Children have struggled during the pandemic without the necessary structure that school provides.
More:Lansing teenagers struggle to survive amid escalating murders and shootings
Educators saw more kids act up. Police have observed youth gun violence among youth. Many community organizations have emerged or gained prominence in the community as they work to keep children safe.
Not enough: Lansing youth need more mentorship opportunities, community members say
Here is a list of some free programs, groups, and mentoring opportunities for teens and young adults:
The turning point of Lansing
The Turning Point of Lansing offers mentoring opportunities to black boys in grades seven through twelve. The goal is to provide “developmental and emotional support through direct and regular interaction with African American adult males,” according to the website.
teenagers can Apply online here to be matched with a mentor. Adults interested in becoming a mentor can do so apply online here.
Contact: 517-336-8067 or fill out this online form
Big brothers, big sisters
Big brothers, big sisters Lansing matches children with adult volunteers who can mentor and guide them through life. Children from the age of 5 can apply for a big brother or a big sister.
This program is free for children. Register them online here.
The non-profit organization is primarily looking for men who want to become Big Brothers. More than 70% of children waiting for a big brother or sister are boys, but only about 30% of voluntary requests come from men.
Contact: development@bbbsmcr.org, 517-372-0160
Petals and pine cones
Petals and Pinecones is a Christian mentoring program that supports girls and women ages 13-24. According to the website, “they mentor young women in developing and improving self-esteem, self-image and self-esteem.”
Contact: Founder and President Theresa Bouyer, office@petalspinecones.com, 517-292-0054
Lansing Spartan youth organization
Retired professional boxer Kolmarge Harris offers low-cost to free fitness programs for children to help with obesity and aggressive behavior. He focuses on anti-bullying and physical fitness. He offers basic fitness and boxing classes.
More: Bullied as a child, Kolmarge Harris now teaches children how to deal with bullies
Contact: 517-402-6553 or fill out this online form
People are ready to activate youth
People Ready Activating Youth (PRAY) says it gives kids the support they need to shape them into future leaders. According to their website, they have educational programs and leadership initiatives.
The program also works to prevent gun violence among children and young adults.
Contact: Founder Terrance Cooper, 517-706-1701
Southside Community Coalition
the Southside Community Coalition offers one-on-one care, educational and health programs, job training, a 4-H club, and recreational opportunities for all ages. They also have after-school programs and tutoring, as well as summer programs for teens.
One of its programs, Empowering Youth Today, helps children and youth engage with their community, “empowers young people’s strengths, and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and providing the support that is required to build on their leadership strengths,” its website states.
Contact: outreach.sscc@gmail.com, 517-394-7400
Michigan 4-H
Children ages 5 through 19 can participate in Michigan’s 4-H program, which offers programs in science and technology, clothing and textiles, gardening, ranching and many other areas. There is no application fee for Michigan 4-H.
Contact: Fill out this online form.
The village of Lansing
Village Lansing is a non-profit organization that “attack[s] youth violence from all angles; Prevention, Intervention and Support,” it says on its website.
They work with the community, schools, neighborhoods, families and children to find out what their concerns are and get them the resources their website says they need.
Due to COVID-19, the non-profit organization’s center is open by appointment only.
Contact: TheVillageLansing@gmail.com, 517-483-2233
Peace & Prosperity youth action movement
The Peace and Prosperity Youth Action Movement is a group of young adults, ages 12 through high school, focused on “increasing social justice in our community,” according to the website.
The goal is to build a coalition of youth leaders who can bring about change in their own communities.
Contact: Register online here.
A global love
A global love is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “transforming communities so black children can experience justice, peace, healing, opportunity and abundance,” according to its website.
The organizers are working on racial justice, gaining political power and empowering young people. Peace and Prosperity Youth Action Movement is housed in One Love Global.
Contact: connect@oneloveglobal.org
Grit, Glam and Guts
grit, glam and guts, which works to empower teenagers to develop a healthy self-identity and realize their own power, recently founded in Lansing.
According to the website, the core values are “courage, leadership, authenticity, self-determination and solidarity”. Participating girls can learn leadership skills and work on their personal, social, academic and professional development.
It works with underserved girls to transform their lives through arts, education and civic engagement opportunities.
Fill out this online form to register.
Contact: info@gritglamguts.com
Destiny Outreach
Destiny Outreach works to facilitate mentoring relationships, instill leadership skills, and help youth lead productive lives. They also “identify innovative and innovative solutions to help diverse men reach their full potential and strengthen the Greater Lansing community,” the website reads.
Contact: info@destinyoutreach34.org, 517-749-6215
WIOA youth program
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth program and the Lansing School District provides services to 150 teenagers and young adults ages 14 to 24 from central Michigan.
Qualified applicants may submit an application to the LSD WIOA office at Capital Area Michigan Works, 2110 S. Cedar St. in Lansing.
It includes a GED program, work experience to “help youth develop job skills, build a resume, and earn work experience points for school if necessary,” and work programming. according to its website.
Contact: Karen Maas, Program Manager, at karen.maas@lansingschools.net or 517-492-5551
Which programs do we miss? Send us your organization name, contact information and some information about it to kberg@lsj.com and we will add your organization to our running list online.
Contact reporter Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.