Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services

3 Rutland Street

Springfield, MA 01109

About Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLK)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services empowers youth, individuals, and families through programs focused on education, public health, youth leadership, wellness, food access, family support, and economic opportunity. Guided by Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community, we work to create a more equitable and supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Through innovative programs, dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partnerships, we provide resources that help individuals overcome barriers, build skills, and create brighter futures.

Youth Participation:

• Up to 15 students in grades 6-12 per BTO program.

Leadership Roles:

Students elect an Executive Board responsible for meeting planning, note-taking, and social media content. In addition, group members participate in various subgroups throughout the year, including:

• Data
• Event Planning
• Training Facilitators
• Content Creators
• Advocacy

Mental Health Projects:

Each group selects a mental health awareness project from a provided list and collaborates with other youth groups to host awareness events. In addition, they will present their projects to the full YMHC during May and June meetings, as well as host events or workshops for parents/guardians, mentors, and other adults to provide mental health awareness training.

Night Spot:

Night Spot is a free evening youth program that provides a safe, welcoming space for young people to connect, learn, and grow. Held Monday through Friday from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, the program offers leadership development, mentorship, arts, gaming, special events, and advocacy support while helping youth build positive relationships and life skills. Participants can also enjoy Open Gym activities, including basketball on Mondays and Fridays and volleyball on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Night Spot is committed to empowering youth to make positive choices and succeed in school, their careers, and their communities.

HBCU Tour Program:

The HBCU Tour Program prepares and inspires youth to pursue higher education through year-round college readiness activities and an immersive spring break tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Participants build leadership skills, explore college opportunities, receive guidance on financial aid and applications, and connect with students and alumni to help them prepare for academic and personal success.

SEZP Summer Skills Program:

The SEZP Summer Skills Program is a 7-week, stipend-based workforce readiness and career exploration program offered in partnership with the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership and Boston After School & Beyond. Running Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, participants gain hands-on experience through career exploration, leadership development, financial literacy, resume building, workplace readiness, and CPR/First Aid certification to prepare them for future success.

Kings Kid Afterschool Program:

The Kings Kid Afterschool Program provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where youth can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. Participants receive homework support, explore STEM, arts, sports, literacy, and leadership activities, and build confidence through positive mentorship and enriching experiences that promote academic and personal success.