Ready Set Aspire

22/08/2026

Creative expression opens doors to meaningful dialogue. Through creative collaborations, we engage youth and young adults in conversations about optimal health, fostering positive relationships, and self-empowerment. We just wrapped a special collaboration with Muralmatics Lansing Makers Network and Building Child and Family Initiatives - A 2.5 week long Mural Camp for youth entering 6-12 grade. It was our fourth camp with Dustin Hunt of Muralmatics, and we were so grateful to be a part of it! Together, we’re creatively fostering a brighter, more connected future. Sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to learn about new opportunities to create and connect with one another! https://wkf.ms/4hJUcJD

21/08/2026

Join us tonight!

Friday night, come see the new mural created by an amazing group of students and !

10/06/2026

School’s Out and Summer is Here!

Youth, 12-24…. Looking for a place to connect, learn, and have fun this summer? Come visit the Child & Family Charities Drop-In Center. It is what we call Lansing’s Living Room!

The Drop-In Center is open to youth ages 12–24, providing a safe, supportive environment to build relationships, develop skills, and have fun throughout the summer.

We offer:
🏀 A brand-new basketball court
🎨 Art programs and creative activities
🎮 Games and social connection
📚 Educational classes and workshops
💰 Banking, budgeting, and financial literacy lessons
💈 Barbershop Talk discussions for young men
👶 Birth-to-5 playgroups
👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting groups
🤝 Connections to community resources and supports
🍎 Snacks, conversation, and a welcoming space

Need access to basic necessities?
🧺 Laundry services available by reservation or first-come, first-served
🚿 Showers available by reservation or first-come, first-served

Whether you're looking for a place to hang out, learn something new, meet new people, or get connected to resources, we're here for you!

22/04/2026

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08/04/2026

Have you registered yet? Parent Toolkit Live will be this Friday at 7pm on zoom. Registration link in original post.

03/04/2026

We invite you to join us for Parent Toolkit Live, hosted by Emma Bruckman, 2025/2026 MSU BSW Intern.

In this one-hour virtual session, Emma will share insights gathered from parents in our community and introduce the Parent Toolkit developed as her capstone project—created to equip families with practical tools and guidance. Together, we will share insights, connect, and explore resources from our new Parent Toolkit, built with you in mind.

We will cover topics such as cybersecurity, navigating “the talk,” mental health, discipline, friendships and relationships, and communication.

This is not only an informative session, but also a space to learn from and connect with other parents. Discussion and questions are highly encouraged. The stronger the community, the greater the impact. While this event is private, it is not exclusive—please feel free to share this invitation with your networks!

Register Here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/d8305150d68cc4c3903efb68b3e8f75b?r=use1

13/03/2026

✨ YOU’RE INVITED TO CREATE WITH US ✨

Since 2024, Ready Set ASPIRE has had the honor of curating the Art Wall at Blue Owl Coffee Co, featuring the brilliant work of local artists here in Lansing.

But this month… we’re making space for you. 💙
In the space that reminds us that “Hope Lives Here”, we’re inviting our community to create hope together.

When you stop by Blue Owl in ReoTown, you’ll find our Creative Community Board stocked with supplies (provided by Ready Set ASPIRE 🎨✂️).

You can:
🖊 Draw or sketch
📰 Create a collage
💌 Leave an inspiring message on a notecard
🌿 Share words that bring hope

No pressure. No perfection. Just expression.

One part of our mission is to inspire hope through holistic relationship education — and we believe hope grows when people feel seen, heard, and connected. This board is a small but meaningful way to practice that together.

So grab a coffee. Take a moment. Leave a little light. ✨

🚦Let’s fill the wall, and our community, with HOPE.

14/02/2026

29/01/2026

Michigan State University’s College of Nursing, in partnership with Ready Set ASPIRE, is inviting YOUTH, PARENTS, and COMMUNITY MEMBERS to participate in the THRIVES Youth Health Advisory Committees.

THRIVES (Teens’ Health and Resilience through Integrated Vaccine, Empowerment, and S*x Education) is a research‑guided project focused on improving adolescent health education in ways that are engaging, culturally responsive, and family‑centered. Advisory committee members help guide the development of this program by sharing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Ready Set ASPIRE will serve as the community partner facilitating the advisory committee meetings, helping ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants.

❓Who Can Participate❓
- Youth ages 11–14
- Parents/guardians of adolescents
- Community members (educators, health professionals, youth advocates, and others who support youth and families)

❓What Does Participation Involve❓
4 advisory meetings (approximately 2 hours each)
Youth and parent meetings are in person when possible, with hybrid options available
Community advisor meetings are primarily virtual
Participants receive $30 per meeting
Refreshments and parking are provided for in‑person meetings

Interested?
If you or your child may be interested in participating, please complete a brief screening form to help us ensure a well represented group:

🚦https://forms.monday.com/forms/c9eec8446aa671b83d254855000c195e?r=use1

Eligible participants will be contacted to review and sign consent forms and to schedule meetings. Participation is voluntary, and all discussions will be kept confidential.

We welcome a wide range of voices and encourage anyone interested in supporting youth health and family well‑being to learn more or SHARE this opportunity with others.

27/01/2026

Emergency Warming Center Open!

During Code Blue weather, Child and Family Charities is opening an Emergency Warming Center for youth ages 12–24 at our Youth Drop-In and Education Center.

📍 2709 S Washington, Lansing
Snacks & warm drinks provided

💙 Please share to help reach young people who may need a warm, safe place.
🤍 Donations are welcome to support snacks, supplies, and services.
https://childandfamily.org/ways-to-give/general-donation-form/