April 2019

Hello Brothers and Sisters!  
The Community Service Activist Training Classes have concluded.  The following wealth of information is offered to help you increase your knowledge and take advantage of the resources available in our community.
Weekend Survival Kits
A wonderful program which helps fight hunger for 3,900 kids during the weekend by providing children (core program - grades K-5) with food packs for the weekend.  It targets children who qualify for reduced price breakfast or lunch programs.  The packs are assembled by volunteer groups from our communities and stored by volunteer groups. Next, the packs (kits) are transported by volunteers to various schools twice a month.  Distribution to the children is via school teachers and administrators who have knowledge of children’s needs and those who qualify for the program.  (Summertime programs are also available.)
Business organizations, churches, individuals, schools, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Delta Dental, Jackson National Life, etc., have worked together to make this program a success to help feed hungry kids.  
There is also a Weekday Snack Program which helps provide snacks to bolster the academic success rate of children.  For more information to volunteer or support either of these programs, contact Traci@weekendsurvivalkits.org.
Foster Parents Needed
Child and Family Charities is in need of volunteers to help children in crisis.  There are currently six divisions that total 20 programs serving over 7,000 abused, and at-risk children, youth and families.  Example:  Child Welfare, Child Abuse Prevention Services, Gateway Youth Services, Angel House, Behavioral Health Services.  
Did you know that 99% of pregnant teens that go to Angel House in Mason are victims of sexual abuse?  
Child and Family Charities is searching for individuals who will open up their home and their hearts to volunteer in any of their programs or become a Foster Parent.
For more information:  www.childandfamily.org
Community Mental Health
“Persons with mental health needs include those with a mental illness, an emotional disturbance, a developmental disability, and/or a substance use disorder” can find a wide range of resources at this organization.
This agency saw over 300 patients per month in 2018 versus patients going to an Emergency Room.  The opioid crisis is believed to be the cause of the uptick in the number of patients being seen.
For more information:  call Central Access at 1-888-800-1559 (24hrs a day/7days a week) or Local 517-346-8318. You will be asked screening questions to determine if you meet service criteria.
Adult Mental Health Emergency – call (517) 346-8460
Children’s Mental Health Emergency—call (517) 346-8008
For more information:  www.ceicmh.org