FACT JANUARY RECAP
Dear Friends,
I want to share a story that reflects the heart of FACT’s work beyond events, programs, and calendars.
Recently, we began working alongside a family that had been living with the same challenge for many years. The situation affected daily life, learning, and the overall safety and stability of the home. It was not a sudden crisis. It was a long-standing issue that had never truly been resolved because no one had ever been able to walk with the family through how to fix it.
Over time, the family connected with multiple organizations. Each provided what they could. But those supports had limits. Once those limits were reached, the help stopped unless the family returned again with the same problem. The result was frustration, stress, and a cycle that never broke.
As the situation continued, the stakes grew higher. The risk to the family increased. The possibility of deeper system involvement became real.
That is when a partner reached out to FACT, not because others failed, but because they knew our role is different.
Instead of repeating the same approaches that had already fallen short, we stepped back and looked at the full picture. We asked what would actually change the outcome, not just for today, but for the long term.
We went to the community we have built. We connected people who had solutions, skills, and resources. Volunteers stepped forward. Practical items were donated. Support came from individuals who cared enough to act, including community members who wanted just to help. We stayed engaged week after week, coordinating, following up, and problem solving in real time.
When a more costly fix was needed, we found a way to secure it and coordinated access so the family could move forward safely and with dignity.
Most importantly, we stayed.
This is the part that often makes the difference. Where systems must move on, FACT remains present. We continue to check in. We continue to guide. We continue to hold the line alongside the family as they do the work needed to keep things moving in the right direction.
There is still a road ahead. Change like this does not happen overnight. The family knows they are not alone, and that the community is committed to seeing it through with them.
This is what prevention looks like when it works. This is what it means to find a way. This is why FACT exists.
FACT WILL FIND A WAY.
Thank you for being part of the community that makes this kind of work possible.
With gratitude,
Bridgitt
YOUR GIFT MOVES THIS WORK FORWARD
We want to thank everyone who has already given in support of FACT. Your generosity strengthens families and keeps trusted community spaces open and active across Genesee and Saginaw Counties.
The FACT Forward Campaign is our $1 million capital effort to strengthen this work for the long term. This investment expands Hub services, improves mobile outreach, and helps us respond to the growing needs we see each week.
If you have already donated, thank you for being part of this effort. If you are considering a gift, we invite you to join us as we move into the next month and beyond. Corporate sponsorships are also available and support Hubs, mobile outreach, and family centered events.
To learn more, please contact Bridgitt at bridgitt@mi-fact.org or visit mi-fact.org/donate to make a gift today.
January Community Events!
Loads of Love Genesee County
Loads of Love FREE Community Laundry Day
January 20th, 2026 - ProClean - Corunna Rd., Flint
The Genesee County Loads of Love free community laundry day brought families together in a practical, welcoming setting. With support from Molina Healthcare of Michigan, caregivers were able to do laundry while talking with one another and learning about local resources available in the area. Michigan State Extension joined us with hands-on educational games and activities for kids, keeping the space active and engaging for families. ABC12 was on site to capture the day and highlight how these gatherings create space for families to support one another. By hosting Loads of Love at different community locations, FACT continues to reach new neighborhoods.
Abc12.com stopped by to see all the action! Click here!
FACT FAMILY KITCHEN
Caregiver Dinner Cooking Demo
January 27th, 2026 - MCC Culinary Arts Institute
The FACT Family Kitchen demo showed how healthy cooking can be practical and approachable for families. Chef Antwain prepared chicken fajitas that were healthy, affordable, and genuinely good, while walking families through the process step by step and answering questions about kitchen basics, time-saving tips, pantry staples, and simple tools that make cooking easier. This event was made possible through a partnership with Molina Healthcare of Michigan and the Mott Community College Culinary Arts Institute, whose support allowed families to participate fully and take ingredients home to try the meal themselves. Families also learned about early childhood supports courtesy of Great Start to Quality. The FACT Family Kitchen is an early step in a broader effort focused on food stability for families, with more to come as this work continues to roll out.
Community Event – Saginaw County
FACT Family Game Night
January 28, 2026 - The Salvation Army of Saginaw
FACT partnered with the Salvation Army of Saginaw for their monthly Family Game Night. Families spent the evening playing games with other families, sharing a meal, and having real conversations around the table. Caregivers and kids mixed easily, learning about one another while spending time in an interactive setting. We are grateful to The Salvation Army for welcoming FACT into their space and allowing us to bring food so everyone could eat together while enjoying the night.
Loads of Love FREE Laundry Day – Saginaw County
January 29th, 2026 - Colby's Coin Laundry
FACT’s Loads of Love Free Community Laundry Day brought families together at Colby's Coin Laundry on Bay Road in Saginaw. Families were able to do three loads of laundry for free while making conversation with their neighbors about services available in the area. The FACT team was on site throughout the event, talking about resources and sharing tips on how to do laundry. Picking the best choice of washer, how much soap to use, and get the best results for your wash. By hosting Loads of Love at different locations across Saginaw County, FACT continues to reach new neighborhoods and engage families in familiar, accessible settings. Thank you to Seventh Day Adventist for the help, food distribution, and resources.
Mobile Mondays continues to grow into a must-attend for Saginaw County. This month we hosted at Westdale Elementary School where families gathered for books, activities, a warm meal, food distribution, and household paper products while families and caregivers spoke directly with partner organizations and learned about local resources.
In Saginaw, FACT is introducing a new day and time at Krav’n Cookies, where caregivers are invited to stop in on the third Friday of each month from 11:30am to 1:30pm for a cookie, a cup of coffee, and conversation. In Genesee County, Community Coffee Chats continue at Good Beans Cafe in Historic Carriage Town in Flint on the second Wednesday from 10 to 12. Both are intended to be another way for families to connect and learn about available supports.
FACT On The Go stayed active with multiple distribution days at the R.L. Jones Community Resource Center during some of the coldest days of the month. Families received home essentials and personal care items.
January also included two Qdoba fundraisers in Grand Blanc and Saginaw. These events provided a simple way for community members to support FACT while helping sustain ongoing outreach and caregiver focused programming across both counties.
UPCOMING FACT EVENTS
February is here, and FACT continues its regular schedule of community events across Genesee and Saginaw Counties. From Mobile Mondays and Community Coffee Chats to Loads of Love and caregiver focused gatherings, families will have multiple opportunities to spend time together and learn about local supports. Here is what is happening this month.
FACT FAMILY FEAST FUNDRAISER!
February 5th!
Join us for this month's FACT Family Feast Fundraiser
Join us for this month's FACT Family Feast Fundraiser event supporting families in Genesee and Saginaw Counties. During the promotion time, 10% of every order will be donated directly to FACT!
GENESEE COUNTY
Thursday, February 5th, from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
3459 Miller Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
Helping families is easy! Stop by during the event window and say hello to the FACT team!
Orders placed during the event times help FACT continue supporting families across our communities.
FEBRUARY ENVISIONING GROUP
Help Shape What Comes Next at FACT
Our Envisioning Groups continue to bring strong participation from leaders, partners, and community members across Genesee and Saginaw Counties. These sessions bring voices together to guide direction, priorities, and growth.
The February meeting is an important one. We will be with leaders from both counties to continue the shaping FACT’s mission focus and goal setting for 2026. This is a working session, not a presentation. Input shared here directly influences what we build next.
FEBRUARY ENVISIONING GROUP
Tuesday, February 10th
9:00am to 10:30am
Virtual via Zoom
What We Will Be Discussing this month
Early planning for the 2026 Growing Season, including food access, family education, and sustainability work
How partners across the region are aligning efforts to reduce duplication and strengthen impact
Updates from other organizations in the two counties
Why Join the Envisioning Group
Collaborate with leaders and community voices from both counties
Help guide FACT’s priorities and planning for 2026
Hear updates on cross-county partnerships and shared initiatives
Connect your organization with others in the region for a common goal
These meetings are open to all subscribers. Your perspective matters, whether you attend regularly or this would be your first time joining.
To attend, email Bridgitt at bridgitt@mi-fact.org to receive the calendar invite and Zoom link, or REGISTER HERE,.
If you care about where the region is headed, this is the room to be in.
There is ALWAYS something happening at FACT!
EVENT - DATE & LOCATION - DETAILS
GENESEE - FACT Family Feast Fundraiser
Thu., Feb. 5th - 11:00am - 3:00pm - Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken - 3459 Miller Rd., Flint, MI 48507
A portion of every meal purchased will support families served by FACT. Just come in for a great meal!
SAGINAW Mobile Mondays
Mon., Feb. 9th - 4:30pm - 6:30pm - Merrill Park Elementary - 1800 Grout Street, Saginaw, MI 48602
Saginaw Library's Book Mobile along with many great community partners! Check out our post on Facebook.
GENESEE Community Coffee Chat
Wed., Feb. 11th, 10:00am to 12:00pm, Good Beans Cafe, 328 N Grand Traverse St, Flint, MI 48503
Join FACT team members for free coffee and a discussion about local services..
GENESEE - FACT On The GO! - RL Jones Comm. Outreach
Thu., Feb. 12th & Thu., Feb 26th - Starts near 10:00am to about 12:00pm - 6800 Dort Highway, Flint, MI 48505E
We are joining RL Jones Community Outreach Center to help those in need.
GENESEE Loads of Love - Free Community Laundry Day
Tue., Feb. 17th - 11:00am - 2:00pm - ProClean - 3802 E. Court St. Flint, MI 48506
Up to 3 Free Loads of Laundry per household! Free Laundry Supplies! Let's Tumble Together!
SAGINAW Loads of Love Free Community Laundry Day
Thu., Feb. 19th - 11:00am - 2:00pm - Center Road Laundry - 107 S Center Rd, Saginaw, MI 48638
Up to 3 Free Loads of Laundry per household! Free Laundry Supplies! Let's Tumble Together!
SAGINAW Community Coffee Chat
Fri., Feb. 20th - 11:30am - 1:30pm - SVRC Marketplace - 203 S Washington Saginaw, MI 48607 KRAV'N COOKIES & COFFEE
Join FACT team members for free coffee and a discussion about local services.
GENESEE FACT Community Support Hub OPEN HOUSE
Tue., Feb. 24th - 2:00pm - 6:00pm - FACT Genesee Community Support Hub - 609 E 5th Ave.,Flint, MI 48503
Come visit the FACT Community Support Hub and show some love!
SAGINAW FACT Community Support Hub OPEN HOUSE
Wed., Feb. 25th - 2:00pm - 6:00pm - FACT Saginaw Community Support Hub - 3605 Davenport, Saginaw, MI 48602
Come visit the FACT Community Support Hub and show some love!