Who We Are
About Us
For over 104 years, since 1911, Child and Family Charities has been protecting and strengthening families in need. Founded on the principle of securing for every child the same love and opportunity that we would have our children receive should they be left orphaned or friendless.
The primary mission of Child and Family Charities is to strengthen and support children, families, and individuals as they grow and adapt in a changing community.
Our services ecompass a comprehensive range of programs, including prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for vulnerable populations.
“To secure for every child the same love and same opportunity that we would have our children receive should they be left orphaned or friendless.”
In 2009, Child and Family Charities merged with Teen Court, a local nonprofit organization that offers a program to help first-time youth offenders overcome their difficulties and find a better path toward a brighter future. This program has since evolved into the Teen Accountability Program (TAP). It has also expanded into a new service area, Youth and Family Support Services, which offers several new prevention programs to support at-risk youth, young adults, and their families
In 2011, Child and Family Charities changed its name from the former Child and Family Services, Capital Area. At the same time, Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) merged into Child and Family Charities, adding a whole new area of services to the agency. The CAPS program has grown tremendously under the CFC leadership and has become a Family Growth and Resources Center for the local community.
“Child and Family Charities continues to thrive and grow as an organization. We offer a broad spectrum of services, helping nearly 20,000 individuals each year through the generous outpouring of support that CFC receives from the local community, individuals, organizations, and corporations. Because of their support, we are able to do the good that we do for children, youth, and families here in Michigan.”
Senior Development Director, CFC
D. Krikorian
Gateway Youth Housing Services, formerly Gateway Community Services, merged with Child and Family Charities in 2014. For over 50 years, Gateway has provided services to vulnerable, homeless, and at-risk youth. Gateway has evolved into an extensive service area that includes outreach, residential, and supportive housing for youth, young adults, and young families within the local community. Following the opening of the Jackson House in 2023, the program doubled the number of youth and young adult residents it regularly serves in the shelter.
In 2021, Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. merged with Child and Family Charities to add Operation Good Cheer, a statewide gift-giving program for children and youth in foster care, and Confidential Intermediary Search Services, a service helping families reconnect with their roots after adoption.
Most recently, the agency relocated to a significantly larger and more functional facility at W. Greenlawn in Lansing, Michigan, thanks to the generous support of numerous individual donors, local foundations, businesses, and corporations. The renovations to the building were completed in March 2025, with most of the over 30 programs and services the agency provides to aid in the success and growth of individuals in our community now located on the same campus, offering more room to grow.