Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation grants $225,000 over next two years
(Midland, Ml) – Greater Midland North Family Center has received $225,000 in grant funding from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.
The funding, which includes $115,000 for 2014 and $110,000 payable in 2015 will be used for operational support for all programming at the Mills Township center. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. This funding enables us to serve children and families at some of the most critical times in their lives, helping set them up for a strong future," said Misty Janks, executive director.
Macauley Whiting, Jr., president of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation stated, “As an operating unit of Greater Midland, North Family Center has demonstrated success in developing partnerships with other organizations that serve northern Midland County. Success for North Family Center is certainly about growing and maintaining a steady revenue stream, but also being able to remain relevant in its services and to provide long lasting results for the families served.”
As the only human service agency in northern Midland County, North Family Center serves residents in the eight rural townships of Mills, Bentley, Billings, Tobacco, Edenville, Hope, Lincoln and Larkin, most of which include substantial pockets of poverty.
The young children in rural northern Midland face significant educational, social and economic challenges. For example, the physical and social isolation associated with rural areas creates problems, especially for at-risk children. Children in low-income situations are also more likely to have negative outcomes in education and social skills, employment and health.
North Family Center has worked diligently to provide quality programs and resources for the community and is the only licensed childcare facility in the service area. "We offer a warm, nurturing environment for our children, including three-and-four-year-old preschool, before/after school care, teen programming and summer camps for children," Misty said. "Our programs really are a safe haven where children and youth can learn, take part in supervised recreation, and build strong, positive relationships with responsible, caring adults and peers. Our community fares better when our young people are occupied in meaningful, supervised activities."
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