Family Futures

Family Fiesta
2024-08-16 16:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Roberto Clemente Park, 546 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Roosevelt Park Advocates will be hosting the 11th annual “Family Fiesta” on Friday, August 16, 2024 in Roberto Clemente Park from 4:30pm-7:30pm. This year’s event will celebrate an amazing decade of Family Fiesta events as well as include many fun, free, and family-friendly activities. This exciting event brings together families from SW Grand Rapids and throughout the city to enjoy food, local vendors, live entertainment, and outdoor activities.Event highlights: Free food, water and ice cream Free music and live entertainment Free interactive events such as Zumba and prize giveaways Fun photo booth Family friendly activities and kids’ crafts Information booths from local business and non-profits And much, much more!

Kroc Block Party
2024-08-16 17:30 - 20:30 | The Salvation Army- Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the summer… that means it’s time for our end-of-summer bash, the Kroc Block Party at The Salvation Army Kroc Center!
This annual event invites families from our neighborhood and beyond to enjoy our outdoor campus including the giant slip & slide, family fitness classes, playground, and more.
This will all take place on Friday, August 16 from 5:30-8:30 PM.

A Community Healing Experience - Taylor Made Re-entry Annual Kickball Event
2024-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Garfield Park, 250 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
We invite you to be a part of “A Community Healing Experience,” our annual kickball event, dedicated to promoting unity and wellness in Grand Rapids. This event is part of H.E.A.L (Helping Eradicate Adverse Law-Enforcing), a national initiative committed to bridging gaps between communities, law enforcement, and individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
The event creates a positive space for community members and law enforcement to come together and heal the gaps and stigma that separate us. Featuring teams with law enforcement and justice-impacted citizens, this is your chance to support unity and foster a healthier society. Let’s have fun and make a difference together in Grand Rapids!

Party with a Purpose
2024-08-17 14:00 - 17:00 | Joyful Sounds, 718 Lafayette St, Grand Rapids, MI
Joyful Sounds Presents the 20th Annual Party with a Purpose Overcoming Obstacles!
Join us as we celebrate our youth who have overcome obstacles & continue to excel!
City Officials, Vendors, Community Leaders, FREE Give Aways, Food, Haircuts, Fellowship, Music, fun!

Feed Your Soul Virtual Parent Cafe: Journey to Vitality
2024-08-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Children Trust Michigan is proudly hosting Parent Cafes to bring Michigan Families together to discuss common parenting topics.
Cafes are physically and emotionally safe places where people talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them, such as:

Challenges
Victories
Navigating landscapes of inequality
Enhancing well-being
Being involved in the recovery process of someone they love
So much more!

Register Here for a Zoom link: https://www.childrentrustmichigan.org/parent-caf%C3%A9-s

Santa's Summer Sleigh Toy Giveaway & Resource Fair
2024-08-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Linc Up, 341 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Santa’s Summer Sleigh: Toy Giveaway & Resource Fair
Join us at the LINC UP Gallery (341 Hall St SE) on Thursday, August 22nd from 3 PM to 6 PM for a fun summer event including toy giveaways and resources! Save time and register early, walk-ins welcome.
*2-5 Toys Per Child – While Supplies Last* Hosted by LINC UP, Toys for Tots, and Storehouse.
Register here: https://www.lincup.org/event-registration-2

West Kelloggsville 1-Mile Family Fun Run
2024-09-04 17:00 - 18:30 | West Kelloggsville Elementary School, 242 52nd Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
1 Mile Run/Walk Community Event at West Kelloggsville Elementary School.
The event will take place on September 4th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This event is designed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement among our students and their families/guardians.

Teddy Bear Health Fair
2024-09-14 09:30 - 12:30 | Garfield Park, 250 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for the Teddy Bear Health Fair, brought to you by Michigan State University College of Human Medicine! This free community event promotes health awareness in a fun and safe environment.
Children and their adult friends can participate in physical activities to get their bodies moving, sample healthy snacks, and interact with first responders, health professionals, and MSU medical students.
We encourage children to bring their favorite stuffed animal for a ‘health check-up’ at the Teddy Bear Hospital. At the same time, adults can explore health and wellness resources available in their community.

Midtown Grooves Music Festival
2024-09-14 12:00 - 18:00 | Midtown Green, 747 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Hey GR!
We’re excited to announce the return of Midtown’s largest event: Midtown Grooves Music Festival.
Nestled atop of the “Heritage Hill” you will find a large greenspace that serves as a play space for all of Midtown’s residents. Once a year, we throw a big party and invite the entire city.
What can you expect at Midtown Grooves?
-Family friendly events and crafts-Vintage and Maker booths-Kids’ entertainment, a DJ and bands-Midtown Business offerings and freebies-Beer and cider tent, along with Non-Alcoholic offerings-Food Trucks and so much more!

Community Resource Fair
2024-09-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Branch, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Connect with a variety of community resources all in one place. Local organizations will be available to discuss different supports for many areas of life.

Community Resoure Fair
2024-09-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Branch, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Connect with a variety of community resources all in one place. Local organizations will be available to discuss different support options for many areas of life.

Trunk or Treat
2024-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Garfield Park, 250 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
It’s officially the start of Halloween month, which means our 2nd annual Trunk or Treat is just around the corner! Join Family Futures and Garfield Park Neighborhood Association in collecting sweet treats while enjoying a night of fall family fun!

Collect free candy
Show off your costume
Enter for the chance to win prizes
Munch on complimentary donuts, cider, and more!

Get your costumes and bags ready, and join us for a ghoul-y good time!
Looking to join us as a vendor? Interest in donating an item for the giveaways? Click HERE!

Practicing Resilience Through Self-Healing Communities
2024-10-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Eberhard Center, Grand Valley State University, 301 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Hear engaging speakers, learn from community leaders in local organizations, and engage in conversations with peers as we discuss the importance of self-healing communities.

Our guest speakers include…
– Dr. James Henry, founder of Western Michigan University’s Children’s Traumatic Stress Center
– Velshonna Luckey, Executive Director of Self-healing Communities of Greater Michiana
– Marcella Wilson Ph. D, Founder of Transition to Success and author of Diagnosis: Poverty
Take part in conversations led by community organizations such as…
– Strong Fathers/Padres Fuertes project Strong Beginnings-Healthy Start
– Dwelling Place
– KConnect
Get your tickets HERE

Community Engagement Series - Learning Readiness
2024-11-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Alger Middle School, 921 Alger Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for a special event focused on learning readiness, part of our ongoing promise initiatives. Engage in activities designed to support social-emotional development, resilience, attendance, trauma response, safety, and well-being —ensuring every child is ready to succeed in school and life.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE - Linc Up Turket Giveaway
2024-11-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Linc Up, 341 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
November 23rd, 9am – 12pm
LINC UP Gallery
341 Hall St SE
Grand Rapids, MI

No registration is required, so arrive early!
One turkey per family while supplies last

COMMUNITY RESOURCE - All Things Fatherhood — Dads-Giving and Turkey Giveaway
2024-11-23 12:00 - 14:00 | The Vibe, 950 28th St SE, Grand Rapids
November 23rd, 12pm – 2pm
The Vibe Office Space
950 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI

While supplies last!
Light refreshments will be served

For more information visit www.allthingsfatherhoodinc.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | Santa Claus Girls
2024-11-25 08:00 - 17:00 | MI
December 14th
Open registration
Ages 0-12
Delivery time: 9am – 4pm
For more information visit https://www.santaclausgirls.org/family-register/

COMMUNITY RESOURCE - Toys for Tots
2024-11-25 08:00 - 2024-12-01 19:00 | MI
Applications open Oct 1st – Dec 1st
Pick up date is Dec 21st
1 free toy per child
(616) 813 – 3945
For more information visit https://grand-rapids-mi.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | The Salvation Army — Angel Tree
2024-11-25 08:00 - 2024-12-02 17:00 | MI
Applications are open from Sep 30th – Dec 2nd
Ages 0-16 and 60+
(616) 459 – 3433
https://saangeltree.org/

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | St. Mary Catholic Church — Holiday Meal Boxes
2024-11-25 09:00 - 2024-12-13 17:00 | St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 418 Second St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
St Mary Food Pantry
418 Second St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459 – 7390

Located at the back porch of the office building at 423 1st St NW

Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids - Family Night
2024-11-26 17:00 - 19:00 | MI
Join the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids for their November Family Night on November 26th from 5-7 PM. Learn more at https://bgcgrandrapids.org/families/#calendar

COMMUNITY RESOURCE - Mel Trotter Community Meal
2024-11-28 11:00 - 13:00 | DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, 49503
Mel Trotter Ministries will host a free, traditional Thanksgiving Community Meal for individuals and families experiencing homelessness as well as anyone in the greater Grand Rapids community who is looking for fellowship around a Thanksgiving table.
Open: 10am – 1pm
Meal: 11am – 1pm
DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454 – 8249
For more information visit https://www.meltrotter.org/events/thanksgiving/

COMMUNITY PROJECT | The Deborah Project - Toy Giveaway
2024-12-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Kingdom Life Church, 23177 KALAMAZOO AVE,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
December 7, 12 PM
Diapers – Household Supplies – Personal Care Items
Kingdom Life Church
23177 KALAMAZOO AVE,
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49507
ph: 616.452.6330
kImchurch.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | Catholic Charities — God’s Kitchen
2024-12-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Catholic Charities
December 9th, 12:30pm – 2pm
303 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
For more information visit https://ccwestmi.org/gods-kitchen-food-and-pantry-services/

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | Signing Santa
2024-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Northview High School, 4451 Hunsberger Avenue Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY WITH SANTA!
A fun holiday event for Deaf, Blind, and Hard of Hearing children! There will be crafts, games, and take-aways for everyone. Every child will have a chance to Sign with Santa and receive a gift!
This event is FREE to attend. We ask that you please pre-register the children attending so that our elves know how many gifts to have ready!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Time & Date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 10am-1pm
Location: Northview High School Cafeteria, 4451 Hunsberger Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at echapin@deafhhs.org

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | North Kent Connect — Christmas Gift Shop
2024-12-17 09:00 - 17:00 | North Kent Connect, 10075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, MI, 49341
Dec 17th
9am – 5pm (select a two-hour time slot)
NKC Thrift Store
10075 Northland Dr NE
Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 866 – 3478

Current NKC clients with children only!
Signup ends December 5.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | Baxter House Christmas Basket Distribution
2024-12-18 12:00 - 19:00 | Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Christmas Basket Pick Up
Wednesday, December 18th & Thursday, December 19th
12:00-7:00PM: Baxter Gym

Get all the all the fixings to take home to make and enjoy a holiday meal with your family! Please bring your pink receipt AND an ID to pick up your basket.

Pre-registration is required to receive a Christmas Basket during this distribution event. All registrations must be done in-person at our Marketplace. If your family received a basket for Thanksgiving, you are not eligible to receive one for Christmas.
Pick up only, no delivery is available. If baskets are not picked up by 7PM on Thursday, December 19th they are subject to be given to another family in need.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE | Mobile Food Pantry
2024-12-18 16:30 - 18:00 | MI
Mobile Food Pantries are like farmers’ markets on wheels, delivering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods to people in need of emergency food at no cost.
This schedule is provided as a courtesy. It is not guaranteed to be error-free and may be updated or changed at any time, so use it at your own risk.
Unless otherwise noted, all Mobile Pantries are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time.
If you have questions about a specific Mobile Pantry, please contact the host agency.
Many Mobile Food Pantry sites will allow you to pick up food as a proxy (stand-in) for another household that cannot physically attend. You will need to be prepared to provide the name, address and household size of any other family you are picking up for. Most Mobile Pantry sites have a limit on how many households you can pick up for and should tell you that limit if you ask.
DECEMBER 18
4:30 PM – Kent County (Walk Up), Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, 851 Madison Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
5:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Discovery Christian Reformed Church, 7245 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
DECEMBER 19
5:00 PM – Kent County (Walk Up), Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
5:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Innovation Central High School-Bus Lane off College Ave., 421 Fountain Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
DECEMBER 21
09:00 AM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Vineyard North Church, 4700 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
10:00 AM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Community CRC, 150 Burt St. SE, Wyoming, MI 49548
10:00 AM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Linc Up, 1167 Madison Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
1:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Zion Lutheran Church, 582 Lamoreaux Drive NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
DECEMBER 28
9:00 AM – Kent County (Drive Thru), St. Mary Magdalen Church, 1253 52nd Street, Kentwood, MI 49508
JANUARY 6
5:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Cascade Fellowship CRC, 6655 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
JANUARY 8
4:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Discovery Christian Reformed Church, 7245 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
4:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Cornerstone Church, 1675 84th Street SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
4:30 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Godwin High School, 50 35th Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
6:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church, 1550 Oswego Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
JANUARY 9
4:30 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Sibley Elementary School, 943 Sibley NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
JANUARY 10
4:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church, 3190 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
JANUARY 13
6:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Kentwood Christian Church, 5841 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
JANUARY 14
4:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 1824 Godfrey Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
JANUARY 15
5:00 PM – Kent County (Drive Thru), Discovery Christian Reformed Church, 7245 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
5:00 PM – Kent County (Walk Up), Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
