Family Futures

🎁 Coat Distribution / Distribución de Chamarras
2025-11-15 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Hispanic Center of West Michigan, 1204 Cesar Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Join us for our annual Coat Distribution! We’ll be giving away over 700 brand-new jackets for kids on November 15 at 10:00AM. Jackets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and children must be present to receive a jacket.
This year, we’re also offering a limited number of jackets for adults. Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your family warm this winter!
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¡Únase a nuestra campaña anual de Distribución de Chamarras para niños y familias! El 15 de Noviembre a las 10:00AM regalaremos más de 700 chamarras nuevas para niños. Las chamarras se distribuirán por orden de llegada, y los niños deben estar presentes para recibir una chamarra.
Este año, también ofrecemos un número limitado de chamarras para adultos. ¡No pierda esta oportunidad de mantener a su familia abrigada este invierno!

🎁 Car Seat Safety Check
2025-11-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Gaines Charter Township Fire Department, 3471 68th Street SE, Caledonia, MI, 49316
Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is hosting a Car Seat Safety Check held from 3pm-6pm.
This safety check provides FREE car seat inspections performed by certified child passenger safety technicians and are available by appointment only! To save your spot call (616)391-7233
A limited number of low-cost replacement car seats are available at all locations, for those who qualify. Children who need a replacement seat must be present with a parent or legal guardian.

📚Advanced Relationship Abuse Support Group
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
This 6-week educational advanced support group is for survivors of relationship abuse who have completed a cycle of Safe Haven Ministries’ Relationship Abuse Support Group or have participated in similar programming. In addition, we will focus on these topics specifically around the holiday season.
Upcoming Dates
Thursdays 6 pm-7:30 pm
11/6 Trauma Bonds
11/13 Relationship Grief
11/20 Trusting Yourself Again
12/4 Boundary Exploration
12/11 Building Community
12/18 Victim Survivor Thriver
Snacks and refreshments offered. Childcare available.
For Information:
Call or Text, 616.452.6664
Advocates are available 24/7 via call. text, or webchat at sarehavenministries.org

Thanksgiving Community Meal and Resource Giveaway
2025-11-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Heartside Park, 301 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Serving holiday meals, distributing gloves, hats, socks, and hand warmers.
Wednesday, November 26
10 AM – 2:30 PM
Heartside Park
301 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hosted by The M.O.M.S. Club, Meaning In Colors, and Rocks in Trash

MDHHS Virtual Baby Fair
2025-12-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
Are you a new or expecting parent?

Join us for a virtual baby fair to learn how to be better prepared for your best adventure yet! Learn about resources available to you, important information, and ask questions to experts.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, please email MDHHS-VirtualBabyFair@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-4992.
To register visit Michigan.gov/VirtualBabyFair.

Annual Book Gift Giveaway
2025-12-04 16:00 - 19:00 | MI
Get a book and give a book!
We’ll have: Fun games, a book gift wrap station, snacks, and lots of FREE books.
Date & Time: Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: 1100 César E. Chávez SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Know Your Rights Workshop
2025-12-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Community of Christ Church, 2140 Union Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association, Alger Heights Neighborhood Association, and the GR Office of Oversight and Public Accountability for a Know Your Rights workshop. Understand your rights and be prepared for potential encounters with law enforcement in your neighborhood.
Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 PM
Questions? Call: 616-241-2444
Email: info@gpnagr.org or ben@algerheights.org

Artificial Christmas Tree Farm at Valley Church
2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Valley Church, 5980 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, 494101, United States
All Special Needs Families, or families In Need are invited to sign up to come to our all INDOOR and low-sensory Artificial Christmas Tree Farm
Bring the family along and you can walk through a forest of trees to select your very own Christmas Tree. Our volunteers will even box it up and take it to your vehicle. You will also receive a bag of new ornaments and tree lights
ALSO

​Sign up to receive a bag with groceries to make a holiday meal at home
Christmas-themed photo booth will be available
Brunch from 10 till 11 am
Lunch from 11 till 1 pm

Learn more and sign up at: https://www.evite.com/signup-sheet/5080021207351296/?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite

Car Seat Safety Check
2025-12-11 16:00 - 19:30 | Alpine Township Fire Department, 1100 Henze St NW, Comstock Park, MI, 49321, United States
Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is hosting a Car Seat Safety Check held from 4pm-7:30pm.
This safety check provides FREE car seat inspections performed by certified child passenger safety technicians and are available by appointment only! To save your spot call (616)391-7233
A limited number of low-cost replacement car seats are available at all locations, for those who qualify. Children who need a replacement seat must be present with a parent or legal guardian.

Toy Distribution
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingue, 327 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids, 49503, 49503, United States
December 13, 10 AM – 2 PM
Southwest Middle High
327 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids
Gifts for kids ages 13 and younger. The child must be present to receive the gift.
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13 de Diciembre, 10AM – 2PM,
en Southwest Middle High:
327 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids
Regalos para niños de 13 años o menos. El niño debe estar presente para recibir el regalo.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑⭐️ Kendra Scott Giveback Event
2025-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Kendra Scott Jewelry, 1944 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Join us for the Kendra Scott Giveback Event on Sunday, December 14th from 1pm-4pm at Kendra Scott Jewelry.

Free Christmas Meal and Gift
2025-12-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Urban Family Ministries, 543 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Hosted by Ellnora’s Kitchen, Elijah Libbett, and the Libbett Family.
All kids under 18 will receive a free gift. Must be present to receive meal and gift.
Monday, December 15, 2025
4-7 PM
Urban Family Ministries Building
543 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Parent Café: "It Stops With Me: Resilient Parenting through Generational Trauma"
2026-01-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Tia’s Play Cafe, 1533 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Our next Parent Café is taking place on Sunday, January 18 from 1-5 PM at Tia’s Play Cafe.
The theme of the conversation is “It Stops With Me: Resilient Parenting through Generational Trauma.”
Learn and interact with other parents and caregivers in a meaningful way. Food and childcare are both provided.
RSVP for this event here: https://forms.gle/AiMseEobdtvvFndu9
What is a Parent Café? In Cafés, every voice is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to both learn and lead. Cafés are safe spaces where people talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them, such as the challenges and victories of raising a family, navigating landscapes of inequity, enhancing well-being, or being involved in the recovery process of someone they love.

Understanding Trauma and Practicing Resilience
2026-01-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Treetops Collective, 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
How does our past shape our future? Join us for an interactive community training session at Treetops Collective on Friday, January 23.

Led by Brooke Aernouts (Trauma and Resilience Coordinator at Family Futures), we will dive into the science of trauma and—more importantly—the power of resilience. This isn’t just a lecture; it’s a space for conversation, growth, and learning how we can better support our families and each other.

Choose the session that fits your schedule:Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMAfternoon: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This event is FREE to the community, with food provided in both sessions.

Childcare may be provided as needed. Email baernouts@familyfutures.org and let us know if you would like this accommodation.

We hope to see you there!

Drive Through Food Pantry
2026-01-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Peace Lutheran Church, 1225 Twelve Mile NW, Sparta, MI, 49345, United States
The Mobile Food Pantry is available to Kent County, offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other food staples to people in need of emergency food at no cost.
For more information, visit: Mobile Pantry Schedule – Feeding America West Michigan
*This is a drive-through event

Car Seat Safety Check
2026-02-04 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-18 15:30 - 19:00 | MI
All events are first-come, first-served. No appointments are necessary. All events are from 4-7 PM.
February 18, 2026
Walker Fire Department
4101 Lake Michigan Drive
Walker, MI 49534 4 – 7 p.m.
March 11, 2026
Alpine Township Fire Department
1100 Henze Street NW
Comstock Park, MI 49321
March 18, 2026
Algoma Township Fire Department
10820 Edgerton Avenue NE
Rockford, MI 49341 4 – 7 p.m.

Pop-up Pantry
2026-02-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Community of Christ Church, 2140 Union Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join SECOM Resource Center for a pop-up pantry to replenish your cupboards!

Tails & Tales | Read to Therapy Dogs
2026-02-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Reading doesn’t have to be ruff, bring your kids and let them read to licensed therapy dogs!
Attendees will be able to read to a therapy dog for 10-15 minutes. While kids wait for their chance to read, the library will provide a small craft or activity.
*Reading spots with dogs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Designed for ages 6-13.
This is a recurring event.

Parent Café - Healthy Hearts: Food is Love
2026-02-12 16:30 - 19:30 | United Methodist Community House, 904 Sheldon Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH UMCH CDC – 904 SHELDON AVE SE
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR FAMILY STRONG AND HEALTHY?
JOIN US TO CONNECT, SHARE, AND LEARN.
Childcare Drop-Off | 4:30 – 5 PM
Parent Cafe | 5 – 6:30 PM
Family Dinner | 6:30 PM
Space is limited. Registration required: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV6B0j4SUIxGsVRqH009RViJbX5obOiJUqIToEhZikoa2RTw/viewform

Whooo Cooks For You? Owls & Sweet Treats (Family Edition)
2026-02-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Blandford Natuel Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Spend Saturday afternoon with the ones WHOOO have your heart, sharing a close encounter with our resident owls! You’ll meet some of our owl ambassadors, hear an owl-themed story, and learn about their incredible adaptations as nocturnal hunters, all while enjoying a sweet treat!
Cost:
Non-members: $14
Members: $11:20
2 and under: Free
*Suitable for all ages, registration is required, registration closes at noon the day prior to the event
Register here: https://blandfordnaturecenter.doubleknot.com/event/whooo-cooks-for-you-owls-and-sweet-treats-family-edition/3126315

Teen Printmaking and Zine Workshop with Octavia Ink
2026-02-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Branch, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
The Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and the Wege Foundation are hosting an event with local artist Octavia Ink! Join her on February 18th for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create prints using stamps made from her original artwork. She’ll also teach you how to use stamps to craft your very own zine. Leave with a one-of-a-kind creation to take home! All materials and snacks will be provided, and each attendee will receive a copy of Black Artists Shaping the World by Sharna Johnson.
For more information, visit: https://grpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6939a6efc967cb41207c27c0

Family Storytime | Yankee Clipper Branch
2026-02-19 10:30 - 11:00 | Grand Rapids Public Library- Yankee Clipper Branch, 2025 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Join the Grand Rapids Public Library for story times!
These story times feature great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child’s brain grow. For ages 0–5 years.
*Family Storytime | Yankee Clipper Branch
Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026, 10:30 am
Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE

Pet Food Pantry
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance Center, 1676 Viewpond Dr SE Suite 2A, Kentwood, MI, 49508, United States
The GRPBA is hosting a pet food pantry, giving out food and other supplies for your furry companion! Just drive up, and a volunteer will help guide you through.
*Eligibility guidelines apply

History of the Blues with Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Branch, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
The Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and the Wege Foundation are hosting an unforgettable celebration of music on February 21st. Learn about the history of blues through some of Grand Rapids finest musicians! For more information, visit: https://grpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6939a773caa2e62f001f9755

Tots & Coffee Club
2026-02-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Caregivers, treat yourself!
Join us for a special monthly morning of play & connection with other toddlers & their grownups while you sip complimentary drinks from our GRCM Coffee Bar.
Monthly on select dates from 9 am to 11 am.
