Local Youth Serving Organizations
In order to carry out this mission, Battle Creek CAN has developed partnerships and collaborations with several county and community organizations. The following is a list of many caring organizations that provide guidance, education, and fun for members of the Battle Creek community.
21st Century Community Learning Centers
77 Capital Avenue, NE
Battle Creek, MI 49017-3079
269-965-9680
www.battlecreekpublicschools.org
Program Description:
The 21st Century Learning Centers provide academic enrichment opportunities for children, particularly in Battle Creek Public Schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects including reading and math, offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that complement their regular academic programs, and offers literacy and additional educational services to the families of participating children.
Alano Club of Battle Creek
1125 W. Territorial Road
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-660-3288
www.alanoclubbc.org
Program Description:
The Alano Club of Battle Creek provides a safe place for individuals and families to meet for anonymous 12 step programs which contribute to and lead to long term recovery from addiction. It is a healthy and safe place of respite and recovery for people of all ages and families members of individuals dealing with their downward spiral of addiction.
Battle Creek Parks & Recreation
35 Hamblin Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 966-3431
Fax: (269) 966-3653
www.bcparks.org
Program Description:
Helping Hand Program: It is the goal of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation to make available programs and activities for all area youth ages 3-19 years old. They provide recreation and programming for teens, youth sports, and family special events. Financial Assistance is available to qualified families wishing to participate in a Parks and Recreation Program. If you are interested in one of the programs and feel you might qualify for financial assistance, please feel free to call 269-966-3431.
Battle Creek YMCA
182 Capital Avenue NE
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: (269) 963-9622 Ext. 110
www.ymcabattlecreek.org
Program Description:
The Family YMCA is the largest Not-for-Profit community service organization in America. It is committed to helping build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Family YMCAs serve more than 16 million people each year, including 8 million children. In an effort to carry out its mission, the Family YMCA awards over $170,000 annually in subsidized memberships, facility access, and program assistance. In addition, the Family YMCA partners with over 50 local agencies and organizations in an effort to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring
34 W. Jackson St. Suite 5A
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: (269)-964-7117
Fax: (269)-966-2529
www.ThinkBigToday.org
Program Description:
Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are designed to match youth ages 6-17 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. Intentional matches are made based on interests, personalities and individual needs. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children in Calhoun, Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties. Programs include:
- traditional one-to-one Big Brothers/Big Sisters community based matches;
- Big Couples and Big Families where youth are matched with a couple or a family;
- Bigs in Schools, a school-based mentoring program; and
- Bigs in Business, where middle school students are transported to their Bigs in the workplace for mentoring twice a month.
Mentors are always needed; for more information, please call our Customer Relations Specialist at 269-382-6800 or email customerrelations@bbbsmi.org .
Boys and Girls Club of Battle Creek
35 West Hamblin Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 788-9930
www.bgcofbattlecreek.net
Program Description:
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. They provide a holistic youth service, academic tutoring, mentoring, leadership development and community service. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place For Kids.
The Kool Family Community Center
200 W. Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: (269) 441-0904
Fax: (269) 441-0974
www.burnhambrook.org
Program Description:
This is a non-profit center for adults, age 45 and up with the purpose to enrich members' lives with fitness and better living. They provide a range of facilities to meet this goal. Upcoming involvement will include In-home Care services to support frail grandparents, serving as parents. They provide social, enrichment and recreational opportunities for grandparents. Burnham Brook encourages members to serve as mentors and tutors for Legacy Scholars and their families
CAA Latino After School & Summer Enrichment Program
Simone Watkins, Program Director
Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan
169 Main Street
P.O. Box 1026
Battle Creek, Michigan 49016-1026
Phone: (269) 441-1322
Fax: (269) 965-8580
www.caascm.org
Program Description:
The Latino After School & Summer Enrichment Program provides homework assistance, English language support, enrichment activities, and tutoring for grades K-6th in the Post and Franklin neighborhood.
Cereal City Hoopsters Youth Basketball Club
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: (269) 965-9536
Program Description:
The Cereal City Hoopsters Youth Basketball Club is a non-profit AAU/Competitive boy's basketball organization that provides great training, including instruction on fundamental skills and conditioning. Experienced coaches from high school and AAU programs serve as leaders of this program. Young athletes participate in competitive game experience at the AAU level; enhance their knowledge of the sport of basketball, and their physical conditioning. Youth are provided the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people and the chance to make new friendships with healthy, athletic peers. They will be better prepared to succeed in the sport at the elementary, middle school, or high school levels.
Cereal City Lady Ballers Youth Basketball Club
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
Phone: (269) 660-1600
Program Description:
The Cereal City Lady Ballers Youth Basketball Club is a non-profit AAU/Competitive girls' basketball organization founded in 2005, to provide recreational and educational activities for our youth female/student athletes. Their mission is to provide young females the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game of basketball at a highly competitive level. They offer a program which will develop and improve individual as well as team skills, promote good sportsmanship, team spirit, character, healthy lifestyles, promote the importance of education, and encourage team loyalty.
Community Inclusive Recreation CIR
154 West Street. Suite 2
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 968-8249
www.cirfun.com
Program Description:
CIR provides educational, social, recreational and artistic programs for people of all abilities. Programs are inclusive; encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to participate together. General recreation programs include bowling leagues, field trips, after school/gap time programs, and neighborhood based recreation. They provide art programs that include art classes and art-based entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and adults.
Girl Scouts
221 Roosevelt Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 965-5519
www.gsgec.org
Program Description:
GSGEC provides council sponsored programs and events organized by staff and volunteers with the troop leader and girls in mind. These programs are provided to help build character, confidence and encourage girls ages 5-18 years old. They also provide enrichment programs during school days, volunteer development and leadership training education, field trips (camps, theaters, art centers etc.), and give girls the opportunity to try different activities and learn new skills from a host of community supporters! Attending GSGEC programs can also be a great way for girls to meet other Girl Scouts.
Hands On Battle Creek
34 W. Jackson Street, Suite 4A
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 966-4189
Fax: (269) 966-4194
www.handsonbc.org
Program Description:
Volunteer Centers recruit, train, and place volunteers in nonprofit organizations throughout their service area. They are inclusive, serving all nonprofits and residents—they do not limit their service to a particular issue, group of people, or type of activity. Michigan's Volunteer Centers are all prepared to assist mentors find organizations where they can volunteer. Volunteer Centers often take a leadership position in convening organizations and individuals to find solutions to complex community issues. They live their belief that people enrich their own lives and strengthen their communities through volunteer service.
KCC Upward Bound Program
450 North Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 965-9550
Fax: (269) 965-558
www.kellogg.edu/community/upward-bound
Program Description:
The Upward Bound Program is one of seven TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound is an academic pre-college initiative designed to prepare low-income/first generation high school students for success in higher education. They provide educational, social, cultural and volunteerism opportunity for our youth; by preparing and motivating youth in grades 9th-12th for post-secondary education. Their objective is to graduate students and to have them go on to post-secondary education.
Language Link
751 Avenue A. Apt. 2B
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
Phone: (269) 660-8056
Program Description:
This organization provides translation-interpretation services related to Spanish language.
Michigan State University 4-H Extension
315 W. Green Street
Marshall, MI 49068
(269) 781-0784
(269) 781-0768 Fax
msue.anr.msu.edu
Program Description:
The program helps young people EXPLORE their interests through fun, engaging, hands-on learning experiences led by committed adults in their local communities. It gives youth and adults opportunities to EXPERIENCE the benefits of working together to reach common goals. It helps young people ACHIEVE through knowledge, success, and friendships that last a lifetime. This is accomplished through youth development programs/activities in the area of college and career preparation, leadership development, health and nutrition.
Michigan Works! Youth Program
200 West Van Buren Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
Phone: (269) 968-2271 Ext. 242
www.michiganworks.com
Program Description:
The youth program provides college/career preparation to at risk youth ages 14-21 in Calhoun County. Case Managers work one-on-one with youth to provide referrals to needed community resources. Services provided are paid work experience, internship, leadership development, tutoring, alternative educational counseling, college/career prep and case management. The objective is to successfully graduate current participants and have 98% either go on to post secondary school or work.
Minority Program Services
265 B. Drive North, PO Box 265
Albion, MI 49224
517-629-2113
www.albionmich.com/minority/home.html
Program Description:
This organization serves as a catalyst for change in communities addressing substance abuse related problems and behaviors. It offers cultural educational enrichment programs in schools and after school, provides parent training programs, hosts community forums, and provides technical support to grassroots citizen-led groups in neighborhoods, churches, and throughout communities that want to mobilize volunteer efforts to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug related problems.
New Level Sports
400 W. Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 964-9711 Ext. 24
www.newlevelsports.org
Program Description:
New Level Sports is a non-profit student athlete support service committed to developing purpose driven individuals who will be highly effective in all aspects of life both on and off the playing field. Services provided include academic enrichment, personal growth/life skills, tutorial services, SAT/ACT workshops, Computer Literacy Center, physical education & development, University/College campus visits, academic scholarship, marketing services and football, cheerleading, instructional golf, softball, track & field, Jr. baseball, tennis, and boxing.
Starr Commonwealth Mental Health Programs
155 Garfield Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Phone: (269) 968-9287
Fax: (269) 966-4123
www.starr.org
Program Description:
Mentors work with children who have been diagnosed with an emotional impairment. Mentors must have patience, as many of these children have behavior issues. Mentors works in collaboration with a therapist, and addresses specific goals.
Substance Abuse Council
190 E. Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
(269) 966 - 7482
www.drugfreebc.org
Contact person:
Carol Meyer-Niedzwiecki, Prevention Director
email: cmn@summitpointe.org
Program Description:
SAC overview description:
The Substance Abuse Council (SAC) is a drug prevention coalition serving Calhoun County since 1986.
SAC uses multiple best practice strategies over multiple community sectors to reduce substance abuse problems county-wide. SAC strives to integrate best practice model programs into the community from its coalition base: Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol; Towards No Drug Abuse, Towards No Tobacco Use and Strengthening Families.
SAC staff provide Technical Assistance and support on the county and state level to schools, grass roots groups, organizations, businesses and coalitions on substance abuse prevention issues.
United Community Ministerial Alliance
420 N. 34th Street
Battle Creek, Michigan
Phone: (269) 966-4008
Program Description:
UCMA is an alliance of local pastor, ministers and churches with a goal to establish unity of all churches in Battle Creek.
Young Men in Making
420 N. 34th Street
Battle Creek, Michigan
Phone: (269) 966-4008
Program Description:
This organization provides recreation and programming for at-risk youth. Youth will participate in mentoring, Social Skill Enrichment, Educational Support, Anger Management, and Emotional Healing. Youth will engage in Peer to Peer Mentoring to develop skills to become productive citizens of their community.
