FACT FEBRUARY RECAP
Dear Friends,
Recently, we walked alongside a family facing a moment that could have set their future on a very different path.
A young person in our region was on the verge of expulsion due to a disciplinary issue. Emotions were high on both sides, and the way to move forward felt uncertain.
Running out of options and not knowing where to go, the student's caregiver reached out to the FACT team. The FACT team interviewed and investigated the situation.
It became understood that the student had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that needed additional clarification to engage the student in targeted supports.
Our role was to stand beside the caregiver and help them ask the right questions, request the right meetings, and ensure the plan was being reviewed and followed in a way that matched the student’s needs. With that advocacy, the focus shifted toward the supports to help student succeed.
The student is still in school and progressing. The student even has a part-time job. This became a story about perseverance, partnership, and growth, a demonstration of how to be your best own advocate.
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.
FACT Featured in Family Justice Journal
FACT’s work was recently featured in the Special 2026 issue of Family Justice Journal, a national publication from the Family Justice Group. The organization is nationally recognized as a leader in advancing new approaches to strengthening families and preventing child welfare involvement.
The article (click here) highlights FACT’s community-based model in Genesee and Saginaw Counties, including our Community Support Hubs, mobile outreach, and programs that bring families together in everyday settings such as caregiver dinners and Loads of Love laundry days.
Family Justice Group seeks to change public perception, policy, and resource distribution, and demonstrate what is possible when families are supported. FJG works with community-based entities, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions that are committed to investing in families and communities and ending harmful practices and policies.
Be sure to sign up to receive the next Family Justice Journal HERE.
Thank you to Jerry and David for highlighting the work we are doing in Genesee and Saginaw Counties!
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mobile Monday
Saginaw County's Pop-Up
of Books, Fun, Food, and Family Resources
February 9th, 2026 - Merrill Park Elementary
Mobile Monday at Merrill Park Elementary brought together families, neighbors, and a strong group of community partners. Fun activities for the children and conversation, resources, and local connection for caregivers
Organizations present included Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, Disability Network Mid-Michigan, Houghton-Jones Neighborhood Association, The Salvation Army, Michigan State University Extension, and the Saginaw County Community Action Center. Each partner shared information and services that help families navigate healthcare, education, disability advocacy, housing support, and everyday family needs.
Mobile Monday is designed to bring resources directly into neighborhoods so families can connect with a diverse group of organizations in the familiar, welcoming setting of the neighborhood school. These gatherings are growing and show what is possible when community partners come together to support families in practical ways.
Thank you to Frankenmuth Credit Union for your gracious sponsorship of Mobile Monday!
NEXT MOBILE MONDAY
March 9th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Butman-Fish Library
176 Hancock Street, Saginaw
Sponsored by Blue Cross Complete of Michigan!
Newborn clothing, diapers, and wipes are available. Families will also have access to free books for youth, take-home meal bags, hygiene kits, and on-site referrals while supplies last.
Loads of Love Genesee County
Loads of Love FREE Community Laundry Day
February 17th, 2026 - ProClean - Court Street, Flint
February’s Loads of Love Community Laundry Day at ProClean on Court Street was one of the busiest we have seen. Interest was high thanks to strong local coverage. ABC12 helped spread the word ahead of the event, and coverage afterward highlighted the impact the day had for families across the community. The visibility brought many new faces through the door.
While families were waiting on their washers and dryers, the time became an opportunity for connection. Our team shared practical tips on how to stretch laundry dollars, run efficient loads, and manage laundry at home in ways that save time and money. Many families also took time to talk with FACT staff about goals they have for their households, opening the door for future support and connections to local resources.
As always, this event would not be possible without Molina Healthcare of Michigan. Also, Greater Heights Academy stopped by to share information with families about their school and opportunities for students.
Loads of Love continues to show how a simple service can open the door to conversation, connection, and new opportunities for families across Genesee County.
NEXT GENESEE LOADS OF LOVE
ProClean Dry Cleaners & Laundromat
Tuesday, March 17th, 11:00am to 2:00pm
5030 Pierson Rd, Flint, MI 48504
ABC12 let the community know about Loads of Love on Sunday! Click here!
Loads of Love was a feature on the evening news on ABC12! Click here!
Loads of Love FREE Laundry Day – Saginaw County
February 19th, 2026 - Center Road Laundry
FACT’s Loads of Love Free Community Laundry Day took place at Center Road Laundry in Saginaw. Families were able to complete up to three loads of laundry at no cost while connecting with neighbors and speaking with the FACT team.
We received strong attention from live coverage on TV5, which helped spread the word across the region. We were excited to see many new families come through the doors and created a steady flow of activity throughout the day.
While families waited for their washers and dryers, the FACT team shared practical tips on how to stretch laundry dollars, choose the right washer size, and use detergent efficiently to get the best results. Some families are able to approach team members to learn about what resources Saginaw County holds. We were even able to set goals and get connected.
NEXT SAGINAW LOADS OF LOVE
WASH KING Dry Cleaners & Laundromat
Thursday, March 19th, 11:00am to 2:00pm
3075 Williamson Rd., Saginaw, Michigan 48601
Our first time LIVE in the morning on TV5 letting families in the region know about Loads of Love! Click here!
SVSU-FACT Research and Teaching Partnership
FACT’s academic partnership with Saginaw Valley State University continues to grow. Last month, Chad Pocock joined SVSU faculty to present at The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors Conference in New Orleans.
Their workshop, “Reciprocity in University Community Partnerships: Lessons Learned When Teaching Program Evaluation in Research,” highlighted how authentic partnerships between universities and community organizations can strengthen both research and practice.
The presentation shared findings from the ongoing study examining FACT’s prevention model and its impact on families in Genesee and Saginaw Counties. SVSU researchers and FACT staff are documenting practice based outcomes and measuring how early support, connection to resources, and family driven goals strengthen stability for families.
Insights from FACT’s real world outcomes are helping inform classroom learning at SVSU. Faculty are able to integrate lessons from the field into coursework, giving social work students a clearer picture of how prevention, evaluation, and community collaboration function in practice.
FACT On The Go returned to the R.L. Jones Community Resource Center on February 12th and 26th. Long lines formed early as families arrived for food and household supplies.
We were able to help hundreds of community members with non-food household items that support everyday stability at home.
The event serves as an opening for the FACT team to connect with people who are in a a place of need. We share information about additional support and resources available through FACT and community partners.
FACT On The Go will return to
R.L. Jones Community Resource Center
March 12 and March 26.
Families are encouraged to stop by and connect with the team.
UPCOMING FACT EVENTS
FACT FAMILY FEAST FUNDRAISER
GENESEE COUNTY
Join us for a FACT Family Feast Fundraiser at QDOBA in Flint Township. When you order during the event window, QDOBA will donate 25% of sales to support FACT’s work with families in Genesee and Saginaw Counties.
FLINT TOWNSHIP EVENT
Tuesday, March 24, from 11:00am to 3:00pm
QDOBA
2415 E Austins Parkway
Flint, MI 48507
Participating is simple. Stop by during the event and enjoy lunch while supporting families in our community. You can also place an online order during the same time frame and enter the code QDOBAGIVES at checkout. A QR code will also be available in the restaurant to ensure your order counts toward the fundraiser.
Every order helps FACT continue connecting families with resources, support, and opportunities across our region.
MARCH 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.
MARCH ENVISIONING GROUP
Tuesday, March 10th
9:00am to 10:30am
Virtual via Zoom
What We Will Be Discussing this month
Planning and implementation 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
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.
There is ALWAYS something happening at FACT!
EVENT - DATE & LOCATION - DETAILS
SAGINAW - Mobile Monday - Celebrating Literacy
Mon., Mar. 9th - 4:30pm - 6:30pm - Butman-Fish Library - 176 Hancock Street, Saginaw
Saginaw Library's Book Mobile along with many great community partners! Check out our post on Facebook.
GENESEE - Community Coffee Chat
Wed., Mar. 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., Mar. 12th - 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., Mar. 17th - 11:00am - 2:00pm - ProClean - 5030 Pierson Rd. Flint, MI 48504
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., Mar. 19th - 11:00am - 2:00pm - Wash King - 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., Mar. 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 Crafting Kindness Caregiver Dinner and Crafting
Wed., Mar. 25th - 6:00pm - 7:30pm - FACT Genesee Community Support Hub - 609 E 5th, Flint, MI 48503
Come share a meal, create a keepsake with your family, and learn about the protective factors! REGISTER
GENESEE - FACT On The GO! - RL Jones Comm. Outreach
Thu., Mar. 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.
SAGINAW - FACT Calm and Connected Yoga
Time TBD - Stay Tuned!
We are joining RL Jones Community Outreach Center to help those in need.