City of Grand Rapids launches “It Takes a Village” summer youth programs

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich – The City of Grand Rapids is launching It Takes a Village, a group of free summer violence prevention programs designed to give youth ages 12 to 17 safe, fun, and positive things to do on weekend nights. The programs will run at three different sites across the city and will include sports, music, art, games, food and other activities.

The goal of It Takes a Village is to give youth safe places to gather, meet friends, learn new skills and stay connected with caring adults. The City has partnered with community groups, schools, churches and local organizations to work together to offer these programs at no cost.

Latesha Lipscomb, civilian violence prevention & intervention manager with the City’s Office of Oversight and Public Accountability, said giving youth positive spaces on summer nights makes a big difference. “When we give young people safe and fun things to do on the weekends, we show them that the whole community cares about them,” Lipscomb said. “It helps youth feel supported, stay active and make healthy choices. Evening summer programs don’t just fill time—they fill the gap where danger often creeps in. When we give young people safe spaces to belong after the sun goes down, we’re not just preventing violence; we’re protecting their futures.”

Last year’s youth programming was a major success, with more than 400 teens taking part. Attendance stayed strong all summer, and many participants said they wished the programs could run more days. Program partners reported that steady schedules, fun activities and supportive staff helped youth stay engaged.

This year’s It Takes a Village programs include:

CITY VIBES

Dates:         Fridays and Saturdays, June 12 to August 8

Time:          6 to 9 p.m.

Location:    Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, 851 Madison Ave. SE

Hosted by:  Urban League of West Michigan, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Valley State University

Activities include:

• • Gym and outdoor games
  • Chess and board games
  • Video game suite
  • Movies and music
  • College and career exploration
  • Life skills and cultural development activities
  • Free food and refreshments

Registration and parent/guardian consent required.

Security provided by Grand Rapids Public Schools. Backpacks not allowed.

NIGHTQUEST

Dates:         Fridays and Saturdays, June 8 to September 9

Time:          5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location:    LifeQuest Urban Outreach Gym, 1050 Fisk Rd. SE

Hosted by:  LifeQuest Urban Outreach

Activities include:

• • Music
  • 5‑on‑5 basketball
  • Team games
  • Giveaways
  • Family resource support services
  • Food and light refreshments

All participants will go through security screening. Backpacks not allowed.

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS @ MUSE GR

Dates:         Fridays, June 12 to July 31 (and select additional days)

Time:          6 to 9 p.m.

Location:    MUSE GR, 727 Leonard St. NW

Hosted by:  MUSE GR

Activities include:

• • Live DJs and music experiences
  • Recording studio access & music production training
  • Hands‑on art and creative workshops
  • Open mic, poetry and spoken word
  • Entrepreneurship and creative business sessions
  • Free food, prizes and giveaways

Parent or guardian consent required. Transportation support may be available.

For more information on It Takes a Village programming, contact the City of Grand Rapids Office of Oversight & Public Accountability at OPA@grcity.us.

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