Did you know Family & Children Services has an Amazon wish list? Our clients often need basic needs met like diapers, hygiene items, formula, and clothes. Typically, we purchase them with HANDLE WITH CARE dollars donated by generous members of our community. But it’s also possible to purchase them directly from our wish list and send to our agency! Click here to see the list of items most requested: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3B3O0TVTGH79T?ref_=wl_share (Just remember to put your name in the “from” box so we know who to thank.)

If you would prefer to donate money and have us purchase them for clients, click here: https://fcsource.org/support-us/handle-with-care-fund/

All City of Kalamazoo residents and families are invited to join RxKids for an exciting celebration at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, where guests will enjoy free activities, including a photo booth for pictures, a show at the planetarium titled “One World, One Sky,” and “Measure Up,” a fun Innovation Lab activity. Cradle Kalamazoo partners will also be on-site to provide other helpful resources to families with young children.

Additionally, the first 100 families who arrive will receive complimentary swag bags packed full of helpful essentials to support growing families.

Rx Kids is a program of Michigan State University Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, and administered by GiveDirectly. Local partners include Cradle Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Community Foundation.

Protective Factors are the factors that mitigate or eliminate risk and promote resilience in families. The more Protective Factors a family has, the lower the risk of child abuse and neglect. One of those Protective Factors is social connections. The more social connections a family has, the better they can weather many storms. Our social connections provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging.

Today we celebrate Galentine’s Day, a day devoted to the social connections that make our lives easier and give us a sense of belonging. We hope you feel supported by your community today and every day!