Family Futures to build capacity to strengthen families with focus on equity

Family Futures will be using an equity lens to grow and enhance its capacity to provide services that strengthen and support West Michigan families. The efforts will be focused on infusing equity throughout the organization’s policies, programs and services.

The project is funded by a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Mich.

“This project is not just about growing our capacity, but really taking our organization and our services to the next level of where they need to be to equitably serve our community and its diverse population,” Family Futures Executive Director Candace Cowling said. “We will be examining internal policies, building relationships, enhancing our staff and Board, strengthening our reporting and establishing practices that better reflect the families and community we serve.”

The funding from the Kellogg Foundation will run through 2015 in an effort to weave a racial equity lens throughout the structure of Family Futures that will be sustainable long after the project completion.

“This project will touch every aspect of what we do – and how we do it,” Cowling said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to grow our capacity in a way that serves all families in our community.”

About Family Futures

Family Futures is a West Michigan nonprofit dedicated to building safe and strong families. We believe all parents and caregivers can benefit from resources and support as they raise their children, creating safe and nurturing environments for our next generation – because all children deserve to be happy, healthy and safe. Founded in 1985, the organization was previously known as the Child and Family Resource Council. More information can be found at www.familyfutures.net.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Mich., and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For information, visit www.wkkf.org.