Services that support your family, both on campus and off.

On Campus

MSU Child Development Laboratories (CDL) - (517) 355-1900 or cdl@msu.edu
The CDL is a partner with the family in the education and socialization of children during their early years. It offers many opportunities for family involvement in a child's educational experience.  Students, faculty members, and families all benefit from these shared activities, learning from one another and working together for the well-being of the children.

Spartan Child Development Center - (517) 353-5154 or children@msu.edu
Established in 1971, the center is dedicated to meeting the needs of children ages two weeks to six years in an environment that nurtures and guides their individual growth and development. SCDC features a curriculum that is play-based and child-centered with theme-organized lesson plans, in a multi-cultural, non-violent, non-sexist, inclusive atmosphere. The program is designed to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the developing child.

MSU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic - (517) 432-2272 or cftc@msu.edu
The MSU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic is the clinical facility of the Ph.D. specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). The MFT doctoral specialization at MSU provides the education and training for the professional practice of MFT as a mental health service. All therapy is conducted by MFT doctoral interns under the supervision of clinical faculty. Our mission is to provide therapeutic services for families, couples, and individuals of all ages through a systemic lens.

MSU Student Food Bank - (517) 432-5136
During Fall and Spring semesters, the MSU Student Food Bank, located at Olin Health Center is open in the evening twice a month. All enrolled MSU students who do not have Residence Hall meal plans are eligible for Food Bank services. All enrolled MSU students are required to show proof of enrollment and a student ID.

Chance at Childhood Clinic - (517) 336-8088 or chanceatchildhood@ssc.msu.edu
MSU College of Law students represent abused, neglected, and at-risk children and families as part of the Child and Family Advocacy Certificate Program - a joint program offered by MSU-DCL and the MSU Graduate School of Social Work.

MSU WorkLife Office- (517) 252-1635 or worklife@msu.edu
The MSU WorkLife Office provides a one-stop destination for your lifespan and career/professional life questions. The staff of the office can help facilitate success in your many roles and can offer guidance in creating synergy between those responsibilities. The mission of the WorkLife Office is to partner with the community to create an inclusive, responsive work environment where all faculty and staff are respected and supported toward well-being in work and personal lives. Family services include, but are not limited to: consultation to determine the best care for you and your family’s needs; identifying quality childcare, including sick and emergency care; sharing best practices for eldercare and caregiver support services. No matter your unique situation, family composition, or caregiver roles, the staff at the WorkLife Office are happy to help you find solutions that fit your lifestyle.” 

Community Resources and External Links

Ingham County Health Department Office for Young Children (OYC) - (517) 887-4319 or (800) 234-6996
The OYC promotes and improves the availability, affordability, and accessibility of quality early education and child care for children in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Shiawassee counties. The OYC is a child care resource and referral agency coordinating services for children, families, and agencies in the mid-Michigan area.

The American Red Cross - (517) 484-7461
The Red Cross assists with enough food, diapers and/or formula to get through until the next business day. ARC also helps clients find available space in public shelters and may consider a motel in certain situations. They also have coordinated extended services program for long term case management for the homeless population.

The Salvation Army - (517) 484-4424
The Salvation Army assists with emergency food and personal needs assistance for needy families. The Salvation Army gives away free produce every Wednesday at 1PM in our gym. A valid photo ID is required, first come, first serve. They may also assist with utility shut offs and rent/mortgages arearages, if funding is available. Please call for eligibility requirements.

Lansing Area Food Pantries
A comprehensive listing of the food pantries available in the Lansing/East Lansing communities.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. - (517) 393-7077
CACS offers assistance in finding housing as well as help with food and personal needs items for the homeless. Commodity and supplemental food programs for low income families are also available.

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program - (517) 887-4326
A supplemental food and nutrition education program for those women and children who qualify, as nutritionally at risk due to income or medical deficiencies.  WIC services are available at the Ingham County Health Department

  • Breastfeeding Help Hotline through WIC - 517-887-4543

Child and Family Charities - (517) 882-4000 or 877-833-3689 (crisis hotline) 
Child and Family Charities has been protecting and strengthening families in mid-Michigan for over 100 years. The agency address the needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children and youth and their families, assisting them in overcoming crisis and the tough obstacles families face in a constantly changing society. 

Family Growth Centers - (517) 371-1347 or kathykelly@childandfamily.org
The FGC strengthens families by providing parents with the tools and resources they need to raise healthy and happy children.  The Center connects families to helpful community resources, operates a small food, toy, and clothing bank, and offers free drop in respite childcare for parents who need a break. There is a branch of the Family Growth Center in the University United Methodist Church on Harrison, near Trowbridge.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Lansing - (517) 372-0160
Matches adults and children for activities and support. Call to inquire about age requirements and to put your child on the waiting list.

MSU Child Development Laboratories (CDL)

517-355-1900 or cdl@msu.edu

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Spartan Child Development Center

517-353-5154 or children@msu.edu

Visit Website

MSU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic

517-432-2272

Visit Website

MSU Student Food Bank

517-432-5136

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Chance at Childhood Clinic

517-336-8088

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Ingham County Health Department Office for Young Children (OYC)

517-887-4319 or 800-234-6996

Visit Website

The American Red Cross

517-484-7461

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The Salvation Army

517-484-4424

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Capital Area Community Services, Inc.

517-482-6281

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The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

517-887-4326

Visit Website

Child and Family Charities

517-882-4000 or 877-833-3689 (Crisis hotline)

Visit Website

Family Growth Centers

517-371-1347 or kathykelly@childandfamily.org

Visit Website

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Lansing

517-372-0160

Visit Website

Resources and support related to the current MSU crisis