Stay Connected with the Council
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Welcome!
The Child and Family Resource Council is a non-profit agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Our mission is to shape a community that protects children from abuse and neglect. To do this, we provide a series of programs and services designed to protect children, support families, and strengthen our community.
We work with people from many walks of life in Kent County, providing critical information, resources, and referrals that empower parents and caregivers to make healthy and positive decisions for themselves and their families, resulting in a safer, healthier community for everybody.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation positions us as a local leader in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect.
The Child and Family Resource Council is funded in part by the Heart of West Michigan United Way.
The Child and Family Resource Council Remembers Pam Posthumus
Our friend Pam was always a passionate voice for Michigan's children. She served on the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, which administers the state's Children's Trust Fund (CTF). In 2002-2003, Pam served as CTF’s board chair, which was designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. Among her many accomplishments, she was instrumental in the negotiations that led to increasing the corpus of the Children's Trust Fund from $13 million to $20 million and in keeping the Trust Fund as a Tax Check-Off option - a true legacy that's made a meaningful and sustainable difference in our capacity to serve Michigan's children and families. We're grateful for Pam's contributions to the lives of so many.
For Every Dollar Spent, a $2.93 Return on Investment
Please help us continue to nurture long-term success with families. Your contribution is a sound investment, means more successful families and strengthens our community for tomorrow. Click the Donate button above to help us make a difference in the lives of children and families in Kent County.
Michigan Slips to No. 30 in Child Well-being; 36% Increase in Children Living in Poverty
Michigan fell to No. 30 among the 50 states in the annual KIDS COUNT report on child well-being released today, the state’s worst ranking in more than a decade.
Comments from the Council's Executive Director on Kids Count
Childhood poverty can have a lasting impact… on children and on our society.
We know that a child who grows up in poverty is more likely to face life long challenges. The younger the child is exposed to poverty, the more likely they will be placed in harm’s way in terms of health, development and safety. We should all be concerned about the 36% increase in children living in poverty in the state of Michigan. Consider this a call to action; your support is needed now more than ever. Please join the Child and Family Resource Council in its commitment to provide parents with the tools and supports that they need to be successful so that their children can thrive. Volunteer your time, make a donation, write to your legislator. Help us make a difference. -Candace Cowling, Executive Director
What Do Children Think Dora the Explorer Knows About Fruit Snacks?
Anyone who has seen a child interact with their favorite character knows how strong that relationship can be, but how much do children really think their favorite characters know? Do they understand that the characters are fantasy? Marketers frequently use these characters to promote products, but little is known about how these tactics work, and if children understand why their favorite characters end up on a cereal box.
Special Kids Count Report
Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters: A KIDS COUNT Special Report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
Children who read on grade level by the end of third grade are more successful in school, work, and in life. This Kids Count Special Report affirms a commitment by the Casey Foundation to help ensure that all students are proficient in reading by the end of third grade and help narrow the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children. Click Here to Visit the Kids Count Data Center
Stay Informed About the Work of the Council!
"We will not shrink away because of the extraordinary challenges that this economy has created; we will take the broader view and base our goals on what families need, not just what we can afford." - Candace Cowling, Executive Director, Child and Family Resource Council
CPSC Announces 2 Big Crib Recalls
The government has recalled thousands of Simplicity and Graco cribs, warning that babies could suffocate or strangle in them. Click here to read the full story.
Hand In Hand Tours
Learn first hand how we are working to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Sign up to attend an inspirational Hand-in-Hand tour held at the Child and Family Resource Council office. The tours are designed around the philosophy that the vast majority of child abuse and neglect can be prevented. You will get a snapshot of what we are doing in Kent County with parents and children everyday. The tour never lasts more than 1 hour (ever!), and you will not be asked for a contribution. We will provide a complimentary lunch after the tour.