Jackson County
Adult Learner Resource Directory
Coming back to school is about more than tuition. In addition to financial aid and tuition assistance, local resources are available to support the everyday costs, including food, transportation, childcare, and more.
Explore the resources available to help.
Reconnect Scholarship Education and Career Support
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College, adult education and job training
2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, MI 49201
517-787-0800
Jackson College is a public community college serving Jackson County. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, job training and programs that can lead to a four-year degree. There are options for adults looking to earn a degree or certificate, learn new skills, advance their careers or continue their education.
Programs include:
Associate degrees
Certificates
Job training
Programs that transfer to four-year colleges
Adult education
Career and technical programs
Getting started and accessing services : Contact Admissions or Student Services
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Employment and workforce development
209 E. Washington Ave., Suite 100, Jackson, MI 49201
517-782-6996
Michigan Works! Southeast provides job-search help, career planning and job training opportunities. Services are available for people looking for work, changing careers or building skills for a new job.
Services include:
Job-search assistance
Career planning
Help with job applications and resumes
Career assessments
Job training
Referrals to employers and job openings
Help paying for eligible training and other work-related costs
Getting started: Contact the Jackson Service Center to learn about available programs, training and eligibility
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College and career exploration and planning
1082 Jackson Crossing, Jackson, MI 49202
517-990-0671
The CCAC provides college and career navigation for Jackson County residents, helping individuals explore education and career options and identify pathways that fit their goals.
Services include:
College and career exploration
Career advising
College applications
Financial aid and scholarship support
Career planning
Workforce pathway exploration
Community initiatives including workshops and one one one advising
How to access services: Visit the office at the Jackson Crossing mall or call to schedule an appointment.
All-Around Support
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Central Michigan 2-1-1 connects residents with local programs and services, including food, housing, utility assistance, health care, transportation, child care, and more.
Services include connections to:
Food
Housing
Utility assistance
Health care
Transportation
Child care
Emergency assistance
Other community resources
Services are available 24/7 and in multiple languages.
How to access services: Call 2-1-1 or 866-561-2500 to speak with someone who can help find local resources.
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Help with benefits and other costs
MI Bridges is Michigan’s website for finding and applying for benefits and other assistance. The site can help residents find out if they qualify for support with food, health care, child care, housing, utilities, and other needs. Applications for benefits can also be submitted and checked through MI Bridges
Food and Basic Needs
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Food assistance and basic needs navigation
5451 Wayne Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037
269-964-3663
South Michigan Food Bank provides food through a network of more than 300 partner food sites across eight counties, including Jackson County. The food bank's website lists nearby food pantries, fresh food distributions and other food resources.
Food resources include:
Food pantries
Fresh food distributions
Mobile food distributions
Food programs for children and families
Other food assistance programs
How to get help: Use the online food finder or call the office to learn more about food assistance in the Jackson County area.
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Emergency and supplemental food assistance
701 Greenwood St., Jackson, MI 49203
517-206-1480
Jackson Community Food Pantry provides food to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship or other difficult circumstances.
How to get help: Food distribution is available Wednesdays from 4–6 p.m. Call or visit the website for current information.
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Food, basic needs, and emergency assistance
806 E. Pearl St., Jackson, MI 49201
517-782-7185
The Salvation Army Jackson Corps provides food and other assistance for people experiencing hardship.
Services include:
Food pantry
Fresh food distributions
Emergency assistance
Seasonal assistance
Other community support
How to get help: Contact the Jackson Corps for current hours, requirements and available assistance.
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Food access, youth education, and paid youth training
740 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
517-745-9805
Grow Jackson works to increase access to fresh food through community gardens, food programs and education. The organization also offers programs that connect young people with food, gardening and work opportunities. Grow Jackson manages the River & Rail Food Hub and Farm Stop, a locally sourced grocery store and community food hub offering food from local farmers and producers, along with other grocery items and community programs
Programs include:
Community and school gardens
Fresh food access
Food education
Community dinners and food distributions
Paid youth work opportunities
How to get started: Contact Grow Jackson to learn about current programs and opportunities.
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Michigan's Food Assistance Program (FAP), also known as SNAP, provides food assistance to eligible households. Benefits are provided through a Bridge Card and can be used to buy eligible food at participating stores.
How to apply: Applications can be completed through MI Bridges.
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Community food and fresh food distributions
3737 Clinton Rd., Jackson, MI 49201
517-395-2652
hello@cmjackson.orgCompassionate Ministries of Jackson County works with local churches and community partners to provide food throughout the Jackson area.
Food resources include:
Community food pantries
Fresh food distributions
Multiple food distribution locations throughout Jackson County
How to get help: Visit the website for current locations, dates and times. Food is available while supplies last.
Transportation
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Affordable transportation to school, work and other activities
2350 E. High St., Jackson, MI 49203
517-787-8363
JATA provides public transportation throughout Jackson County, including fixed-route buses and other transportation options. Bus routes connect Jackson College with locations throughout the Jackson area. JATA also offers Reserve-A-Ride service for individuals who need curb-to-curb transportation.
Transportation options include:
Fixed-route bus service
Service to Jackson College
Reserve-A-Ride curb-to-curb transportation
Student fares and passes
Transportation for work, school, appointments and other activities
Getting started: Contact JATA for information about routes, fares and transportation options.
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Healthcare transportation
Rides to Wellness provides door-to-door transportation throughout Jackson County for preventive and non-emergency healthcare and wellness activities.
Phone: 517-788-7844
Child Care
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Childcare navigation and financial assistance
517-817-0820
Child Care Network provides information and support for families looking for affordable, quality childcare. The organization also provides assistance with childcare costs and information about early-learning programs.
Services include:
Childcare assistance
Help finding childcare
Help with childcare costs
Family support
Early-learning information
Getting started: Visit the website or call Child Care Network for information about available programs and eligibility.
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Childcare assistance for eligible families
Michigan's Child Development and Care program helps eligible families pay for childcare while participating in approved activities, including education, employment and job training.
Childcare assistance may be available for:
College or other education programs
Job training
Employment
Other approved activities
How to apply: Applications can be completed through MI Bridges.
Apply Learn More
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Youth development, childcare, and healthy living
127 W. Wesley St., Jackson, MI 49201
517-782-0537
The Jackson YMCA provides childcare, youth programs, camps, sports and recreation, and other programs for children and families. Financial assistance is available for eligible programs.
Services include:
Childcare
Youth programs
Camps
Sports and recreation
Family programs
Financial assistance
Getting started: Contact the Jackson YMCA for information about programs, availability and financial assistance.
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Housing, utilities, food + financial stability
1214 Greenwood Ave., Jackson, MI 49203
517-784-4800
Community Action Agency provides assistance with housing, utility costs, financial stability and other basic needs. Programs vary by county and eligibility.
Services include:
Housing and rental assistance
Eviction prevention
Utility assistance
Weatherization
Homebuyer assistance and education
Foreclosure prevention and counseling
Financial education and credit counseling
Financial stability programs
Free tax preparation through VITA
Head Start and Early Head Start
Veterans housing and support services
Getting started: Contact the Jackson office or visit the website to learn about current programs and eligibility.
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Utility assistance and financial support
The Program Assistance Center provides utility assistance and other programs focused on helping households stay current on energy bills and work toward financial stability. The program serves households throughout Michigan through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program.
Services include:
Help with past-due energy bills
Utility assistance
Self-sufficiency programs
Support with applying for available assistance
How to get help: Call 517-741-0202 or apply online through the Program Assistance Center.
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Education, literacy, and technology
244 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
517-788-4087
Jackson District Library provides free access to information, technology, educational resources and community programs. The library offers resources that can support adult learners, including computers, internet access, research help, educational programs and places to study.
Getting started: Visit a Jackson District Library location or contact the main library for information about adult programs, technology and current services.
Utilities, Household Costs and Financial Assistance
Health & Human Services
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Public benefits and human services
301 E. Louis Glick Hwy., Jackson, MI 49201
517-780-7400
The Jackson County MDHHS office provides information and assistance with public benefits and other human-services programs. Applications for many benefits can be completed through MI Bridges.
Services include:
Food assistance
Healthcare coverage
Childcare assistance
Temporary assistance
Other public benefits and human services
Getting started: Apply through MI Bridges or contact the Jackson County MDHHS office for information about programs and eligibility.
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Medical, dental, and behavioral health
505 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI 49201
517-748-5500
Center for Family Health provides medical, dental and behavioral health care, along with pharmacy services. A sliding-fee program called HealthPay provides discounted services for qualifying patients based on income and family size.
Services include:
Medical care
Dental care
Behavioral health
Pharmacy services
Lab work and X-rays
Discounted care through HealthPay
Getting started: Contact Center for Family Health to schedule an appointment or ask about HealthPay and other payment options.
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Public health and referrals
1715 Lansing Ave., Jackson
517-788-4420
The Jackson County Health Department provides health services and programs for individuals and families. Services cover areas such as immunizations, family planning, maternal and child health, and environmental health.
Getting started: Contact the Jackson County Health Department for information about available programs and eligibility.
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Hospital and medical care
205 N. East Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
517-205-4800
Emergency: 517-205-4811Henry Ford Jackson Hospital provides hospital and medical care for people throughout Jackson County and the surrounding area. The hospital provides emergency care as well as inpatient and outpatient medical services.
Services include:
Emergency care
Hospital care
Outpatient care
Surgery
Medical imaging
Laboratory services
Pharmacy services
Specialty medical care
Rehabilitation services
Getting started: Contact Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for information about medical services, appointments and hospital care.
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Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan provide health coverage for eligible adults and families. Applications and case information can be managed through MI Bridges.
Coverage includes:
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Prescription medications
Mental health services
Dental services
Other covered healthcare
How to apply: Applications can be completed through MI Bridges.
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Disability support and independent living
409 Linden Ave., Jackson, MI 49203
517-782-6054
info@disabilityconnect.orgdisAbility Connections provides information, support and services for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Services focus on independent living, community participation and connecting people with equipment, resources and other support.
Services include:
Information and referrals
Independent living skills
Peer support
Help transitioning home after a hospital or nursing-facility stay
Medical equipment loan closet
Medical equipment repair
Residential ramps
Employment and job support
Youth transition services
Disability advocacy
Getting started: Contact disAbility Connections for information about available services, equipment and eligibility.
Mental Health
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Mental health, crisis, substance use, and disability services
1200 N. West Ave., Jackson, MI 49202
517-789-1209
Crisis: 800-284-8288
LifeWays provides mental health care, substance-use treatment and other support services for children and adults. Services include help for people experiencing mental health or emotional challenges, substance-use concerns, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. LifeWays also provides healthcare and employment services.
LifeWays serves anyone who needs its services, regardless of where they live or whether they have health insurance.
Services include:
Counseling and therapy
Mental health care
Crisis services
Substance-use treatment and recovery support
Case management
Help coordinating multiple services
Peer support
Medical services
Employment services
Support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Services provided in the home and other community settings
Getting started: Contact the LifeWays Access Center to learn about available services and eligibility. Walk-in services are also available at the Jackson office during business hours. For an urgent mental health or substance-use crisis, contact the 24/7 crisis line.
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Substance-use crisis and recovery support
432 Wildwood Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
517-513-3955Home of New Vision operates a 24/7 Engagement Center in Jackson for people experiencing a substance-use crisis, including people with co-occurring mental health concerns. The center provides a supervised setting for people to stabilize and connects them with treatment, recovery and community resources.
Services include:
24/7 crisis support
Substance-use support
Support for co-occurring mental health concerns
Connections to treatment
Recovery support
Harm-reduction resources
Referrals to community resources
Getting started: Contact the Home of New Vision Jackson Engagement Center for information about crisis and recovery services.
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Mental health
2424 W. Washington Ave., Suite 200, Jackson, MI 49203
517-205-4001
Henry Ford Behavioral Health provides mental health and substance-use treatment for adults.
Services include:
Mental health services
Outpatient therapy
Substance-use-disorder treatment
Other behavioral-health services
Getting started: Contact the office for information about available programs, eligibility and the intake process.
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Community mental health and case management
212 E. Biddle St., Jackson, MI 49203
517-783-3434
Segue provides mental health services and community-based support for adults with behavioral-health needs.
Services include:
Mental health treatment
Case management
Peer support
Outpatient therapy
Support for people with both mental health and substance-use needs
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Medication delivery
Getting started: Contact Segue for information about services and eligibility. The same number is available 24/7 for crisis support.
Employment and Professional Support
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Temporary and long-term staffing
146 W. Cortland St., Jackson, MI 49201
517-782-9600
Xcel Staffing connects job seekers with temporary and long-term jobs in a variety of industries and workplaces.
Job types include:
Manufacturing
Light industrial
Administrative
Supervisory
Other specialized positions
Getting started: Contact the Jackson office or visit the website to see current job openings and apply.
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Temporary staffing and employment placement
1035 Laurence Ave., Suite 1, Jackson, MI 49202
517-945-0007
Diverse Staffing connects job seekers with temporary, temp-to-hire and permanent jobs. The agency works with employers in a variety of industries and helps match applicants with available positions.
Job options include:
Temporary jobs
Temp-to-hire jobs
Permanent jobs
A variety of industries and positions
Getting started: Contact the Jackson office or visit the website to see current job openings and apply.
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Jobs and employment services
950 W. Monroe St., Suite 300, Jackson, MI 49202
517-789-7193Manpower connects job seekers with employers and offers temporary, seasonal and longer-term employment opportunities. The organization also provides training and career support, including programs for veterans and experienced workers.
Services include:
Job placement
Temporary and long-term employment
Job training
Career support
Veteran employment programs
Support for experienced workers
Getting started: Contact the Jackson office or visit the Manpower website to search for jobs and learn about current employment opportunities.
Housing and Legal Support
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Free legal help
540 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI 49201
517-787-6111
Legal Services of South Central Michigan provides free legal help to people who meet program eligibility requirements. Services focus on civil legal matters, including housing, public benefits and other issues that affect everyday life.
Legal help may include:
Housing matters
Public benefits
Domestic-violence-related legal matters
Other civil legal issues
Getting started: Contact the Jackson office or intake line to learn about available services and eligibility.
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Help with legal forms and court information
The Carnegie, Concord and Brooklyn branch libraries serve as Michigan Legal Help self-help centers. Trained library staff can help people find legal information, use online legal resources and complete legal forms. The centers are designed for people handling certain legal matters without an attorney.
Services include:
Help finding legal information
Help using Michigan Legal Help
Assistance with legal and court forms
Information about court procedures
Access to computers and online legal resources
Getting started: Visit the Carnegie, Concord or Brooklyn branch library for information about available self-help services.
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Mediation and help resolving disputes
211 W. Ganson St., Suite 105, Jackson, MI 49201
517-990-0279
mediation@sedrs.orgSoutheastern Dispute Resolution Services provides mediation and other services to help people resolve conflicts. Services cover a range of issues, including court cases, family matters, housing disputes and other community conflicts.
Services include:
Mediation
Court mediation
Family and domestic-relations mediation
Eviction diversion
Restorative justice
Conflict-resolution services
Conflict-resolution training
Getting started: Contact SEDRS for information about available services and whether mediation is available for a specific situation.
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Housing, basic needs and community support
517-745-9459
Residents in Action is a resident-led organization that works on community needs in Jackson, including housing, homelessness, food, basic needs and support for families and young people. The organization also leads community projects and works with local partners to address needs identified by residents.
Services and activities include:
Housing and homelessness support
Food and basic-needs assistance
Family support
Youth programs and activities
Community projects
Community events and outreach
Getting started: Visit the website for information about current programs, events and available support.
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Homelessness + emergency shelter
414 S. Blackstone St., Jackson, MI 49201
517-789-8735
Jackson Interfaith Shelter provides emergency shelter, meals and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Services include:
Emergency shelter
Meals
Housing assistance
Support with finding stable housing
Getting started: Visit the website for information about current programs, events and available support.
Safety and Family Support
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Domestic and sexual violence shelter and advocacy
706 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
517-783-2861
AWARE provides emergency shelter, support and advocacy for people experiencing domestic or sexual violence.
Services include:
Emergency shelter
Safety planning
Counseling and emotional support
Legal advocacy
Help with housing and other safety needs
Advocacy and support
Getting started: Contact AWARE's intake line for information and support.
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Family, basic needs, and senior services
3425 Francis St., Jackson, MI 49203
517-782-2551
Catholic Charities provides support for individuals and families, including counseling, emergency assistance and other community services.
Services include:
Counseling and support
Emergency assistance
Senior transportation
Family services
Other community programs
Getting started: Contact the Jackson office for information about available programs and eligibility.
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Basic-needs and family support
711 S. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI 49203
517-962-3073
salenataylor67@gmail.comPartial To Girls provides basic-needs assistance and support for women, children and families in Jackson. Programs include a basic-needs and baby pantry, clothing assistance and monthly giveaways.
Services include:
Basic-needs assistance
Baby supplies
Clothing
Family support
Monthly giveaways
Support with housing and other basic needs
Getting started: Contact Partial To Girls for information about current programs, available items and monthly giveaways.
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Older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregiver support
107 Chicago Street, PO Box 189, Brooklyn MI 49230
517-592-1975WellWise Services provides programs and support for older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers in Jackson County and surrounding areas. These services may also be useful for adult learners who are balancing school with caregiving or family responsibilities.
Services include:
Information about local programs
Services for older adults
Support for adults with disabilities
Caregiver support
Transportation and in-home services
Advocacy
Getting started: Contact WellWise Services for information about available programs and eligibility.
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Services for older adults and caregivers
1715 Lansing Ave., Jackson, MI 49202
517-788-4364
Toll-free: 800-788-3579The Jackson County Department on Aging provides services for adults age 60 and older and their caregivers. Programs include meals, in-home services, caregiver support, health insurance information, activities and help finding local resources.
Services include:
Information and referrals
Meals and Meals on Wheels
In-home services
Caregiver support
Medicare and Medicaid information
Counseling and education for caregivers
Senior activities and enrichment programs
Support finding local resources
Getting started: Contact the Department on Aging for information about available programs and eligibility.