Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

Child & Family Services (CFS) opened in 1937 as Dr. Mark Osterlin realized that the abused and neglected children he saw in his pediatric medical practice needed an alternative to going back to unsafe homes. Dr. Osterlin invited the Michigan Children’s Aid Society to Traverse City and a branch was opened in 1937. Now operating as CFS, the work Dr. Osterlin started 86 years ago continues today. CFS’ mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of those we serve in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition. Since its beginning, CFS has provided foster care and adoption services to northern Michigan.

YouthWork’s Training & Education Community Center (Y-TECC) will serve opportunity youth who will receive free, professional training and certifications, paid workforce development experiences, receive supportive services, and participate in social, educational, recreational, and cultural activities. Y-TECC will house operations for YouthWork Industries core programs – YouthWork Conservation Corps, YouthWork Climate Corps, and YouthWork Skilled Trades Corps – each of which provides a valuable resource to our communities and achieves the above mission in different ways.