Looking Glass Terrace

As the Ingham County Department of Social Services Deputy Director, every day Margaret Grost saw and heard heart-wrenching stories about the unmet needs of foster children - like the eight year old little girl who told her foster mother that all she wanted for Christmas was a dress because she had never had a dress, or the child who was not able to play in the school band because he didn't have an instrument. This dedicated and caring social work administrator was so touched by these stories that she began telling her friends about the needs of the children and asking them to help her purchase special things for these children - special small things that made such a difference to these children who through no fault of their own were in foster homes. The late Jean Tubbs, Ingham County Commissioner, told Margaret to apply for a grant from a local foundation. The grant was awarded, and Margaret started raising money for foster children.That love and caring was turned into action and Caring About Kids, Inc. ( CAK ), an all-volunteer 501 ( 3 ) ( c ) organization was incorporated in 1994 1994 to help meet the needs of foster children. Since its formation, this volunteer group has raised $795, 335 from donations by individuals, an annual golf outing, bake, book and craft sales, hot dog sales, ice cream socials and small foundation grants. The "Helping a Child One Dime at a Time" bottle and can collection program operates on the 15 floors of the Department of Human Services Central Office in the Grand Tower Building in Lansing. The silent auction, which began in 1990, bake sale and pizza lunch was a major fundraiser over the years, netting $15, 000 in 2006 and $16, 000 in 2007. On October 19, 2007, CAK initiated another fundraiser - the annual "Great Jazz for Great Kids!" concert and art auction at the Boarshead Theater in Lansing. The event raised $8, 500. In October, 2008, we began an annual fundraiser called Great Jazz for Great Kids which continues to gain support today.Since 1994, well over $600, 000 has been spent providing foster children birthday gifts, gift certificates, trips, camps, tutoring, books, outings for foster children and their families, Camp Care-a-Lot for siblings who are placed in foster homes separate from their brothers or sisters, musical instruments through the "Share the Music" partnership with Marshall Music and many other special purchases.

Samaritas is a leading health and human service agency in Michigan, dedicated to serving diverse populations in need. They provide a wide range of services, including senior living options, foster care programs, affordable housing, support for new Americans and refugees, behavioral health services, and substance use disorder treatment. With a commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities, Samaritas strives to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people across the state. Through their various programs and partnerships, Samaritas offers support and resources to seniors, children in foster care, individuals with disabilities, those struggling with addiction, and refugees seeking a new home. Their mission is to provide compassionate care, promote independence, and advocate for the well-being of those they serve. With a focus on community engagement and collaboration, Samaritas works towards creating a brighter future for all individuals and families in Michigan.Generated from the website

The Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA), the Area Agency on Aging for Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties, was founded in 1974 as a Consortium of the three counties and the cities of Lansing and East Lansing. TCOA's mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. TCOA helps older adults (primarily age 60 and over) and their families and caregivers access programs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. TCOA embraces a Person-Centered Philosophy that focuses on how a person wants to live their life and honoring their preferences.