Resources and Support
Here are some online and community resources that are available to parents and individuals. Most of the resources are being offered free to the community by the companies represented.
More resources will be added as they become available and are made aware to the Michigan Works! Southwest staff. As information and resources are changing so rapidly, please be understanding if current links change or new resources are not listed immediately. The Michigan Works! Southwest team is trying to make sure that all links and resource information are as correct as possible. Thanks, and please take advantage of these opportunities for you and your family.
Information about receiving your Stimulus Check is available by CLICKING HERE!
VIRTUAL TOURS
There are a number of free virtual tours of Museums around the globe.
The British Museum – London, England
The Guggenheim – Around the World
The National Gallery of Art – Washington, DC
The National Museum of Natural History – Washington, DC
The Pergamon Museum – Berlin, Germany
The Frida Kahlo Museum – Mexico City, Mexico
The Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Google Presents Virtual Tours of Museums Around the Globe – Around the World
Explore the National Parks, dive into underwater sanctuaries and walk the Botanical Garden in our nation’s capital.
National Parks – Around the US
Virtual Dives – National Maritime Sanctuaries
The US Botanical Garden – Washington, DC
Google Earth US National Parks – Around the US
ENTERTAINMENT
Some free films, both educational and informative, are available here.
There are a number of live, free concerts going on around the web, from opera to rock and so much more. Here are just some:
Friends of the Bohm Theater – Live concert on Facebook on April 6, 2020 from 7-10pm
National Public Radio’s List of Free, Live, Virtual Concerts
There are a number of free books online for you and your family. Here are some:
Project Gutenberg – Free eBooks
The Internet Archive Children’s Library
EPIC! – Digital Library for kids 12 and under
Goodnight with Dolly – Dolly Parton reads books for kids each week
BCPS Reads – Battle Creek Public School teachers read books for kids
Here are some links for activities and games for kids and families.
Fatherly.com – Indoor games for kids and familes
We Are Teachers – Math Card games for students
GoNoodle – Good Energy at home games and videos for kids
Avoid Cabin Fever – 125 ideas to keep kids entertained from Parade Magazine
Woodland Trust – 10 nature activities for kids if you’re self-isolating at home
Miami Herald – What can kids do for free during the coronavirus quarantine
Explore.org – Explore the world with lots of live cams
Discovery Education – Virtual Field Trips and other resources
Milk Street – Free online cooking classes
Here are some entertaining and information resources for kids:
Frozen Actor, Josh Gad, reading to kids on Twitter
The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to the Corona Virus
EPIC! – Digital Library for kids 12 and under
Goodnight with Dolly – Dolly Parton reads books for kids each week
BCPS Reads – Battle Creek Public School teachers read books for kids
SOCIAL, PHYSICAL & MENTAL SUPPORTS
Here are some online support groups or resources.
Camp Quarantine 2020 – Facebook group “Connecting parents of school-aged kids to stay sane during the Great Quarantine of 2020.”
Explain Everything – Twitter resource
fiveable – A social learning platform for AP students
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a statewide, peer-run warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The warmline will operate 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753). It is intended to serve individuals living with persistent mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and trauma.
Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
Here are some additional resources, more will be added as they come available.
Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence – Branch County Resources individuals are encouraged to call 517-278-SAFE (7233) if you are a victim of violence.
Pines Behavioral Health Services – Pines remains open, serving those in Branch County in need of mental health or substance use services. All services are being provided by telehealth or phone, keeping you safe and at home. Crisis support available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 517-278-2129 to start services or if in crisis.
ChildMind.org – Coping during COVID-19 resources for parents
Quartz – Helping pre-teens in a quarantine lockdown
Greater Good Magazine – Guide to well-being during Coronavirus
Are you in need of emergency Dental Care?
My Community Dental Centers – Emergency dental care services available for adults and children without dental insurance. Visit the link or call 877-313-6232
Here are some Exercise, Fitness and Mindfulness Resources:
ChildMind.org – Coping during COVID-19 resources for parents
NFL Play 60 – The National Football League’s activities for families
GoNoodle – Excercise for elementary kids
CosmicKids – Stories, yoga and fun for kids
Ms. Nina’s Sing and Move Along – Sing and Move Along song for kids
Wuf Shanti – Yoga Resource and App
Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence – Branch County Resources individuals are encouraged to call 517-278-SAFE (7233) if you are a victim of violence.
SCHOOL & EDUCATION RESOURCES
Links, information and resources from schools in Branch County is available here:
Links, information and resources from schools in Calhoun County is available here:
Battle Creek Public Schools Nutrition Update
Battle Creek Public Schools Online Learning
BCPS Reads – Battle Creek Public School teachers read books for kids
Links, information and resources from schools in Calhoun County is available here:
Links, information and resources from schools in St. Joseph County is available here:
Here are some education companies that are offering free subscriptions and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak:
BCPS Reads – Battle Creek Public School teachers read books for kids
Here are some resources for older students, from high school, to college, to adult learning:
Milk Street – Free online cooking classes
You don’t have to be a school or a teacher…parents can sign up for these resources too!
FOOD RESOURCES
Here are some food resources for children:
State of Michigan Free Meals for Students – Map from the Michigan Department of Education
BRANCH COUNTY
Schools providing meals to Students
CALHOUN COUNTY
KALAMAZOO COUNTY
Kalamazoo Public Schools Food Services
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
St. Joseph Public Schools are offering ‘Grab and Go’ meals (breakfast/lunch) at Lincoln School from 11:30 a.m -12:30 p.m.. Please approach from the south side of the building on Lincoln School Rd.
Here are some food resources for adults and seniors:
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes – Offering pre-boxed and curbside pick-up. Learn how to schedule a pick up or to donate.
Meals on Wheels – Senior Services
In Battle Creek:
Share Center at 120 Grove St, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Breakfast: Sun-Fri: 9:30am-10:30am
Lunch: Sat: 11am-Noon
Dinner: Mon: 5:30-6:30pm; Tue-Thur: 5-6pm; Fri: 6-7pm
(269) 964-8133
The following stores offer time specifically for seniors 60+ to shop, while asking all other customers to plan to not shop during these listed times. (Some stores offer these hours to other at-risk customers. Times may also change before this site may be updated. Please see the actual company websites for official details, offerings and hours.)
Dollar General – 8-9 am every day
Meijer – 7-8 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Target – 8-9 am, Every Wednesday
Walmart – 6-7 am, Every Tuesday
These stores are currently offering online purchase with local delivery or pick-up. Please note, many stores are currently experiencing high volumes of orders and delivery requests, so same-day delivery may or may not be available.
These stores, as well as others, offer delivery or pick-up for free or at a small fee. Please see their websites for actual details.
Meijer – May be a fee for pickup or delivery. See the website for details about your local store.
Aldi Delivery – May be a fee for pickup or delivery. See the website for details about your local store.
Walmart – Use the website or the Walmart App available from your phone App Store. Please choose your location when ordering.
Below is a Facebook page for Kalamazoo Restaurants that deliver for free:
Kalamazoo Menu – A list of local restaurants that deliver for free.
FAMILY & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Some of the childcare resources available:
Great Start to Quality – Find Great Start resources here.
St. Luke’s Diaper Bank – Resource for diapers in Kalamazoo
Childcare for Essential Workers and Emergency Responders
Southwest Childcare Resources – Relief childcare for essential workerforce.
YMCA of Great Kalamazoo – Emergency childcare resources
Please see the following to find financial resources:
Albion Coronavirus Toolkit – Information and resources on Coronavirus, for the greater Albion area.
The following articles discuss information and various changes to rules, policies and other financial issues
Autos – Various auto manufacturers are allowing car owners to delay payments
Banking, ABA – The American Bankers Association has a resource guide to the COVID-19 responses by various banks, including any relief or changes.
Banking – A CNBC article detailing some changes that various banks have made
Energy Shutoffs Suspended – Article about the resent suspensions of energy shutoffs
Evictions Suspension – Information about the Governor’s executive order suspending evictions
Food Assistance – Article about the State of Michigan’s approval of additional food assistance
Water Shutoffs Suspended in Kalamazoo – Article about the suspension of water shutoffs in the Kalamazoo area
Depending on your eligibility, the following may provide free or reduced-cost internet access:
Michigan Department of Education Internet Access List – List of internet access programs for economically disadvantaged students
AT&T – AT&T COVID-19 Response and Resources
Charter Spectrum Internet – Offering free internet access to homes with students or teachers
Comcast/Xfinity – Affordable Internet for eligible households
FCC’s Lifeline Program – Affordable Internet program from the Federal Communications Commission
Here are some resources and information for Small Businesses:
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Michigan Small Business Development Center Covid-19 Support
Michigan National Guard Family Programs resource for National Guard members and Vets:
Here are some additional local and state resources and information:
State of Michigan COVID-19 Response
State of Michigan Unemployment Resources
State of Michigan Resource and Financial Grant Information – Michigan National Guard Family Programs resource for National Guard members and Vets
Congressman Upton’s COVID-19 Resource Guide for Southwest Michigan
Battle Creek Community Resource Guide
Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence – Branch County Resources individuals are encouraged to call 517-278-SAFE (7233) if you are a victim of violence.
COVID-19 Pandemic Resource Guide – Published by the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions
More resources will be added as they become available. Because the COVID-19 outbreak came up so rapidly, we wanted to provide you with information as soon as possible. However, availability of resources and information can change at any moment and Michigan Works! Southwest is neither affiliated with, nor specifically endorses any of these resources.
If you are concerned about your health, or the health of a family member, please seek medical assistance.
Please email support@tuapath.com if you find any of these links not working.
Special thanks to G-Man Graphics and TuaPath, two companies that donated time and effort to make this resource page possible for the Michigan Works! Southwest to offer to our community.
