Community investment is guided by our belief that strong, resilient regions are built through collaboration, opportunity and shared purpose. HSC’s CARE grant program reflects this philosophy by supporting organizations that strengthen quality of life, expand STEAM education, build talent pipelines and energize hometowns across the Great Lakes Bay Region. The twelve projects highlighted below demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of local innovation and service by nonprofit organizations across the region. Through these partnerships, HSC CARE grants enable impactful work that fosters stability, education, creativity and long-term community well-being.
Mobile CTE Labs provide hands-on learning opportunities
The Bay Arenac Intermediate School District will use its HSC CARE grant to support Mobile CTE Labs that bring hands-on career and technical education directly to students across the Bay-Arenac region, ensuring equitable access to high-demand STEAM pathways. By offering mobile learning environments equipped with industry-relevant tools and curriculum, the project helps build a diverse local talent pipeline while energizing interest in skilled trades and emerging technologies.
Strengthening stability for foster families
The Foster Families Navigation & Resource Center’s Resource Boutique & Outposts Program is a transformative initiative designed to ensure foster, adoptive and kinship children across Bay, Saginaw, Midland and surrounding counties have access to essential items in a way that preserves dignity and self-worth. The program will use its HSC CARE grant to offer welcoming, store-like spaces where children and caregivers can choose clothing, school supplies, hygiene items and other basics that fit their needs and personalities. By reducing financial strain on families and restoring a sense of normalcy for children during times of upheaval, the program strengthens family stability, supports emotional well-being, and has already served thousands of individuals—demonstrating measurable, life-changing impact across the region.
Inclusive baseball field at Defoe Park
The Miracle League of Bay City will leverage HSC CARE grant funds to build Miracle Field at Defoe Park in Bay City, creating an accessible, adaptive baseball field where children and adults with disabilities can play sports safely and inclusively. This community-centered project enriches quality of life, promotes physical activity and builds a stronger sense of belonging for families throughout the region. By transforming an outdoor space into an inclusive recreational hub, the project embodies HSC’s commitment to creating vibrant, thriving hometowns.
Uplifting women through supportive services
The YWCA’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP) and WEEP Works provide critical financial literacy, career training and long-term support to women, many of whom are single mothers or rebuilding after trauma. By offering pathways to stability through budgeting skills, action planning and workforce certifications, the programs build confidence and economic mobility, aligning closely with HSC’s mission to build equitable talent pipelines and uplift underserved populations.
Revitalizing playgrounds with Chipmunk Pride
Guided by the Chestnut Hill PTO and supported by an HSC CARE grant, Project Chipmunk Pride will revitalize aging outdoor spaces at Chestnut Hill Elementary, improving playground safety, accessibility and recreational quality for students and the surrounding neighborhood. Through upgrades such as new benches, paved areas, fencing and improved play surfaces, the project strengthens community connection and enhances student well-being. Its focus on safe, welcoming environments supports HSC’s commitment to creating vibrant hometown spaces.
Safe housing for families in crisis
Shelterhouse’s Room Partnership program will use its HSC CARE grant to sustain transitional housing units that provide safety, stability and dignity for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. By funding utilities, furnishings, household essentials and supportive services, the project ensures that individuals and families leaving crisis situations have the resources they need to heal and rebuild. This work reflects HSC’s dedication to responsibility and community welfare by helping break cycles of trauma.
Scholarship funds for vulnerable populations
Another HSC CARE grant will strengthen the Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan scholarship fund, ensuring that individuals facing financial hardship can access high-quality mental health counseling, regardless of insurance limitations or ability to pay. By reducing cost barriers for vulnerable residents, including youth, seniors and ALICE households, the program promotes emotional stability and healthier families, closely aligning with HSC’s commitment to improving quality of life and strengthening community well-being.
Supporting success for returning citizens
With support from an HSC CARE grant, Midland Community Former Offender Advocacy and Rehabilitation’s Laundry Program will help formerly incarcerated individuals and their families by providing weekly vouchers for washing and drying clothing, as well as detergent and supplies. For households living below the poverty line, access to clean clothing directly affects health, dignity and employment readiness. This project powerfully aligns with HSC’s vision of energizing communities and building equitable opportunities for every resident.
Preventing homelessness before it starts
Home To Stay’s Shelter Diversion initiative will use its HSC CARE grant to help individuals and families experiencing housing crises identify safe alternatives to entering emergency shelter. Through intensive case management, rental assistance, financial support and resource navigation, the program promotes stability and prevents homelessness before it begins, meeting urgent needs with immediate, practical solutions.
Promoting K-12 sustainability education
In partnership with the University of Michigan and Delta College, an HSC CARE grant will support the Sustainability Teacher Fellowship, equipping K-12 teachers across Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties to lead hands-on sustainability education projects tied to local environmental issues. By engaging more than 500 students in real-world learning connected to energy, climate resilience and watershed health, the initiative strengthens STEAM literacy and workforce readiness. Its focus on sustainable solutions and community engagement powerfully reflects HSC’s mission to build a more vibrant, sustainable future.
Educating youth to prevent child abuse
Supported by an HSC CARE grant, the CAN Council’s “Keeping Kids Safe” initiative expands prevention education for K–12 students in Bay and Saginaw Counties, equipping more than 1,500 children each year with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, prevent and report abuse. Through an evidence-based curriculum, trained facilitators deliver developmentally appropriate lessons that address bullying, digital safety, exploitation and signs of abuse. This program strengthens community well-being by empowering children to advocate for themselves and by fostering safe, supportive school environments.
Faith-based program supports families in need
Hemlock’s Zion Lutheran Church will use its HSC CARE grant to strengthen the God’s Helping Hands program, which provides essential support to families across Saginaw County by offering free food, diapers, clothing and household items twice each month. Serving more than 300 individuals each time it opens, the program meets critical basic-needs gaps for households facing food insecurity or financial hardship. By mobilizing dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, the program embodies HSC’s pillars of energizing communities and creating a vibrant hometown—strengthening dignity, stability and quality of life for residents who need it most.