616-457-8123 ext. 2 office@cottonwoodclc.com

Family and Community Resource Project

By: Lindsey DeBlaay
EDS 646

Cottonwood Christian Learning Center is located in Jenison but provides services to families in the surrounding Grand Rapids area. We provide child care, preschool, and after school care for children ages 0-12.

After surveying the parents’ needs, they requested more information about the following topics:

  • Christian organizations
  • Education services
  • Health services
  • Child-family community services
  • Parenting services
  • Family activities ( at free or low cost) – highest ranked and most requested

Christian Organizations

ACCESS (All-County Churches Emergency Support System)

ACCESS (All-County Churches Emergency Support System)
355 Sheldon St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 774-2175

Email: info@accessconnects.org

Web: www.accessconnects.org

ACCESS is a network of congregations, individuals and the community-at-large, working together to meet needs in Kent County. ACCESS seeks to provide its 350-member congregations with the knowledge they need to make their resources more effective and to minimize duplication. Among its efforts, ACCESS coordinates food pantries and drives, offers casework services to help congregations assist individuals in need, and sponsors a Holiday Giving Network.

Bethany Christian Services

901 Eastern Ave NE
PO Box 294
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0294

(616)224-7550

Holland:

12048 James St
Holland, MI 49424-9556

(616)396-0623

Web: www.bethany.org

Their comprehensive services include adoption, temporary foster care, counseling, training, and family support because we know children thrive in safe, loving, and strong families. We are committed to finding the best families for children in need around the world. Our mission calls us to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Christian Counseling Center

Christian Counseling Center
1870 Leonard Street Northeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49505-5650

(616) 956-1122

Web: www.cccwmich.org/

Pursuing excellence in providing affordable counseling, consultation and educational services through professionals committed to Christ.

Inner City Christian Federation

Inner City Christian Federation
816 Madison Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507

(616) 336-9333

Web: www.iccf.org

In response to God’s call to justice, the Inner City Christian Federation provides housing opportunities and services that encourage family responsibility and independence, thereby helping to build stable communities. ICCF’s three main programs focus on emergency housing, long-term affordable rental housing and home ownership opportunities education services.

ICCF strives to meet families where they are in their housing needs and to provide the opportunities and encouragement to help them achieve success in realizing their housing goals.

Mel Trotter Ministries

Mel Trotter Ministries
225 Commerce Avenue Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 454-8249

Web: www.meltrotter.org

This organization exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward the hungry, homeless and hurting of the Grand Rapids area.

Safe Haven MinistriesSafe Haven Ministries

Safe Haven MinistriesSafe Haven Ministries
3501 Lake Eastbrook Bl. SE #335
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5941

(616) 452-6664

Web: www.safehavenministries.org

South Haven Ministries provides shelter and services to abused women and partners with the faith community to respond appropriately to families affected by domestic violence.

Salvation Army

1215 East Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 459-3433

(616) 459-9468

Web: www.usc.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army’s mission is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name.” The Salvation Army of greater Grand Rapids and Kent County offers programs that assist individuals in need of temporary housing, support families in trouble, and ensure that the children of the community are provided for. Resources include job counseling, family development and parenting classes, and a variety of Sunday services at two locations in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Wedgwood Christian Services

Wedgwood Christian Services
3300 36th Street SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512

616.942.2110

Phone: (616) 942-2110

Fax: (616) 942 – 0589

Web: www.wedgwood.org

Wedgwood Christian Services extends God’s love to youth and families through professional counseling and educational services. Youth services include residential treatment, foster care, independent living, in-home intervention, outpatient counseling, and prevention. Our philosophy of care offers grace, promotes healing, and encourages learning.

Education Services

AVKO Educational Research Foundation

AVKO Educational Research Foundation
3084 Willard Road
Birch Run, MI 48415

(810) 686-9283; (810) 686-1101 (fax)

Web: http://www.avko.org

Free daily tutoring, free parent training in tutoring, free telephone consultations, free information on website, free evaluations.

The Center for Childhood Development

The Center for Childhood Development
7086 8th Avenue
Jenison, MI 49428

(616) 667-9551; (616) 667-9552 (fax)

Web: http://www.theCenterforCD.com

The Center for Childhood Development provides a wide variety of assessment, treatment and consultation services to help children and families in the West Michigan area affected by neurodevelopmental challenges.

Center for Educational Networking (CEN)

Center for Educational Networking (CEN)
Eaton Intermediate School District
1790 East Packard Highway
Charlotte, MI 48813

(800) 593-9146, (517) 541-1318, (517) 321-6101, (517) 541-1351 (fax)

Email: info@cenmi.org

Web: www.cenmi.org

CEN is a Michigan Department of Education statewide education information network. CEN produces and distributes newsletters, brochures, and other education materials in print and electronic formats.

Faith Alive Christian Resources

2850 Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49560

(616) 224-0728

Web: www.faithaliveresources.org

Faith Alive Resources contains Christian educational materials for children and adults.

Michigan Department of Education

Michigan Department of Education
608 West Allegan Street
Hannah Building
Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 373-3324

Web: http://www.michigan.gov/mde

National Association for the Education of Young Children

National Association for the Education of Young Children
1313 L Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005

Toll free: 800-424-2460

Web: www.naeyc.org

NAEYC’s mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources

Health Services

Alliance For Health

Alliance For Health
1345 Monroe Ave NW # 256
Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4672

(616) 248-3820

Web: www.afh.org

Alliance for Health, a nonprofit West Michigan organization, is a broad based community coalition encouraging optimal health for all through high quality health care services at the lowest cost.  We bring together those who give health care, those who get health care and those who pay for health care to identify and work together on health-related community priorities.  We are committed to advancing a high-quality, patient-centered, cost-effective health care system.

Association for Children's Mental Health

Association for Children’s Mental Health
6017 St. Joe Hwy. Suite 200
Lansing, MI 48917

(517) 372-4016; (888) 226-4543; (517) 372-4032 (fax)

Email: acmhadmin | at | sbcglobal.net

Web: www.acmh-mi.org

Provide support, information and advocacy to parents of children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorders.

Asthma Resource Center for Children

Asthma Resource Center for Children
200 Jefferson Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 685-8984

Provide treatment and resources to children with asthma and their families.

Greater Grand Rapids Children’s Environmental Health Initiative

For more information contact: Michelle Davis-Poeder

Kent County Health Department

Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Ave N.E
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616)632-6912

Web: www.healthykidsgr.org

CEHI works collaboratively to maximize community resources and reduce the negative impacts of environmental hazards on the health and wellbeing of children and families in Greater Grand Rapids.

Helen Devos Children's Hospital

Helen Devos Children’s HospitalHelen Devos Children’s Hospital
100 Michigan Street Northeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 391-9000

Web: www.helendevoschildrens.org

A hospital dedicated exclusively to children’s health care needs. All of the care is provided by pediatric nurses, therapists and clinicians and there are nearly 200 pediatric physicians in more than 40 pediatric specialties.

Kent County Health Department

Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: (616) 632-7100

Fax: (616) 632-7083

Web: www.accesskent.com/Health/HealthDepartment/

Provides community health needs of the citizens of Kent County by continually and diligently endeavoring to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health.

Ottawa County Health Department

Holland Office
12251 James Street
Holland, MI 49424

Phone: (616) 396-5266

FAX: (616) 393-5643

Grand Haven Office
16920 Ferris Street
Grand Haven, MI 49417

Phone: (616) 846-8360

FAX: (616) 844-1778

Hudsonville Office
3100 Port Sheldon Road
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Phone: (616) 669-0040

FAX: (616) 669-3039

Web: www.miottawa.org/HealthComm/Health/

Provides community health needs of the citizens of Ottawa County by continually and diligently endeavoring to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health.

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Psychological Consultation Center
300 68th Street SE
Pine Rest Main Campus
Grand Rapids, MI 49548

616-281-6382

Fax: 616-281-6397

Web: www.pinerest.org

Pine Rest provides Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities with quality behavioral health services, including therapy and psychiatric services for children, adolescents, adults, older adults and families.

Child-Family Community Services

Bridges4Kids

Web: http://www.bridges4kids.org

A non-profit parent organization providing a comprehensive system of information and referral for parents of children from birth through transition to adult life.

Child and Family Resource Center

Child and Family Resource Center
678 Front Ave NW # 210
Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5372

(616) 454-4673

Web: www.childresource.cc

A prevention-based organization, services are provided to children and families to prevent child abuse and neglect.

The Child and Family Resource Center also provides a website where you can access community resources- www.familyresourceguide.info/

Grand Rapids Family Magazine

Web: www.grfamily.com

Grand Rapids Family Magazine is written specifically for West Michigan families. Parents turn to Grand Rapids Family Magazine each month because it is a resource that addresses the myriad issues they confront, from child care and education to where to find kid-friendly weekend fun. It has monthly columns devoted to education and health.

Parenting Services

Arbor Circle Corporation Kent County Healthy Start In-Home Family Support Services

1101 Ball Ave. NE
Grand Rapids MI  49505

Contact: Nancy Erickson at (616) 456-6571 ext. 1341

Fax: (616) 458-0095

Web: www.arborcircle.org

Offers a program designed to help and support first-time parents with children birth to age e3. Families are assigned a family support worker who will visit the home and assist the family by offering child development and parenting information as well as connecting the family with community resources. The family support worker may also provide support before the baby is born. This program is voluntary and services are free, private, and respectful of language and culture.

Creative Solutions Counseling

1500 E Beltline Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 929-0226

Web: www.creativesolutionscounselinggr.com

CSC provides services for families facing a variety of different problems that we are presented with in our day to day life such as relationship issues, communication strengthening, job stress, etc.

Great Start Parenting Coalition

118 Commerce Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4106

Contact Parent Liaisons:  Paula Brown, Leslie Hawkins or Karen Lay at 616-632-1007

Web: www.firststepskent.org/about/parent-coalition/

The Coalition’s mission is to increase parents’ skills, knowledge, and participation in early childhood planning and decision making in the community. Serving Kent County

Family activities (at free or low cost)

Celebration Cinema

Celebration! Cinema RiverTown (North and South addresses are available online)
3728 Rivertown Pkwy
Grand Rapids, MI 49418

(616) 530-SHOW

Web: www.celebrationcinema.com/sundayradiodiscounts

Every Sunday Night, WLAV, WTNR, WHTS & WBBL T\team up to offer a movie for only $4.00 at Celebration! Grand Rapids North, South, and RiverTown! Times and movie selection are posted on the website.

Blandford Nature Center

1715 Hillburn Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

(616)735-6240

Web: www.blandfordnaturecenter.org

Bottom of FormBlandford Nature Center, located on 143 acre of land and wildlife, believes children and adults learn best through personal experience. Their job and passion, is to invite the community to get their hands dirty in nature – whether that be standing knee-high in water to learn about stream ecology or planting squash seeds to start a garden. Look at the events tab on the webpage for event details.

Grand Rapids Kids: Online family guide

Web: www.grkids.com

It is a tool that can help you find things to do with your family in the Greater Grand Rapids area!  Click day by day on the event calendar and you will be amazed at the variety of activities in our region.

Grand Rapids Children Museum

11 Sheldon Avenue Northeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 235-4726

Web: www.grcm.org

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment that inspires learning and encourages self directed exploration.

Thursday night is Family Night from 5-8 with $1.50 admission, ages 1 year and above.

Holland Community Aquatic Center

Holland Community Aquatic Center
550 Maple Ave.
Holland, Mi 49423

(616) 393-7595

Web: www.hollandaquaticcenter.org

The Holland Community Aquatic Center is committed to providing the highest quality aquatic instruction, training and competition, recreation, fitness, and therapy and rehabilitation programs to the community of Holland. These activities and programs will be presented in a family oriented, safe, clean and wholesome environment.

Single Visit Rate is $4 or $3 per person for splash packs with 4 people or more

Hudsonville Lanes

5775 Balsam Dr.
Hudsonville, MI 49426

(616) 669-9380

Web: www.kidsbowlfree.com (go here to sign up)

Kids (15 years and younger) bowl 2 free games each day from May through September 2. Look for posted days and times.

John Ball Zoo

1300 Fulton Street West
Grand Rapids

(616) 336-4301

Web: www.johnballzoosociety.org

Two for Tuesday- On the second Tuesday of June, July, and August the zoo offers buy 1, get 1 free tickets from 5-8. The Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Gerald Ford Museum also participate in this event.

KROC Center

2500 S. Division Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49507

(616) 588-7200

Web: http://grkroccenter.org/

The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is a 20-acre education, recreation and cultural arts and worship facility.

Day Pass is $5 for children 2-17 and $7 for adults 18+

Robinette's Apple Haus and Gift Barn

Robinette’s Apple Haus and Gift Barn
3142 4 Mile Rd. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

(800) 400-8100

Web: www.robinettes.com

Robinette’s offers quality fruits, baked goods, collectible gifts, home decor, and personal care items. They have hayrides, a corn maze, and mountain bike trails that are available at different times throughout the year. A car show, a centennial event, and a peach festival are upcoming events.

West Michigan Whitecaps

4500 West River Drive
Comstock Park, MI   49321

(616) 784-4131 or 800-CAPS-WIN

Web: web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t582

Minor league baseball team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers.

Lawn seats are $6 per person and children 3 and younger are FREE

Libraries

Georgetown District Library

1525 Baldwin St
Jenison, MI 49428

(616) 457-9620

Web: www.georgetown-mi.gov/library

Story Time: Wednesday mornings from 11:10-11:40 for ages 3-5

Tuesday Morning Movie Madness: a new movie is featured each week at 10am for ages 3-1

Gary Byker Memorial Library Hudsonville Library

3338 Van Buren Street
Hudsonville, MI 49426-1196

(616) 669-1255

Web: www.hudsonville.org/library

Kent District Library (locations vary)

Web: www.kdl.org

Story time, make and take classes, music and movement classes and movie festival are some of the early childhood events hosted at various libraries. Use the events tab at the website to access details.

Maranda’s Park Parties- held from 12-2pm

June 23 – Greenville High School Complex

June 30 – Lamar Park, Wyoming

July 7 – Barry County Expo Center, Hastings

July 14 – Kollen Park, Holland

July 21 – Upjohn Park, Kalamazoo

July 28 – Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan

Two hours of rock climbing, super sliding, ice cream eating, dancing, singing and playing- best of all everyone’s invited and everything this FREE! This year the parties will include a free lunch for anyone under the age of 18, large scale activities like the Dixie Twister, The Purple People Eater and the Turbo Tubs.

Parks

Grand River Park

9473 28th Avenue
Jenison, MI 49428

Web: www.miottawa.org/ParksVI/Parks/grandriver.htm

  • Playground
  • Picnic Buidings, tables, and grills
  • Nature Trails
  • Small Lake- fishing dock and boat launch available
Hager Park

8134 28th Avenue
Jenison, MI 49428

Web: www.miottawa.org/ParksVI/Parks/hager.htm

  • Age of Discovery Playground
  • Picnic Buildings, tables, and grills
  • Horse shoes
  • Nature Trails
Spring Grove Park

1800 Greenly Street
Grandville, MI 49418

Web: www.miottawa.org/ParksVI/Parks/springgrove.htm

Playground

  • Picnic Buildings, tables, and grills
  • Horse shoes
  • Ball field
  • Fire pits with benches
Tunnel Park

66 Lakeshore Drive
Holland, MI 49423

Web: www.miottawa.org/ParksVI/Parks/tunnel.htm

  • Playground
  • Picnic Shelters, tables, and grills
  • Horse shoes
  • Volleyball courts
  • Dunes
  • Swimming-Lake Michigan
Douglas Walker Park

1195 84th Street
Byron Center, MI 49315

Phone: (616) 336-PARK (7275)

Web: http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/walker.htm

  • Playground
  • Picnic buildings and tables
  • Kent trails
  • Horse shoes
  • Ball fields
  • Soccer field
Lamar Park

2561 Porter St
Wyoming, MI 49519

Web: www.ci.wyoming.mi.us/ParksRec/lamarpark.asp

  • Playground
  • Picnic shelters, tables, and grills
  • Trails
  • Fishing
  • Ball field
  • Soccer field
  • Basketball Court
  • Tennis Courts
  • Splash Pad-free
Millennium Park

1415 Maynard Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Web : http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/MillenniumPark/

  • Playground
  • Picnic buildings, tables, and grills
  • Trails
  • Swimming
  • Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboat Rentals $6-8 per hour
  • Splash Pad
  • Children under 3 are free
  • Children 3-15- $2
  • Adults 16-62-$4
  • Seniors 63+- $3
Palmer Park

1275 52nd Street SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Phone: (616) 336-PARK

Web: www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/palmer.htm

  • Playground
  • Picnic shelters and tables
  • Trails
  • Ball fields
  • 18 hole golf course

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Cottonwood Christian Learning Center

1101 Cypress Drive, Jenison, MI 49428

Cottonwood Christian Learning Center

1101 Cypress Dr.
Jenison, MI 49428

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