Can you imagine not being able to run the bases after you hit a home run? Or not being able to see the joy in your child’s face after they win a baseball game? For many children and young adults with special needs and their families this is a reality. However, the Miracle League of Mid-Michigan is changing this. The Miracle League of Mid-Michigan gives children and young adults with special needs the chance to play baseball in a safe, inclusive and fun environment, regardless of their abilities. “The Read more [...]

Information Technology Empowerment Center, better known as ITEC, provides students and adults with the opportunity to build their technological skills. Since 2008, ITEC has been opening eyes to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “ITEC develops local talent through skill building,” says Kirk Riley, executive director at ITEC. ITEC offers a handful of programs for students. ITEC’s latest accomplishment, iMath Tutoring Program, is an adaptive web-based tutoring Read more [...]

In Michigan, we understand that earning a college education matters. Obtaining a college degree is crucial in turning around Michigan’s economy to a path of prosperity. However, affording a college education is difficult and out of reach for many students. However, the Lansing Promise Scholarship gives students hope by making the idea of college possible. The Lansing Promise Scholarship is a college scholarship equivalent to an associate’s degree (up to 60 credits) at Lansing Community College Read more [...]

Do you ever feel like you need to have some great Michigan artwork in your day? Head down to Washington Square and you'll find the Lansing Art Gallery. Started in the fall of 1965, it's been the place in downtown Lansing to see Michigan artwork, both local and statewide. Its mission is to promote public awareness, enjoyment and education of the visual arts through the support of Michigan artists. It quickly became a non-profit and gave Lansing its first permanent art gallery. The Lansing Art Read more [...]

The Michigan Humanities Council’s (MHC) mission is to connect people and communities by fostering and supporting quality cultural programs. This task is easier said than done, but through statewide support and partnerships, the MHC is able to bring Michiganders together and increase cultural awareness — especially to communities that don’t have the resources to do so on their own. Partnerships are usually created with fellow nonprofits such as libraries, museums and historical centers, Read more [...]

Knowledge is power. Unfortunately, regardless of economic background, many students do not understand how learning in school connects to their future success in their careers and in life. That is where Junior Achievement of Mid-Michigan comes in. “Junior Achievement of Mid-Michigan’s mission is to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness in the lives of young people of all ages,” said William Coderre, president of Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes, Inc. Read more [...]

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lansing is a United Way affiliate and the Tri-county’s Voice on mental illness — dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families who are affected by neurobiological brain disorders through support, education, advocacy and research. The volunteers of NAMI Lansing work to provide people with resources and a sense of hope. “When families have a member with an illness they are faced with multiple layers of stress and trauma,” said Read more [...]

Despite the hard work that goes into their beautiful pieces of artwork, hand-crafted bags, baskets and more, many artisans in Nicaragua often times cannot provide for the basic needs of their families. A lack of business knowledge and tools leave many artisans without enough resources. Something had to be done to change how trade worked in the region. Enter Esperanza en Acción. The nonprofit, based in Okemos was founded in 2002 by Shannon Howard. Howard met two artisans while visiting Read more [...]

Founded in 1962, Highfields was created to give those in need a second chance. Based on the concept that people can change if they have the right opportunities, Highfields offers an array of counseling, intervention, training and support services to individuals and families. Highfields has grown since its beginning as a small camp for troubled boys. “Today, that is actually one of our smallest programs. We now offer a continuum of services following the entire life span,” said Brian Philson, Read more [...]

The Women’s Caring Program is a local nonprofit that helps to provide quality licensed childcare for families. “Carol Walters, who was a state employee living in Lansing, founded the group that would later become known as the Women’s Caring Program,” said Maureen McNulty-Saxton, long-time volunteer of The Women’s Caring Program. The program started in Walters’ home in 1979 from a small circle of women who had a growing concern about working mothers’ ability to pay for quality childcare. After Read more [...]

In search of an outdoor adventure this summer? Look no further — Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing is the perfect place for those in need of a lot of sunshine and nature. “Woldumar is a great spot for those looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life,” said Executive Director Lori McSweeney. McSweeney, who grew up camping and exposed to lots of outdoor experiences, first attended college to study the environment. Later she switched to a business degree, making Read more [...]

Whether you consider yourself a supporter of nonprofits or not, chances are you’ve interacted with a nonprofit. Maybe you were a Cub Scout, maybe you were a Big or a Little in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization or maybe you keep your money in a credit union. “You can hardly spend a day without being touched by a nonprofit,” said President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association Kyle Caldwell as he sat in his office in the newly renovated Marshall Street Armory in Lansing. Read more [...]