BCFI Needs Your Support

Over its 25 years of operation, BCFIs mission to provide support and guidance for children and families has become more critical to Greater Lansing. BCFI recognized the need to broaden its reach and transformed itself into a community empowerment center that aspires to strengthen the region through education, assistance and unique initiatives. BCFI depends on financial support from generous donors to continue providing its valuable and essential services, programs and resources. Amidst tighter economic times, this support becomes even more valuable to BCFI and the children, families and community members it serves. Please consider contributing to BCFI and help us further our mission to make Greater Lansing a better place.

THANK YOU!
We extend a very special thank you to all our wonderful sponsors, partners, staff members and board members for their hard work and endless support during this journey. Your efforts have been critical in carrying out our vision and will continue to be important as we re-establish the organization to better serve the Lansing community. We also thank the families and children who continue participitated in BCFIs programs and stick with the organization as it advances. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta tau Omega Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chi Epsilon Omega AT&T Capital Region Community Foundation City of Lansing Greater Lansing Chums Jackson National Life Foundation Lansing Community College Lansing Parks and Recreation Lansing School District Lansing/East Lansing chapter of Links Incorporated Magic Johnson Foundation Michigan State University PHP and Sparrow Health System Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Uplift Our Youth Foundation

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

To Donate or For More Information

Please Contact: Marian Brooks Bryant Interim Executive Director, BCFI Address: Letts Community Center 1220 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing MI, 48915 Phone: 517-290-3004 Email: mbbryant_lancen@yahoo.com

STAFF
Marian Brooks Bryant, Interim Executive Director Gloria Simmons, Bookeeper Martha Bibbs, President Barbara Roberts Mason, Founder Ivy-Teresa Collins Tagger, Ph.D., Vice President Diane G. Gardin, Secretary Robert Proctor, Treasurer Gregory Kelley Dennis McCants Felicia Wasson

THE NEW BCFI

BOARD MEMBERS

BCFI, Re-Established
A LOOK BACK: 25 Years of Service
Building Child and Family Initiatives (BCFI) is the new incarnation of the Black Child and Family Institute founded in 1986 under the direction of Barbara Roberts Mason, then president of the Michigan State Board of Education. The Institute initially focused on addressing the crisis faced by African American children and families who were at higher risk for growing up poor, dropping out of school and becoming incarcerated. BCFIs work focuses on: Family Education Health Employment Recreation Now, more than 25 years later, BCFI is reinventing itself in the Greater Lansing area as an organization that is recognized for serving ALL children and families, regardless of race, ethnicity or economic status. BCFI has re-established itself to provide a more relevant, wellrounded approach to fundamental issues that continue to affect all children and families in the Greater Lansing area. With a new name and mission and soon a new location, BCFI will provide programs and services centered around the following issues:

Program Spotlight
Childrens Defense Fund Freedom School
To address the need for maintaining student learning through summer vacation, BCFI partnered with the Childrens Defense Fund (CDF) to create the Freedom School summer enrichment program. The Freedom School currently serves an average of 80 K-5 students in the Greater Lansing area. Key program components include: High quality literacy enrichment Parent and family involvement Civic engagement and social action Inter-generational leadership development Nutrition, Health and Mental Health Science, Technology, Engineering

The Need
Family support for child development

Our Solution
Teach and provide information and resources on healthy living, education, economic security, recreation and global awareness. Provide programs that promote healthy living and active lifestyle for children and families.

Healthy living for children and families

Education and college preparation

Continue providing summer and after school programming that encourage students to enjoy learning, prepare them for college and help combat Lansings high dropout rates. Provide programs that help adults become financially stable and provide resources for finding employment in the Greater Lansing area.

Magic Johnson Computer Lab

A community resource since 2003, the lab provides students with access to educational techonology software to help increase student achievement online.

Financial stability

The lessons Ive learned here, Im going to have with me forever ... Thank you very much BCFI! - Emily Keefer, servant leader intern, BCFI CDF Freedom School

This has been a true partnership that will benefit the entire city of Lansing and were really looking forward to future growth with BCFI. - Brett Kaschinske, Lansing Parks and Recreation Director