Bay Mills Social Services Dept.

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Fax:(906) 248-8566 

​Director: Janet Farrish-Gravelle, LMSW 906-248-8560
• Assistant: Bonnie Bator, 906-248-8564
• Foster Care/ICWA: Katrina Freistatter, 906-248-8563
• CPS/APS/Prevention: Carrie Peterson, 906-248-8562
• Licensing: Kat Keenan, 906-248-8565
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After hours, weekends and holidays use the Centralized Intake number 1-855-444-3911. 
 
Protective Services
The mission of Bay Mills Indian Community Protective Services Program is to assure children and adults are protected from physical/emotional harm. When parents and other responsible adults fail, and individuals are harmed or at risk that warrants intervention, Protective Services intervenes to assist in protecting the welfare of those involved. By law, the program has the responsibility to receive and respond to any complaint of abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or exploitation, maltreatment, or improper custody.
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Foster Care
Long Term Care is geared toward the Foster Parent who wants to adopt permanently.
 
Short Term Care is geared to the Foster Parents who want to help a child in need of care and give them a safe place to live until they can ultimately be reunited with their parents.  
 
Both programs abide by Bay Mills Indian Community Ordinance IV which outlines Tribal Foster Care Licensing procedures. 

Bay Mills Indian Community needs Foster Care Homes!  If you are interested in becoming a Foster Parent please call 906-248-8565. 
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Bay Mills Commodities Program
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Daycare Licensing
Open your own Day Care Business in the Bay Mills Indian Community. If you are interested in running your own Day Care Service from the comfort of your own home, please contact Bay Mills Social Services at (906) 248-8565 for more information. Families who meet 130% of the poverty guideline may be eligible for state Day Care funding if your child attends a licensed Day Care. Please contact Director  for more details at 3095 S Towering Pines. Remember, Day Care Centers are the highest needed business in Michigan! Same is true for our beautiful Bay Mills!
 
General Assistance Program
A program that provides cash assistance to the unemployed as well as provides self sufficiency support. You must be a member of the Bay Mills Indian Community and have experienced unemployment/no income for 60 consecutive days. Contact 906-248-2527.
 
Utility Assistance Program
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, facing shut off notices for heat or electricity, Kris Schwiderson or Jason Parker at 906-248-2527 to schedule an appointment to assess your needs and complete support applications.
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Mandated Reporter Training
If you are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults, then you are a mandated reporter. Social Services offers free training and resources on the who, what, when, where and how to report. Contact (906) 248-8560. 
 

Emergency Food Pantry
Everybody needs a little help sometime! A no questions asked program. If you are in need of food and reside in the Bay Mills Indian Community. Pantry is located at Waishkey Center, 12099 W.Lakeshore Dr. Please contact Social Services at (906) 248-8300.
NOTE: This is through the commodities program.
 
Parenting Coach Program
Bay Mills Social Services provides a Parenting Coach Service to provide a parenting education curriculum that is suited for the specific needs of parents. Watch for upcoming community Parenting Education events. For more information contact (906) 248-8564.

Community Family Events:  Watch for upcoming Family Friendly Events!

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