Help Children, Help Our World
04/03/20
“Innocence once lost, can never be regained…” John Milton
Help children, help our world.
by Kathy Kelly, Director of Family Growth Services, Child and Family Charities
Governors Proclamation - Child Abuse Prevention Month
With everything going on in our world right now, it is difficult to think about anything other than the health crisis we are all facing. But, in reality, many children are facing not only the challenges of having to stay home all day without access to supportive friends, educators and counselors, but are also at home with someone who is not safe for them.
Child abuse is still a very prevalent problem in
our world, our country and our state.
With that being said, we at Child and Family Charities would like everyone to take a time this month to ponder on the effects of child abuse on innocence and how the trauma of child abuse can cause issues for a person throughout the entirety of their lives.
April is the National Child Abuse Prevention month! Over the last year--2019, there were 33,060 reported and substantiated cases in which children were abused or neglected in Michigan (https://mlpp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-michigan-page.pdf) . This equates to an average of 91 children each day! It is estimated that 63 of Michigan’s children died from child abuse and neglect - a horrible and unrelenting reality we must all face or children will continue to suffer from the devastating effects of this social illness.
April is the month when you will hear the statistics, but we can all play a role in making every day of every month of every year a child abuse prevention day.
Child abuse and neglect happens in every population and geographic area. It does not recognize economic status, education level or ethnicity. And sadly, it is children under the age of 4 who are at the greatest risk of severe injury or death.
Parenting can be a tough job, but most parents don’t want to hurt their children, and there are ways we can all help during the Stay Home, Stay Safe orders:
- Do you have friends who have children? Ask how you can be of help to them right now. Call them and let them vent. Days can be very, very long when normally active people are having to stay home together all day. Sometimes just a chance to let it out, cry, and complain can defuse otherwise extremely stressful situations.
- Offer the parents you know help by giving them a break –take a walk or bike ride with older kids. You do not have to stand right by them, you can maintain a healthy distance. Offer to play a video game online with the kids while mom or dad take a few precious moments for themselves.
- If they need some supportive measures, like food or transportation, help the parent contact local to help out. Below is resource information or you can contact United Way 2-1-1.
- Drop off or order online some easy, but fun crafts, for the kiddos to help them keep busy while mom or dad take a walk around the yard or take a nap.
- Get creative: some people are sending invites to their neighbors to get out of doors once a day and do a “Is everyone okay” check. They talk across the street, dance and even share concerns.
This is a time when not only the physically weak suffer, but also the emotionally impaired. We must all work together to help each other through it.
And beyond preventing abuse or neglect, maybe we can also work toward the goal of helping children have happy, active childhoods. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, family friends and of course parents should take the time to listen to their stories, make eye contact and enjoy their company (they will only be young for a little while). Try to invent or find activities that you can enjoy together, let them know they are special and loved and that you are PROUD of them for doing so good during this difficult time of having to stay away from their friends.
Parents, take a break from electronics for an hour or longer or even a full day respite from video games and television. Read, walk together, paint, draw, write stories, build forts, enjoy each other during this time. Put away the electronics for an evening and go for a walk, play a game or create something – there are simple craft projects for all age levels available with an online search. Take a field trip. Plan and prepare a meal together, sing a song, put on some upbeat music and dance. Break out the Halloween gear and dress up in silly costumes. Laugh together. But most importantly, let’s do our part to keep children safe from harm. If you suspect that a child is being neglected or abused, take steps to protect them by reporting the concern. If a child confides in you, believe them, listen, and don't be critical of the child (or the parent). Assure the child they are not to blame, then report the incident.
Here in Ingham County the Child Protective Services’ number
to call is 1-855-444-3911.
#greatchildhoods #CAPMonth #WearBlueforKids! #helpingchildrensavesourfuture
April 3rd is now #WearBlueDay2020
Other sources: State of Michigan Governor’s Proclamation & Kids Count 2019, https://mlpp.org/kidscount/
INGHAM COUNTY AREA FOOD RESOURCES
United Way 2-1-1 Emergency Resource Lookup
The easiest way to locate your nearest Emergency Food Resources is to dial 2-1-1 on a telephone. This will connect you to a United Way 2-1-1 call center location. The operator will ask you a few basic questions (family size, location, etc.) and provide you with the nearest food distribution location. Individuals and families in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee will connect to Central Michigan 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or by calling 866-561-2500.
LANSING PRODUCE DISTRIBUTIONS
Salvation Army (Ingham County)
Capital Area Distribution Center, 3305 S Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing 48910
Wednesdays / Distribution begins at 12:00 noon (until produce is gone)
To receive assistance you must have a valid ID and proof of residence in the county.
(517) 484-4424/ www.salansingcapitalarea.org
Allen Neighborhood Center Breadbasket/Food Pantry (48912)
1611 E Kalamazoo Street, Lansing 48912
Every Monday, produce, bread and other baked goods are available to Eastside residents
1:00 pm- 5:00 pm (517) 367-2468
MONTHLY DISTRIBUTIONS
City of Lansing Monthly Mobile Food Pantry
The City of Lansing Human Relations and Community Services Department and the Greater Lansing Food Bank hosts a monthly Mobile Food Pantry. The Mobile Food Pantry distributes free, fresh and nonperishable food items. It is open to the following: the disadvantaged and vulnerable, senior citizens on fixed incomes and families/individuals with limited or low income jobs
3rd Saturday of the Month, 9:00 am - 11:00 am or until the food runs out.
Bring a valid state ID or driver’s license. Participants should bring a box or bag for the food.
For more information, call the City of Lansing Human Relations Community Services Department at (517) 483-4347 or visit the city of Lansing website www.lansingmi.gov
Olivet Baptist Church (Serving those who live in the 48910 & 48911 zip code area)
5455 W Willoughby Rd, Lansing, 48911
2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am till noon or until the food runs out.
Food Distribution in partnership with the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Valid & current ID along with a piece of mail, first come – first serve, bring supplies such as bags, baskets, boxes or cart for your food.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP is a quarterly food assistance program that provides commodities to low-income households four times per year. Although food packages vary, each package includes protein, fruit and vegetables. Items from each food group are made available four times per year to assist recipients in maintaining a healthy diet. Contact Capital Area Community Services. Lansing area (517) 393-7077 Mason area (517) 676-1065
LANSING AREA FOOD SITES
Cristo Rey Community Center Meals to go
1717 N High Street, Lansing 48906
(517) 372-4700 x 249
Salvation Army South Meals to go
701 West Jolly Road, Lansing 48910
Mon & Fri 12:00 pm – Lunch
Wed 4:30-5:30 pm – Dinner
(517) 394-6945
Carol Ramsey Community Feeding (unable to confirm)
Tabernacle of David Church
2645 W Holmes Rd, Lansing 48911
Fourth Saturday of the month (sometimes varies)
11:30 am-1:00 pm (517) 882-6866
For van transportation to meal call 643-9713
City Rescue Mission
607 E Michigan Avenue, Lansing 48912
Dinner sign in 6:30 pm to 6:55 pm ID required, meal served after chapel
Salvation Army North Meals to go
525 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing 48912
Lunch served: Mon and Fri 12 noon-1 pm (517) 482-9715
New Hope Community Center (previously VOA)
430 North Larch Street, Lansing 48912
Mon-Fri 7:00-8:00 am, 11:30 am-1:00 pm and 4:30 pm-6:00 pm
Advent House Ministries Meals to go
North Westminster Presbyterian Church
743 North MLK Blvd, Lansing 48915 (517) 485-4722
PANTRIES
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
549 E Mt Hope Avenue, Lansing
(517) 485-3613
Bethlehem Temple Church
1518 South Washington Avenue, Lansing
(517) 485-4209
Christ Temple Church
1033 Lenore St, Lansing 48910
(517) 484-0578 or submit request online at www.ctcLansing.org
Lansing Area AIDS Network (Must be HIV+)
913 W Holmes Road, Suite 115, Lansing
(517) 394-3560
LMTS
808 Southland Street, Suite B, Lansing 48910
Hours 9 am – 1 pm, M-F (By appointment only)
Call (517) 483-2604 (allow 24-48 hours for a response)
Mount Hope Presbyterian Church
301 West Jolly Road, Lansing
(517) 393-2211
The Salvation Army South Corps
701 W Jolly Rd, Lansing 48910
(517) 394-6945
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
Michigan Department of Education’s Map of School Closure Meal Sites:
Please note: these sites are for households with school age children in the district they are attending.
https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/
The general public should utilize other resources.
Women, Infant and Children (WIC)
Ingham County Health Department, 5303 S Cedar Street, Lansing 48909
For pregnant women and children 5 years of age and under/Pre-screening for eligibility
(517) 887-4326
The Salvation Army
525 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing 48912
Diapers, Formula, Baby Food/Call for appointment (517) 484-4424
FOOD RESOURCES FOR SENIORS (60+ years)
Meals on Wheels/Tri-County Office on Aging
5303 South Cedar Street Building 1, Lansing 48911
Adults 60 years or older and spouse or partner
Provides a hot, well-balanced meal delivered daily by friendly volunteers. Frozen meals are available for weekends. Some special dietary needs may be accommodated upon request. Call a day in advance to order and schedule
Fees: Although payment is not required, donations for meals are welcome Suggested Donation: Adults age 60 and older $3.50, Adults under age 60 $6
Greater Lansing Area Meals on Wheels
Service Area: Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett & Okemos
(517) 887-1460
Rural Ingham Meals on Wheels
Service Area: Holt, Mason, Williamston, Webberville, Stockbridge, Leslie, Dansville and Onondaga call (517) 676-2775
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Monthly
Must be at least 60 years of age and meet income eligibility requirements (up to 130% of FPL).
Food packages have a retail value of about $50.00.
Contact Capital Area Community Services.
Lansing area (517) 393-7077 Mason area (517) 676-1065
Email: csfpinfo@cacs-inc.org
Senior Dining Site Services/NEW Meal pick ups
While all TCOA Congregate Dining sites are currently closed due to the risk of spreading COVID-19, individuals age 60 and over and their caregivers are eligible to participate in a food pick up opportunity at locations across the county. Pickups will include packs of 7 frozen meals with fruit, bread and milk
Meal pick up must be arranged in advance by calling Tasha Stetler at 517-887-1393 to schedule a pickup appointment. Callers will be asked to give their name, phone number, address and birth date. The only qualifications is to be over 60 years of age or providing primary care for someone age 60+. Please make sure you have a way to heat the meals, microwave is preferred. Special arrangements may be available to those that cannot heat the food and for those that cannot get to a pickup location.
Ingham County pickup site locations:
Lansing: TCOA Central Kitchen-5303 S Cedar St, Bldg 1
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center-5825 Wise Rd.
Letts Community Center- 1220 W Kalamazoo
Haslett: Grange Acres Community Room Parking- Lot 6101 Marsh Rd.
East Lansing: Hannah Center- 819 Abbott Rd.
Holt: Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St.
Mason: First Church of the Nazarene- 415 E Maple St.
Okemos: Meridian Senior Center at Chippewa MS- 4000 N Okemos Rd
Stockbridge Township Hall- 125 S. Clinton St, Stockbridge
Williamston Senior Center -201 School St, Williamston
DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS
Buy Fresh Fruits and Veggies with your Bridge card and get FREE Double Up Food Bucks to spend on any fresh fruits & veggies
Up to $20 a day at the same market
Ingham County Farmers Markets that participate in Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)
Allen Farmers Market, 1629 E Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, 517-999-3911
Inside November through early May, Wednesday 3:00 pm-6:30 pm
Ingham County Grocery Stores that Participate in Double Up Food Bucks
ValuLand:
1609 W Mt Hope, Lansing (Near MLK)
3800 W Saginaw, Lansing (Corner of Saginaw & Waverly)
810 W Bellevue St, Leslie
For more detailed info or for pantries outside of Ingham county go to:
http://www.doubleupfoodbucks.org/ or http://mifma.org/findafarmersmarket/
For assistance applying for food benefits or help locating other food resources, please call the Greater Lansing Food Bank Assistance Line at (517) 899-9457 or (517) 898-3165.
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