Albion- Homer United Way Helps Families Access Kids'N' Stuff

Albion-Homer United Way made it a little easier for families to enjoy hands-on play at Kids ‘N Stuff Children’s Museum.

A grant from AHUW helps KNS participate in the Museums for All program which makes it more affordable for families to pay for admission. Museums for All is a national access program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to regularly visit museums and build lifelong museum habits according to KNS Executive Director Katie Gigliotti.

For 20 years KNS has served families in Albion and across Calhoun County and beyond. Gigliotti said, “We see families from all walks of life and we strongly believe that all children and families deserve to experience the power of learning through play that can only happen at a place like a children’s museum.”

KNS has participated in the Museums for All programs for the past seven years. Families who participate in some of the state assistance programs are eligible for this program, according to the grant application. Since June, 2022, KNS has welcomed over 15,000 visitors and nearly 3,000 of those have utilized the program

The AHUW grant will help families who are eligible for SNAP benefits sign up for the discounted membership program which is good for one calendar year. In addition to museum admission this program gives families discounted admission to special programs, access to members-only programs, discounts on birthday parties and ongoing, monthly reciprocal perks with other museum locations throughout the region.

AHUW board members are Virgie Ammerman, Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, Art Kale, Michael Leskowich, Isabell Nazar, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.

Albion-Homer United Way’s commitment is to help fund non-profit programs through grants. On-going donations throughout the year are needed for funding these efforts.

According to AHUW Executive Director Marcia Starkey there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier. Donations can be mailed at any time to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563.

More children can continue to enjoy play at Albion’s Kids ‘N Stuff museum thanks to an Albion-Homer United Way grant to help fund the Museums for All program. KNS participates in this program designed to make the museum affordable for all families.