call it was like no, this is not happening. It was a big shock that it happened and it was so late at night too, so we just weren't ready for that," she said.

Loyal customers are equally thrilled about the restaurant's return. Bradley Wilson, who has been a regular for more than 10 years, struggled to find alternatives during the closure.

"Oh, jeez. It was a nightmare because you had to find some place else to get food that you wanted and there's just no place around that really added up to what Kerby's does right here at this location," Wilson said.

Gale Nosanchuck, who has been dining at Kerby's since 1996, shared her excitement about seeing the restaurant open again.

"We were excited because we were waiting a long time for it to open," Nosanchuck said.

Despite the renovations and new look, Keros and his team want customers to know that the food they know and love remains unchanged.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.