Parenting Program Introduces New Online Resource to Empower Local Families

Life Choices of Central Michigan programming in action

Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding, yet difficult, things a person can do. Luckily, there are programs and organizations that are dedicated to helping parents with their new role.

Life Choices of Central Michigan (LCCM) is a nonprofit organization that serves our community by offering free services and programs related to pregnancy, parenting, and sexual health. 

Thanks to a grant from the Fabiano Family Fund, LCCM was able to make updates in their Empower Life Parenting Programs. From mid-July 2019 to Jan 2020, Life Choices served 35 unique individuals in their parenting programs, helping to empower young parents with knowledge as they face the large task of raising children.

With the funds provided by the grant, LCCM set up an online resource called Bright Course. Bright Course has experts in the field of study and provides researched-based material with almost year content updates.

The online curriculum allows LCCM to provide the most up-to-date content for the clients they serve and empowers parents by providing off-site support and educational opportunities. Many of the technology upgrades will be useful several years into the future.

Creating Stronger Communities by Supporting Families

Eagle Village logo. Orange stylized eagle.

Having early access to early preventative and therapeutic services can create long-term positive change in overcoming behavioral and mental health challenges. These services help to shape stronger families and healthier, more successful individuals and an important factor in encouraging families to seek out these services is by having financial assistance available.

Thanks to funds granted through the Kellogg Youth Fund and the Weisenburger Family Fund, five individuals from Isabella County of various ages were able to receive intervention and counseling services through Eagle Village.

One of these services is the Youth Challenge Weekend, where attendees confront their own challenging behavior patterns. Participants learn healthy decision-making skills and the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.

Many of those served through this program have a history of abuse and neglect, and some have been through, or are currently in, the foster care system and are experiencing difficulties. Other services include standard counseling, in which licensed therapists help with a variety of matters and are equipped to work with foster care families, histories of trauma, grief, and family challenges.

We can create lasting positive change through collaborative community efforts. By providing support to build stronger and healthier families, we help to create stronger communities.

Art Walk Central Immerses the Community in Art

Two girls coloring and taking part in Art Walk Central

Art Walk Central is an annual juried art competition and exhibit hosted by Art Reach of Mid Michigan. Art submitted for the event is displayed downtown and in the surrounding areas throughout the month of August.

Art Reach was awarded a grant in both 2018 and 2019 from the W. Sidney and Judith French Smith Community Fund to support Art Walk Central.

During the event, an abundance of free programs are offered for both youth and adults, to provide opportunities to create art and experience other art mediums. The grant helps to supplement the expenses associated with programming, such as staff or supply expenses.

“Free programming is great for the community and it allows us to meet our mission of keeping the arts alive and accessible for everyone, but there are expenses,” Amy Powell, Executive Director of Art Reach of Mid Michigan, said. “This grant allows us to have some income for those programs that we want to put on for free in the community.”

On average, over 100 artists participate in Art Walk Central each year with an estimated 4,500 people engaging with art during the event.

“The more art we can bring, the more experiences we have for people in the community to see cool, unique, thought-provoking art - for free,” Powell said.

Patron looking at chalk art on the sidewalk during Art Walk Central

Grant Supplements Purchase of Socks and Undergarments for Teens in Foster Care

Various packages of socks purchased for teens in foster care

Many children who come into the foster care system are in need of essential items such as clothing or hygiene products.

One organization that helps to address those needs is the Foster Closet of Isabella County.

Available to anyone that is living in foster care in Isabella County, the organization provides those necessities to children and teens that are placed into foster care.

In need of undergarments and socks for teens, a grant from the Kellogg Youth Fund helped to supplement the cost of purchasing those items for the foster closet. In total, the 99 pairs of socks and 17 packages of underwear and boxers that was purchased will go to help at least 20 teens. The grant also helped with the purchase of unisex Nike socks for sports or just regular wear.

By supplying these basic need items, foster families are then able to use those savings to help the children adapt to their new environment in other ways.

Program Uses Art and Music to Enhance Learning in Special Education

One of the most important aspects of a special education program is participation in the arts. Whether students are moderately cognitively impaired, severely cognitively impaired or severely emotionally impaired, art programs allow for creative expression and a new way to learn.

With help from the Kellogg Youth Fund, Gratiot-Isabella Regional Educational Service District (GIRESD) conducted an Artists-in-Residence program in collaboration with Michigan Arts Access (formerly VSA Michigan) during the 2018-2019 school year. All GIRESD special education classrooms in Gratiot and Isabella Counties benefited from the program.

Elementary students taking part in art and music

A total of 207 students, 17 classroom teachers and 61 paraprofessionals participated in the program. Each student engaged in eight hours of learning in either visual arts or music taught by painter Diane Clise, musician Renee Hahn or clay artist Barbara Taylor.

Two young children taking part in art and music programming

“I had a student who just started with me when Renee started coming. I was still learning about this student and he would often fuss during school time. He loved music. It was an ‘aha!’ moment when he smiled and began nodding his head to the beat of one of the songs,” one of the elementary teachers said. “After that, I began using music with him during various parts of the day. It helped him as he adjusted to the classroom.”

The program concluded with Show & Share events at each of the schools where the students demonstrated the music that they had learned, and all of the student artwork was on exhibit at the Mahoney GIRESD administration building during the month of May 2019.

Local 4-H Beekeeping Club Teaches Kids About Impact of Honeybees in Our Lives

BEElievers: two teens learning about bee keeping

Getting involved in 4-H teaches youth a multitude of life skills. Thanks to the Kellogg Youth Fund, Isabella County was able to start a 4-H beekeeping club called the BEElievers. The purpose of the club is to introduce youth to the issues that are impacting the honeybee population, deliver hands-on learning of beekeeping techniques, and to provide a greater understanding of entrepreneurial opportunities regarding the sale of honey and hive products.

Creating a label and learning what goes into the bottling and marketing of honey are vital to the sustainability of this club. The club sells the honey predominantly at the Isabella County Youth and Farm Fair in the Still Exhibit barn. During their first year at the fair, the club made over $700 in sales.

In the first year, approximately 10 youths participated regularly in the club. As the program grew, more youth, and adults helping youth, attended meetings and participated in the honey extracting process.

Teens taking part in bee removal

Participants in 4-H are four times more likely to give back to their communities, according to a Tufts University research study. The study also found that 4-H participants are also twice as likely to make healthy choices and to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities.

New Exam Table Brings Color and Happiness to Pediatric Appointments

Whimsical pediatric exam table at Isabella Citizens for Health

For many children, going to the doctor’s office can be a scary and intimidating experience that leaves them afraid and uncomfortable. Being sick can be frightening enough, let alone going into an environment that is unfamiliar and uninviting. Isabella Citizens for Health wanted to make a visit to the doctor’s office a positive experience for local children.

Isabella Citizens for Health (ICH) serves the medically vulnerable, including racial and ethnic minorities, the very old, the very young, Medicare and Medicaid patients, and low-income individuals. To take away some of the stressors in their young patient visits, ICH recently purchased an “ocean commotion” themed pediatric exam table with funding from the Kellogg Youth Fund.

Children no longer have to expect a cold, colorless exam room. Now they are greeted by a busy underwater world that will distract them from any needles or cold stethoscopes. The pediatric exam table will be brightening children’s days for years to come.

New Globes Spark Curiosity and Learning at the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum

Pink and white plasma globes at the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum

The Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum is dedicated to sparking creativity, nourishing learning and inspiring curiosity through self-directed discovery in an engaging hands-on environment. Annually, the museum provides their 50,000 visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about fun and exciting topics. One standout exhibit is their Luminary Lab. The Luminary Lab features a variety of displays that allow children and adults to learn about light, but there was a need for a more interactive display.

Thanks to the Kellogg Youth Fund, the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum was able to fill this need with the installation of two plasma globes. Visitors are able to have a truly hands-on learning experience with this new display. Plasma globes are glass spheres filled with gasses and electrodes. These electrodes extend from the center to create a beam of light. Children and adults can control how the light and electricity in the globes move with their hands. The blue, green, coral, and aqua colors in the globes brilliantly light up the dark room at the touch of a hand.

Since installation, children have been amazed by the new globes. Both children and adults have been impressed with how interesting this new display is. The Discovery Museum is looking forward to introducing more children in our community to the properties of light during upcoming field trips scheduled to the museum. This display has been on the museum’s wish list for quite some time, so they are thankful that this project has finally come to fruition.

Enhancing Safety One Pair of Boots at a Time

A fire department is one of the most critical resources required to ensure public safety. From downed power lines and car accidents to fires and medical emergencies, the Deerfield Township Fire Department works tirelessly to provide life saving services to our community. Being a firefighter is no easy task, and it is even more difficult if you don’t have the proper equipment.

Thanks to the Rise Family Fund, the Deerfield Township Fire Department was able to provide new Wildland/EMS boots to their firefighters. The goal of this grant was to provide safe and comfortable boots for use during emergency situations, but the boots exceeded the department’s expectations. Not only are they safe and comfortable, they provide extra support during the winter months. The boots are equipped with an arctic grip which enhances traction in snow and icy conditions. This addition will allow firefighters to provide better service while also reducing the number of injuries sustained.

Each firefighter in the department received a new pair of boots which are expected to last ten years. The Deerfield Township Fire Department is thankful that they were able to purchase this important equipment to make the dangerous job of being a firefighter much safer!

New Wildland/EMS boots for Deerfield Township firefighters

New Wildland/EMS boots for Deerfield Township firefighters

Helping Horses Heal at HopeWell Ranch

Therapeutic riding dates all the way back to ancient Greece and continues into modern day in our local community. At HopeWell Ranch, many community members depend on horseback riding as a method of healing. HopeWell serves six counties in total, but most participants live here in Isabella County. The organization works with individuals with various physical and mental challenges: muscular skeletal issues, neurological disorders, brain injuries, memory problems, self-esteem issues, PTSD, traumatic backgrounds, anger issues, attachment problems, and learning disabilities. Many low income children and adults will be assisted in their healing process through bonding with horses, some of which have also experienced trauma.

New grain room at HopeWell ranch being stained

Balancing the multitude of individuals needing resources, and providing excellent care to the horses can be challenging for staff. In the fast paced environment of HopeWell Ranch, it can be difficult to be well-organized and efficient while feeding the animals.

The Hersee Family Fund, Theunissen Family Fund, and Summit Petroleum Fund made it possible to build a new grain room at HopeWell Ranch. This room is in a central location for feed distribution and has improved the overall nutrition and living conditions of the horses used in therapy programs. HopeWell horses are the center of healing for the many individuals that attend sessions, which is why the condition of these animals is crucial. HopeWell Ranch was able to install a set of used kitchen cabinets in the interior of the grain room for much needed supply storage. Additionally, they stained the exterior of the room and installed an exit door.

The ultimate goal of this project is to provide a healthier environment for the horses that make a difference in the lives of so many community members. HopeWell Ranch was able to complete this project and improve the lives of their horses and the individuals they serve.

Trikes for Tykes at the Isabella Child Development Center

For the past fifty years, the Isabella Child Development Center has been providing free preschool services for eligible three and four year old children. Since opening its doors in 1969, the school has served over 1,200 students. After an assessment by the Michigan Department of Education, the ICDC was named a five star preschool. Because of their team of caring teachers and staff, the community’s endless support, and the treasured parental input, the Isabella Child Development Center has become an invaluable place for young learners.

Kids riding trikes at Isabella Child Development Center

Funds provided by the Women’s Initiative Fund and the Fisher Companies Community Impact Fund allowed the Isabella Child Development Center to purchase three additional tricycles, a wagon, and stepping stones for their students. Tricycles have been a long-time favorite for the children at the ICDC, and now students have more opportunities to utilize them. The tricycles encourage outdoor and active play as well as help the children develop their gross motor skills. They are gaining coordination and balance while learning to navigate around obstacles, which helps strengthen their cognitive skills. In addition, the very popular trikes are a great way for kids to learn important social skills, such as waiting for their turn. The children have even begun to practice helping others through play. When riders are “out of gas,” non-riders help fill them up with imaginary fuel.

Prior to the purchase, the ICDC had one tricycle for every three children. Now they have one for every two children. More tricycles mean more development through play, and according to the students, more fun too!

Clothing INC's Donation Shed Receives an Upgrade

Clothing INC’s mission is to distribute new or gently used clean clothing to anyone in need. Their doors opened in 2013; in that year, 4,771 articles of clothing were gifted to 235 people. Now, their reach has skyrocketed to gifting over 101,000 clothing items to 4,279 people – and the center is expected to continue growing. Clothing INC serves a wide range of populations including: veterans, low-income households, homeless individuals, those recently released from incarceration, children in foster care, and many more in need.

Donation of clothes in bins at Clothing INC

After moving into the Strickler Nonprofit Center, Clothing INC’s appointments and donations quadrupled, allowing them to serve even more individuals in our community. However, success has also brought new challenges, particularly with clothing collection. Picking up boxes, bags, and loose articles of clothing that have been deposited through the drop doors of the donation shed proves to be challenging for several senior volunteers at Clothing INC. The sheer volume of donations has resulted in the shed needing to be emptied 2-3 times daily. It was clear that a solution was needed to alleviate this problem, and to make their system more efficient.

Funds provided by the Barbara L. and George W. Dunn Family Fund allowed Clothing INC to purchase laundry carts for the donation shed. These carts provide an accessible solution for volunteers at varying ability levels and ensures cleaner donations since the donated clothes will be kept off the floor. One volunteer was inspired to become a donor and gifted an additional cart to the facility. These carts are invaluable tools for the organization and the great work they do.

New Storage Containers Bring Clothing, Hats, Scarves, and Happiness to Clothing INC

For five to six months out of the year, Michiganders face treacherous winter weather, forcing us to bundle up in our winter gear. Clothing INC is making winter living more bearable for people in need. In the past year, they served 1,419 girls and 930 boys in sizes newborn to 18. Clothing INC understands their role in providing these resources for the community.

Organized clothing in bins at Clothing INC

The Kellogg Youth Fund provided funding for new containers that will improve accessibility to clothing for youth served by Clothing INC. By attending staff meetings to inform teachers of the online ordering hub and delivery to the school’s office, Clothing INC hopes to encourage more young people to take advantage of these resources. Since opening in October 2013, Clothing INC has clothed 4,279 people in our community. The impact these resources have had on the community is clear. Students are excited when they receive a new coat, hat and mittens. Teachers from local elementary schools have utilized this resource to ensure that students have winter gear for the playground. Now open five days a week, Clothing INC continues to increase their impact on the community.

The overall goal of this grant funded project was to ensure that those in need have the necessary winter apparel to learn, work, and enjoy the winter season here in central Michigan.

Inspiring Confidence in Girls Through Running

Girls on the Run (GOTR) of Central Michigan inspires girls to be healthy, confident and connected through engaging lessons that focus on building life-long social skills and healthy lifestyle habits. The program serves girls in 3rd-8th grade. During the 2019 spring season, 119 girls from Isabella County participated in Girls on the Run and 40% of those girls requested financial assistance to do so. 

Two girls near the finish line during the 5K Celebration Run.

Thanks to the Kellogg Youth Fund, Women’s Initiative Fund, and Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, more than 50 girls received scholarships to participate in this life-changing program. The curriculum focuses on standing up to peer pressure, making critical decisions, being intentional about choosing friendships, identifying and handling comfortable and uncomfortable emotions, demonstrating respect and responsibility towards self and others, as well as healthful living, eating and activity. After watching her own daughter grow through GOTR, one Isabella County mother said, “The program taught the girls valuable life lessons about being healthy and building their confidence with curriculum which creatively integrates running. […] My daughter had an amazing experience due to her selfless coaches and a friend running with her, encouraging her to cross the finish line!”

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run of Central Michigan hosted teams at Fancher, McGuire, Renaissance, Sacred Heart, St. Joseph the Worker, Shepherd, and Winn elementary schools, along with a Heart & Sole team at Shepherd Middle School. GOTR hopes to expand their program to additional schools once they are able to recruit more volunteer coaches.

Making Ends Meet with the Infant Pantry

Stack of donated diapers at the Infant Pantry

Too many parents are in the position of having to choose between buying diapers or food for their children. Babies need both. Thankfully, the William Ellis Brockman Infant Pantry provides supplemental food, diapers, and care items to local parents trying to make ends meet.

 With help from the William Ellis Brockman Infant Assistance Fund, the Community Compassion Network was able to purchase and distribute much-needed items for local families. Over the course of four months, 631 babies were served through the Infant Pantry. Each child received diapers or training pants, diaper wipes, a personal care item, and formula or food, depending on age and need. Almost half of the families helped were led by single parents, and many reported diapers and care items as significant needs. The support was critical during the summer months, when need increases.

Volunteers assist in packing diapers for Isabella County families in need.

 Proper nutrition is critical in the first three years of life. Studies show that inadequate nutrition early in development often leads to permanent physical and cognitive impairments. It is the Infant Pantry’s primary goal to help keep Isabella County infants and toddlers healthy.

Changing the Lives of Children at Mary McGuire through Mentorship

For many children, one strong role model can be the difference between thriving and simply surviving. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region is on a mission to provide at-risk youth in our community with supportive relationships. They recently transformed their one-to-one mentoring program at Mary McGuire Elementary through innovative curriculum and mentor training, spurring a greater impact for mentors, mentees, and families.

The new curriculum includes themes focused on empathy, growth mindset, reflective listening, resilience, self-esteem, confrontation skills, and gratitude by presenting them in a fun, kid-friendly way over the course of 24 weeks. Whether making breathing wands to discuss controlling emotions or teaching empathy by making blankets for a nonprofit, the weekly lessons cultivated skills in children who are less likely to learn them in their everyday lives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters working on art with Mary McGuire students

With help from the Kimber and Judy Dewitt Family Fund, Myler Family Community Impact Fund, and Kellogg Youth Fund, Big Brothers Big Sisters was able to provide their 23 Bigs (volunteer mentors) with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary for success in their matches at Mary McGuire. They accomplished this through a full-day training that discussed successful mentoring practices and focused on empathy, reflective listening, and effective confrontation. In addition, each Big received a Mentor Training Guide which included mentor mini lessons, weekly curriculum lessons, skills sheets, and outcome surveys.

Big Brothers Big Sisters also involved Central Michigan University in mentorship and education. Medical students provided eight days of lessons about healthy eating and the effects of sugar, including a Big/Little relay to encourage physical activity. In addition, a college student group facilitated Valentine’s Day activities with mentors and mentees.

At-risk youth in these programs reported improved success at school, higher self-esteem, and increased social acceptance. After these promising results, Big Brothers Big Sisters is working to expand the program to other schools and create a more sustainable funding model so more children in our community can experience the benefits of mentorship.

Supporting the Next Generation of Fathers, Husbands, and Community Leaders

You always expect your parents to be there in your life. Unfortunately, for some young men in Isabella County that is not their reality. Under the guidance of Brian Pruitt, program operator for Power of Dad, fatherless young men from around Isabella County were able to come together and learn valuable life skills from father figures within the community. After nine successful years in Saginaw, Pruitt decided to bring this mentoring program to Isabella County.

This program received funding from the Kellogg Youth Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, to provide young men with important life skills and memories through seminars, group outings, and parenting time. Power of Dad hopes to encourage young men to become good fathers, husbands, and citizens. The young men that participated used three workbooks to learn different life lessons. Along with the workbooks, the young men attended a Central Michigan University football game, went fishing, ate meals together, and attended monthly seminars. At the end of the five-month program, there was a graduation ceremony to honor the young men.

Although there are similar programs to the Power of Dad, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, one difference stands out from the rest. Once the young men have graduated from the Power of Dad program, they are able to come back and mentor the younger generation of participants. This allows the graduated men to give back by passing their knowledge and experience on to the boys that now fill their shoes.

Power of Dad logo

Computer Classes of the Digital Age

We live in such a digital age, it is common for high school students to take a computer class to fulfill graduation requirements, and the students at Montabella High School are not an exception. Montabella High School wanted to expand the educational criteria in their Computer Applications class and help broaden their students’ technological horizons. The goal was to provide an additional program that would push the students’ creativity and knowledge of using different programs.

Receiving funds from the Montabella Community Schools Education Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, the school was able to purchase a program license for the Adobe Premiere Elements 18 and headsets with microphones. This computer program will aid students as they practice their video editing skills and learn how to add voice overlays and audio tracks to enhance their videos.

Although it may not seem like much, these students will bring these real skills with them into their futures. Students will be able to use this technology to benefit community members, the school, and especially themselves. This class may lead some to take further classes at higher education levels or even follow a career in the film industry.

Students learning in computer classes at Montabella High School

Students learning in computer classes at Montabella High School