West Midland Family Center Celebrates 50 years

Toward the western edge of Midland County stands a hub of activity and community support. West Midland Family Center is more than a building; it is a beacon of warmth and acceptance, emanating compassion to all who enter its doors. It is a welcoming place where love and belonging flourish, fostering a sense of togetherness among the community.

Founded in 1974, West Midland Family Center has been providing recreation, education, and human services for the community, connected to ensure the entire family can reach their full potential. Some come to West Midland Family Center for community events, such as the annual Soup with Santa, allowing families to share a meal and wholesome activities in the beautiful facility. Others visit daily for licensed childcare or preschool. Still, others come to get active with pickleball or hiking the outdoor trails. And still others come for a combination of services. Whatever the reason for each person’s visit, everyone is met with compassion, empathy, and integrity.

West Midland Family Center has grown from an abandoned schoolhouse into a new building, and expanded multiple times to meet the needs of the community. The Center’s influence reaches into Gratiot and Isabella Counties by way of multiple preschool locations, as well as the West Midland Food and Clothing Depot, where anyone in need can pick up rescued food and goods for their household. Promoting education and healthy family relationships prompts stability for families, empowering them to develop the tools needed to create their own success for tomorrow.

It takes a lot of work for a non-profit to make it 50 years. Funding and clients only go so far without a dedicated staff who care about those coming through their doors. The staff at West Midland Family Center are compassionate and excited to spend time with each community member. Children gain mentors, parents develop a supportive network, and seniors create bonds with others in their community. Hundreds of others have found a place to use their talents in various ways through volunteering for a number of Center programs. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for each generation by providing growth and achievement opportunities within a caring environment, and allowing each person to flourish is its goal.

The West Midland Family Center staff have put together quite the celebration for their 50th anniversary celebration today, July 25th. They hope to have as many patrons and supporters join them in this milestone, gathering as a community to enjoy time together. A variety of activities have been planned for all ages to create a family atmosphere, although those attending without children will enjoy the experience just as much!

Festivities will commence at 4 p.m. Live music will be provided by Mike Dorrien from 4:45-5:15 p.m., followed by remarks from West Midland Family Center Executive Director Greg Dorrien. At 5:30 p.m., Pure AM Gold– Your AM Radio Concert Experience (also known as Stone Street Revival) will provide music, disk jockey narration, and throwback commercials until 7:30 p.m., so be sure to wear comfortable shoes for dancing in case the beat moves you.

The activities will be open and free for all participants throughout the event. In-A-Snap Photo Booths will have a station for folks to get instant photos of the occasion, along with Henna by Jenna and face painting. Bounce houses, the West Midland Family Center swimming pool (bring your swimsuits and towels!), and kids' crafting areas will be joined by the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library with reading activities and Home Depot hosting a kid's craft workshop.

A balloon artist will be on hand, and lawn games will be available throughout the West Midland Family Center grounds. Town’s End Clydesdales & Carriage will also provide a petting zoo and wagon rides! They also hope the community will help color a large mural on display in the Center and take advantage of the building tours happening throughout the event.

No West Midland Family Center event would be complete without the chance to have a meal together, and this 50th anniversary is no exception! Guests will have their choice between Qdoba, Flying Trout Catering, and good ol’ pulled pork, hotdogs, and brats on the grill, provided by Varner’s Pig Roast and the West Midland Family Center Board of Directors. For those just interested in a snack, ice cream, popsicles and popcorn will also be available as an extra treat. For the final surprise, gift baskets will be given out to lucky winners from random drawings throughout the evening.

This celebration is West Midland Family Center’s way to say THANK YOU! Whether you are coming alone or with a large family, plan to participate in all activities or just listen to the live music, everyone will enjoy the chance to be part of this incredible community.

As West Midland Family Center celebrates 50 years in the community, please join them today, July 25, for their Golden Celebration from 4-8 p.m. With food, fun activities, and music, they will celebrate the community, which continues to thrive. For anyone in need, be it a need for connection, education, staying active, sharing skills, or a listening ear, West Midland Family Center and its staff will be there.