Family resources.

On Campus.

  • Family Resource Center The FRC is committed to policies, practices and programs supportive of the members of its diverse community as they balance their responsibilities of work and family. The FRC encourages at all levels, an environment which is supportive of and sensitive to the needs and mutual dependence of the workplace and working families. Outstanding resource for all needs and concerns related to faculty and staff members dealing with family related issues, including childcare and eldercare. Contact the FRC at (517) 432-3745.
  • MSU Child Development Laboratories (CDL): The CDL is a partner with the family in the education and socialization of children during their early years. It offers many opportunities for family involvement in a child's educational experience. Students, faculty members, and families all benefit from these shared activities, learning from one another and working together for the well-being of the children.
  • Spartan Child Development Center: Established in 1971, the center is dedicated to meeting the needs of children ages two weeks to six years in an environment that nurtures and guides their individual growth and development. SCDC features a curriculum that is play-based and child-centered with theme-organized lesson plans, in a multi-cultural, non-violent, non-sexist, inclusive atmosphere. The program is designed to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the developing child. To contact, call the center at (517) 353-5154, or send them an email at children@msu.edu.
  • MSU Family & Child Clinic: The MSU Family & Child Clinic is the clinical facility of the Ph.D. specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT). The MFT doctoral specialization at MSU provides the education and training for the professional practice of MFT as a mental health service. All therapy is conducted by MFT doctoral interns under the supervision of clinical faculty. Our mission is to provide therapeutic services for families, couples, and individuals of all ages through a systemic lens. 517-432-2272
  • University Apartments Give and Take Center: Residents of MSU University Apartments may obtain free clothing, household items, and toys which have been donated by other residents. Open 4-7pm, Thursday through Saturday. Contact: (517) 353-9499.
  • MSU Student Food Bank: During Fall and Spring semesters, the MSU Student Food Bank, located at Olin Health Center is open in the evening twice a month. All enrolled MSU students who do not have Residence Hall meal plans are eligible for Food Bank services. All enrolled MSU students are required to show proof of enrollment and a student ID. Contact the Food Bank at 432-5136 or check the website listed above for distribution dates.
  • Chance at Childhood Clinic: Detroit College of Law students represent abused, neglected, and at-risk children and families as part of the Child and Family Advocacy Certificate Program - a joint program offered by MSU-DCL and the MSU Graduate School of Social Work. Contact the Clinic at (517) 432-8406 or chanceatchildhood@ssc.msu.edu.

Community Resources and External Links.

  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) : is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8.
  • The Ingham County Office for Young Children (OYC) promotes and improves the availability, affordability, and accessibility of quality early education and child care for children in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Shiawassee counties. The (OYC) is a child care resource and referral agency coordinating services for children, families, and agencies in the mid-Michigan area. OYC is the Ingham Regional 4C (Community Coordinated Child Care) agency serving Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties. For information call (517) 887-4319, and outside the Lansing calling area toll-free at (800) 234-6996
  • Ingham County Health Department.
  • The American Red Cross Afterhours Program: The Red Cross assists with enough food, diapers and/or formula to get through until the next business day. ARC also helps clients find available space in public shelters and may consider a motel in certain situations. They also have coordinated extended services program for long term case management for the homeless population. Contact: 484-7461.
  • The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army assists with emergency food and personal needs assistance for needy families. The Salvation Army gives away free produce every Wednesday at 1PM in our gym. A valid photo ID is required, first come, first serve. They may also assist with utility shut offs and rent/mortgages arearages, if funding is available. Please call for eligibility requirements. Contact: 484-4424.
  • Ingham County Food Bank: An information and referral source for those in need of emergency food assistance. Non-perishable food items are provided to families/individuals for three to six days. Food may be provided once in a 30-day period. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis. It is based on need, not income. Clients must provide their own transportation to pick-up food. Residents of Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett and Okemos may be eligible for service. Contact: 887-4357.
  • Capital Area Community Services, Inc.: CACS offers assistance in finding housing as well as help with food and personal needs items for the homeless. Commodity and supplemental food programs for low income families are also available. Contact: 393-7077
  • St. John's Student Parish: A food bank is open each Saturday morning during the academic school year from 9:00-11:00 am, and one Saturday a month in the summer. No referral is needed. MSU students, East Lansing residents and parish members are eligible. Contact: 337-9778
  • The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program: A supplemental food and nutrition education program for those women and children who qualify, as nutritionally at risk due to income or medical deficiencies. Income eligibility for WIC is determined under the Federal Guidelines of 185% of poverty. WIC also uses a priority assignment system in order to guarantee service to those with the greatest need for the program. WIC services are available at the Ingham County Health Department, for additional information and for appointments call 887-4326. A satellite office has been set up at 1434-C in Spartan Village.
  • Family Growth Centers: Parent education classes, free drop-off child care, support groups and referral services are available for parents. There is a branch of the Family Growth Center in the University United Methodist Church on Harrison near Trowbridge. Contact: 371-4350 or 484-8444.
  • Building Strong Families: An MSU Extension Program. Free to medicaid eligible families with children under 3 years old. Parent education is offered in the family's own home. Contact: (517) 887-4590.
  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Lansing : Matches adults and children for activities and support. Call to inquire about age requirements and to put your child on the waiting list. Contact: (372-0160).