History

For over 100 years—since 1911, Child and Family Charities has been protecting and strengthening families in need. Our origins demonstrate that we were initially formed as the Ingham County Branch of Michigan Children’s Aid. The agency’s founding purpose was “to secure for every child the same love and the same opportunity that we would have our children receive should they be left orphaned or friendless.” This was in response to the orphan trains that would transport orphaned and homeless children from crowded cities in the East to foster homes predominantly in the West. Our early efforts focused on services to unwed mothers, adoption, and the recruitment of foster homes. 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 (T.A.P.), adding several new prevention programs to help at-risk youth and families. 

In 2011, Child and Family Charities changed its name from the former Child and Family Services, Capital Area. In addition to this name change, the agency 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 C.F.C. leadership and has become a Family Growth and Resources Center for the local community. 

In 2014, Gateway Youth Services, formerly known as Gateway Community Services, merged with CFC. For over 40 years, Gateway has provided services to homeless and runaway youth. Since the merger, Gateway has grown into a much larger program that provides 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.