31

May

Bridges Out of Poverty - book study

Starting Tuesday, May 31, weekly meetings

When working among those experiencing material poverty, having a better frame of reference for how different economic classes view the world is necessary. By better understanding each economic culture, everyone benefits. Those serving have a better picture of the world through a lense that's different than their own. Those being served have someone prepared with more empathy to their situation.

This is a low pressure, informal study through the book. We'll read each section and discuss what we've learned as a group. There will be a facilitator to make sure discussion is moving through the section. They aren't an expert in this subject matter, just someone who will be learning alongside those interested in joining this study.

You can find the latest edition through Amazon here. Any edition you bring is fine though. There are probably copies at thrift stores and older editions are usually less expensive. Remember, it's going to be informal!

11

July

Western Michigan University - Metal Casting Camp

Beginning Monday, July 11

Students interested in STEM and the world of manufacturing will love this weeklong camp! Sponsored by the Foundry Education Foundation (FEF) this camp gives a practical, hands-on experience within a metal casting lab.
Students start with important base knowledge in the classroom. Then (still on the first day!) students get to experience a live metal casting demonstration. Wednesday brings a tour of a local manufacturer in the metal casting industry. On Thursday a student led project is completed to give the full metal casting experience to each student.
On top of all of the experiences, WMU administrators will help students learn how to prepare to enter a university education in STEM. A tour of Kalamazoo is given to learn more about the surrounding area. Industry professionals meet with the students and provide an opportunity for questions from people who are currently in a career within the metal casting industry.
Accommodations are provided in the campus dorms. Food is provided through the cafeteria as well. Personal care items, long jeans, and closed toed shoes are brought by the student.

6

August

Ideal Beach Triathlon

Race Day Saturday, August 6

We are happy to partner with triMichiana this year to make this a reality in 2022. There will be an adult and kids' triathlon.
More details will be posted here as we get them. Please let us know if you are interested in participating or becoming a sponsor for this event.

20

August

Clifton Strengths Training

Saturday, August 20

What would happen if we studied what was right with people versus what's wrong with people?      - Don Clifton
Learn about what your natural strengths are and what that means for you! This interactive training will cover the CliftonStrengths, a set of natural inclinations that we all have. Explore your natural strengths and aptitudes and learn more about how to work well with other people who have different strengths than you. This training session is free and the CliftonStrengths assessment is available at no cost for MFC program members.
All attendees must complete the assessment beforehand. Instructions will be located at the bottom of your registration confirmation page you'll receive via email. The assessment must be completed August 16th in order to be prepared for the day of training. If you've previously identified your top 5 strengths, you can send that result rather than taking the assessment again.
Already have your top 5 strengths from a previous assessment? You can send them to us instead of taking it again before the training. 

24

September

Fall Social at A-Mazing Acres

Saturday, September 24

Help MFC kick off the Fall season with one of our favorite Fall activities! A-Mazing Acres has lots of great activities for kids and families. MFC staff will be hosting a campfire for hot dogs and s'mores while you are welcome to enjoy all the farm has to offer.  
This event is a great opportunity to build community. Anyone already involved with MFC is welcome! This event is free to youth/families/mentors with MFC programs and is $15 otherwise. Registration via Eventbrite is free either way (for planning purposes). $15 is due upon arrival at the event for those not associated with MFC.

3

November

Question Persuade Refer - How to respond to suicide

Thursday, November 3

Not talking about it does not make it go away. Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for those ages 10-29. This interactive training, led by local mental health professional Marla Godette, will cover risk factors, warning signs, and how to ask the question "Are you going to kill yourself?".
For MFC volunteers and families, the cost is only $15 - if you need the discount code, email Curtis at .gro.retnecylimafanaihcim%40niffinkc