Partner Spotlight: One Center, One Community, Many Services

Photo shows a mural on the side of the building with an image of a tree and the name Cristo Rey Community Center.

LANSING – Since 1968, Cristo Rey Community Center has played an important role in providing vital services to the Capital Area community, particularly the Latino community. The Center takes a holistic, hands-on approach to care for the whole person, including their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

They achieve this through an array of services that support community needs for food, medical and mental health care, and life skills. 

CRCC, which has received funding from United Way SCMI, operates a Food Pantry/Community Closet that provides families and individuals with food for a week and some hygiene and household items.  Twice per month, CRCC’s Open Distribution gives out a box of food per household. Their Community Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch for adults and families, and their Bread Rack program gives people access to fresh bread items.  

“Cristo Rey has been a mainstay for decades,” said Michele Strasz, Community Impact Director for United Way SCMI. “We’re proud to partner with them in building a strong, caring community.”

Grounded in the belief that access to quality health care is a basic right that should not be based on a person’s ability to pay, CRCC also runs a free Family Health Center providing medical services for adults and children. The Prescription Assistance Program connects uninsured people with programs at pharmaceutical companies, allowing them to obtain medications at reduced or no cost. CRCC also provides assessment, referral, and therapy services to address drug and alcohol abuse.  To empower self-sufficiency, CRCC provides financial counseling, and parenting programs for parents of children ages 0-8, and teaches communication skills to parents and their teens through the Roots and Wings program.   

From their headquarters at 1717 N. High Street in Lansing, they pursue their mission “to break the cycle of poverty and advocate for self-sufficiency.” CRCC welcomes all those who are food insecure, in need of compassionate medical or prescription care, or seeking support on the path to self-sufficiency.  To learn more about their work, visit their website, or call them at (517) 372-4700 – they’re open M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

To see a full list of Capital Area funded partners, visit our website.