Third Level, a program of Child & Family Services of NW MI

Our children are watching and listening. Let's build them up so they can feel confident and worthy of our love.

We had an art contest for our CFS kids and wanted to share their beautiful creations! And thank you to McKagen who submitted this poem: Where I Come From I come from long hair and pigtail braids Carefully woven by my mother. I am from a garden filled with a hundred different kinds of plants and fairies made of stone, that seem to be freezing cold, even in the summer. Bread that was buttered caringly with a plastic knife. I come from pinched pennies. From onion sandwiches and manslaughtered goldfish. I am from the mint green house from my childhood. I am from spilled nail polish because of the awkward phase that I’ve never seemed to out grow by McKagen ♥️♥️♥️

Child & Family Services helps hundreds of children heal from trauma each year through foster care and other valuable programs. Many arrive on our doorsteps with few of their own belongings – often shoved into a brown paper or plastic bag.​The Brown Bag Campaign reminds us of the plight of children entering the foster care system — and of the constant need for foster and adoptive parents to help care for them. These children deserve better. At CFS, we believe every child deserves to be safe, happy, and loved. We also believe that the children we serve should have clothing, school supplies, transportation, and opportunities such as music or dance lessons or summer camp. The Campaign has raised more than $550,000 for these needs since inception, and has helped recruit many foster and adoptive families.​Thank you for your support of our work to nurture children and strengthen families. Facebook pays all the processing fees for you, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the nonprofit. We hope that you will help us today with your donation. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/donate/268570461732365/

Today begins the official day of our Brown Bag Campaign! This longstanding fundraiser serves two purposes. First, to bring awareness of the needs of foster children in our area and to invite anyone interested in learning more about being a foster parent to contact us! Second, it is our summer fundraiser for building our fund for extra needs for the children in our foster care program. Your donation directly impacts our youth! https://fb.me/e/2nIyp2T4Y

Zhenya Francisco shares her talent of cake decorating with children in our foster homes celebrating their birthdays. These acts of kindness warm our hearts! Thank you!

We are hiring a part-time Licensing Worker, Youth Support Workers at Pete's Place, Family Support Workers out of the Harbor Springs office, and a Foster Care Specialist. Learn more at cfsnwmi.org/careers.

YouthWork Conservation Corps is hiring seasonal, full-time Crew Leaders for the summer 2021 season, beginning in May/June 2021. YouthWork, an AmeriCorps program of Child & Family Services, develops vulnerable young adults and their local communities through conservation, skilled trades, and other service activities. Our main office is in Traverse City, Michigan with crews serving remotely across Michigan.

Sharing. Caring. Making a difference. Are these your goals? Join the staff At Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan and turn these goals into actions that support our most vulnerable. https://www.cfsnwmi.org/careers

Thank you Benzie County Community Chest once again for your support of our foster care program in Benzie County. Your grant will provide funds to support existing foster parents with trainings, events, and needs as they arise. You will also help us find more families that can provide foster care for the children of Benzie County, so that hopefully if they do need to go into foster care, they don't have to leave their community. #fosterparents #grantsgrantdreams #benziecounty

To everyone, we wish you the best on this day. Whether you are surrounded by family, or struggling with being alone or without, we hope you find peace and joy in some form today. Merry Christmas!

Thank you Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, for your support of $43,141 to our YouthWork, Youth Empowerment for Success, and Trauma Assessment programs! We were fortunate to receive funds from the Elk Rapids Area Education Endowment; John N. Barnes Environmental Education Endowment; Land Use and Conservation Planning Endowment; Jim Tompkins Endoment for Youth; Youth Endowments of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties; Grand Traverse Families in Action Endowment; and the Campbell Endowment. Local money making a local difference! Thank you!

Thank you Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, for your support of $43,141 to our YouthWork, Youth Empowerment for Success, and Trauma Assessment programs! We were fortunate to receive funds from the Elk Rapids Area Education Endowment; John N. Barnes Environmental Education Endowment; Land Use and Conservation Planning Endowment; Jim Tompkins Endoment for Youth; Youth Endowments of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties; Grand Traverse Families in Action Endowment; and the Campbell Endowment. Local money making a local difference! Thank you!