These organizations are offering free mentorship opportunities to Lansing teens
Kids struggled during the pandemic without the needed structure that school provides.
More: Lansing teens are fighting for survival amid escalating homicides, shootings
Educators saw more kids acting out. Police have seen youth gun violence among young people. Many community organizations have been popping up or becoming more prominent in the community as they work to keep kids safe.
Not enough: Lansing youth need more opportunities for mentorship, community members say
Here is a list of some free programs, groups and mentorship opportunities available for teens and young adults:
The Turning Point of Lansing
The Turning Point of Lansing offers mentorship opportunities to Black boys in grades seven through 12. The goal is to provide "developmental and emotional support through the direct and regular interaction with African American male adults," according to the website.
Teens can apply to be matched with a mentor online here. Adults interested in becoming a mentor can apply online here.
Contact: 517-336-8067 or fill out this online form
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lansing pairs children with adult volunteers who are able to mentor them and guide them through life. Children ages 5 and up can apply for a big brother or big sister.
This program is free for children. Enroll them online here.
The nonprofit is especially seeking men to become Big Brothers. More than 70% of kids waiting for a big brother or big sister are boys, but only about 30% of volunteer inquiries come from men.
Contact: development@bbbsmcr.org, 517-372-0160
Petals and Pinecones
Petals and Pinecones is a Christian-based mentoring program that provides support for girls and women ages 13 to 24. According to the website, they "mentor young women to help develop and improve self-worth, 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- to no-cost fitness programs for kids to help with obesity and aggressive behaviors. He focuses on anti-bullying and physical fitness. He offers basic fitness and boxing classes.
More: Bullied as a child, Kolmarge Harris is now teaching kids how to deal with bullies
Contact: 517-402-6553 or fill out this online form
People Ready Activating Youth
People Ready Activating Youth (P.R.A.Y.) says it gives kids the support they need to shape them into future leaders. They have educational programs and leadership initiatives, according to their website.
The program also works to prevent gun violence among kids and young adults.
Contact: Founder Terrance Cooper, 517-706-1701
Mikey 23 Foundation
The Mikey 23 Foundation, founded by Michael McKissic, whose son Mikey McMissic was killed in 2015, aims to educate and train young people to keep them off the streets. McKissic, along with licensed builders, electricians, plumbers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning experts, uses hands-on learning to teach kids about the skilled trades.
They help homeless veterans and people with felonies on their record get housing, help elderly people with home repairs and help people with felonies get food and clothing. It is an official apprenticeship program in Michigan.
Contact: Michael McKissic, mckissicconst@comcast.net or 517-712-8446
South Side Community Coalition
The South Side Community Coalition offers one-on-one mentoring, 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 youth.
One of its programs, Empowering Youth Today, helps kids and teens engage with their community, "enhance young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths," according to its website.
Contact: outreach.sscc@gmail.com, 517-394-7400
Michigan 4-H
Kids ages 5 to 19 can participate in Michigan's 4-H program, which offers programs in science and technology, clothing and textiles, gardening, livestock and many other areas. There is no enrollment fee for Michigan 4-H.
Contact: Fill out this online form.
The Village Lansing
The Village Lansing is a nonprofit that "attack[s] youth violence from every angle; prevention, intervention and support," according to its website.
They work with the community, schools, neighborhoods, families and kids to find out what their concerns are and get them the resources they need, according to its website.
Due to COVID-19, the nonprofit's center is open by appointment only.
Contact: TheVillageLansing@gmail.com, 517-483-2233
Allen Neighborhood Center
The Allen Neighborhood Center offers several free programs for youth.
The Take Root Garden Club is an after-school program that introduces kids to gardening and nutrition. It is for kids ages 5 to 10 and meets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Foster Community Center. To enroll your child, contact the Foster Community Center at 517-483-4233.
The Youth Service Corps, a job and life skills training program, is for kids ages 11 to 17. Participants are growing herbs to harvest, dehydrate and package into tea blends, which they then are able to sell at the weekly Allen Farmers Market and the Veggie Box multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture program. Kids can also earn gift cards.
Anyone interested in participating in the spring 2022 program should submit an application to Kelsi Briana Smith at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org.
Contact: Educational Programs Coordinator, Kelsi Briana Smith, 517-999-3913
Peace & Prosperity Youth Action Movement
Peace and Prosperity Youth Action Movement is a group of young adults, ages 12 through high school, focused on "increasing social equity within our community," according to the website.
The goal is to build a coalition of youth leaders that can make change in their own communities.
Contact: Sign up online here.
One Love Global
One Love Global is a nonprofit that works to "transform communities so Black children experience justice, peace, healing, opportunity, and abundance," according to its website.
Organizers work on racial equity, 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 teens to develop a healthy self-identity and realize their own power, recently formed in Lansing.
The core values are "courage, leadership, authenticity, self-determination and solidarity," according to the website. Girls who are involved can learn leadership skills and work on personal, social, academic and career development.
It works with underserved girls to change their lives with arts, education and civic engagement opportunities.
Fill out this online form to sign up.
Contact: info@gritglamguts.com
Destiny Outreach
Destiny Outreach works to facilitate mentoring relationships, teach leadership skills and help youth lead productive lives. They also "identify innovative and solutions to help diverse men realize their full potential and strengthen the Greater Lansing Community," according to the website.
Contact: info@destinyoutreach34.org, 517-749-6215
WIOA Youth Program
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth program and the Lansing School District offers services to 150 teenagers and young adults, ages 14 to 24, from mid-Michigan.
Qualified applicants may obtain an application from the LSD WIOA office located at Capital Area Michigan Works at 2110 S. Cedar St. in Lansing.
It includes a GED program, work experience to help "youth in developing job skills, building a resume and if applicable, earning work experience credits for school" and job programming, according to its website.
Contact: Karen Maas, program manager, at karen.maas@lansingschools.net or 517-492-5551
What programs are we missing? Send us your organization's name, contact information and some information about it tp kberg@lsj.com and we'll 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.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Free, low-cost programs for mentorship for kids, teens in Lansing
