History

For over 100 years, since 1911, Child and Family Charities has been protecting and strengthening families in need. The agency's founding purpose was "to secure for every child the same love and same opportunity that we would have our children receive should they be left orphaned or friendless." Over the years, under the same guiding principles, Child and Family Charities has evolved in the mid-Michigan community.

In 2009, Child and Family Charities merged with Teen Court, a local nonprofit providing a program to help first-time offending youth overcome their difficulties and find a better path toward a brighter future. This program has since evolved into the Teen Accountability Program (TAP) and has added several new prevention programs to help at-risk youth and families. 

In 2011, Child and Family Charities changed it's name from the former Child and Family Services, Capital Area, and merged with Child Abuse Prevention Services—a local nonprofit serving vulnerable families by providing respite childcare, parenting classes, and Medicaid outreach. This program has grown tremendously under the CFC leadership and has become a Family Growth and Resources Center for the local community. 

Gateway Youth Services, formerly known as Gateway Community Services, merged with CFC in 2014. For over 40 years, Gateway has provided services to homeless and runaway youth. Gateway has grown into a much larger program providing outreach, residential and supportive housing for youth, young adults, and young families locally. 

In 2021, Child and Family Services of Michigan, INC. merged with CFC to add Operation Good Cheer, a statewide gift-giving program for children and youth in foster care, and Confidential Intermediary Search Services, a service helping families reconnect with their roots after adoptions. 

Today, through 6 divisions and 30+ programs, Child and Family Charities offers a full spectrum of support to over 15,000 children, youth, and families annually—8,000 in the mid-Michigan area and 7,000 throughout Michigan. The primary mission of the private nonprofit organization is to strengthen and support children, families, and individuals as they evolve and grow in a changing community. 

"As an organization, Child and Family Charities continues to thrive and grow. We are able to do what we do through the generous outpouring of support that CFC receives from the local community, individuals, organizations, and corporations. Because of their support, we are able to do the good that we do for children, youth, and families here in Michigan." D. Krikorian, Development Director, CFC.