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Dear Friends: 


My favorite thing about CFS is the stories of kids and families I meet in the hallways of our four locations. From the youth who saw my hair, decided it was a lot like his, and asked me to give him a haircut on the spot, to the one to whom I wished good luck on his new job and who responded, “I don’t need luck. I’ve got skills,” to the tiny girl who leaped into her daddy’s arms when she saw him as he waited for her in our lobby, we are such an extraordinary microcosm of life here. 


Our latest Annual Report showcases many stories of the people, our clients, who are doing the hard work. It’s a beautiful piece full of hope and inspiration—perfect for this time of spring and the rebirth that it symbolizes. I hope you will read it; the link is below. The stories seem especially important as I write, with our community facing devastating flooding recently and others facing the impacts of war, another kind of devastation. My heart goes out to all affected, especially the children. Our YouthWork team is standing by to assist with preventative and cleanup efforts, as they did in last year’s ice storms. It’s one of the many things that is special about up north: the way we show up for each other, in the small, sweet moments AND the big challenges. 


Wishing you safe from high water and the hope and renewal of the season. 


Warmly, 


G 

Our 2025 Annual Report


We are excited to shared our newest Annual Report!


Our FY25 Annual Report features a story from each of our departments, giving you a personal connection to the work we do and the people we (and you!) support with caring and compassionate services.



Read our Annual Report here.


Let us know what you think!

CFS Celebrates Earth Day

Staff and friends gathered this week to plant native shrubs at our new nature-based playground. With sunshine overhead and warm spring weather, it was the perfect day to gather outdoors and enjoy lunch and gardening together. We’re excited to see this space continue to take shape!

Upcoming Events

Food & Hygiene Drive for Youth Services


We are accepting donations for our Youth Services pantry!


CFS Youth Services supports youth who are runaway, homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or struggling with family or personal conflict. We provide counseling, resources, and basic needs.


Help us care for local youth by donating food and hygiene items. Small, everyday essentials that make a big difference.


Donations can be dropped off at our Veterans Drive office.


Intro to Foster Care


Child & Family Services invites you to an Intro to Foster Care licensing session designed for those interested in becoming foster parents. Learn about the licensing process, the need for foster homes in our community, and how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families. Join us on May 20th at 11:00 AM to take the first step toward opening your home and heart.


Register Here

Learn More

Honor Gina’s Legacy With a Gift to CFS


As Gina Aranki prepares to retire after 25 years of extraordinary leadership, we invite you to honor her dedication with a gift to Child & Family Services.


Your donation will continue the work Gina has championed—providing safety, support, and hope to children, youth, adults, and families across Northern Michigan.


To give in Gina’s honor, you may donate online with the button below or send a check to:

Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

3785 Veterans Drive

Traverse City, MI 49684

(Please note “In honor of Gina Aranki.”)


Thank you for celebrating her legacy with us.

Help Us Stay Steady Through Uncertain Times


For $10 a month, you can give a child in foster care something to hold onto when the world feels scary. Become a monthly donor.


Recent funding cuts have deeply impacted many of our vital programs. By becoming a monthly sustaining donor, you help ensure we can keep showing up for vulnerable youth—month after month, no matter what. Your ongoing support makes long-term impact possible.

CFS Foster Car, Licensing, Adoption, Respite and Behavioral Health programs are accredited by CARF International, a rigorous, voluntary peer review which holds us to the highest standards of programing and governance.

CFS has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest honor for financial health and transparency.

Candid has awarded CFS its highest honor for organizational transparency, reflecting our commitment to integrity and accountability.

Connect With Us

Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City | (231) 946-8975

3434 M-119, Ste F, Harbor Springs | (231) 347-4463


  cfs@cfs3L.org   |  www.cfsnwmi.org 

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