Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Ludington has many community services and non-profit organizations whose missions are to help fill the gaps for those in need. Compassion is abundant here as the local residents donate time and money to help support these various causes.
No matter what your denomination is, no matter what your faith is, finding a good place to worship is an important part of life. And in Ludington, it doesn’t matter if you live here, or if you are just traveling through. Churches in the area will make you feel at home and welcome.
The Community Church at 109 N. Harrison St. in Ludington offers their Community Table Free Meals every Tuesday from 4:30-6pm. The meals are free and available to the public.
Originally a program housed by the Ludington Optimists Club, this cause now a stand alone. This charitable organization is dedicated to helping families with a child who is afflicted with cancer. There are many ways in which they accomplish this. Examples are gas cards for long drives to receive care, help with hotel stays, groceries, etc. while the caregivers are off work helping their child recover. To learn more, call (231) 631-7435.
From its inception in 1906 as Paulina Stearns Hospital on north Washington Avenue, to its present location on Ludington Avenue, Corewell Health Ludington Hospital (formerly Spectrum Health) continues its goal of caring for the community.
The hospital continues to expand and upgrade its buildings and services and has over 40 physicians on staff in various areas of medicine. Home Health Care, Rehabilitation, 24-hour emergency department, specialty clinics and more are also offered as part of Spectrum Health.
Corwell Health also offers a Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic where people who feel sick or have minor injuries can get immediate medical attention without an appointment.
The mission of COVE is to provide shelter, protection, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as to educate the community on the root causes of violence. Services are provided in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties to men, women and their children. To donate to COVE or for more information, call (231) 843-2541 or visit their website at callcove.com.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF HELP LEAVING A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SITUATION? CONTACT COVE NOW BY CALLING THEIR 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CRISIS LINE AT 1-800-950-5808.
Hospitality INC (Hospitality In The Name of Christ) is a partial-year homeless shelter and is housed in the basement of the Salvation Army Church- 1101 S. Madison Street in Ludington. Hospitality INC began operating as a traveling homeless shelter in 2009 and has since found it’s permanent home at the church. It provides services 7 days a week from 6pm-8am, November to May of each year. Guests of the shelter will be provided with a bunk bed, dinner, and breakfast; as well as the opportunity to shower, pray with a local church pastor, and utilize a computer with internet to use as a learning center, fill out job applications, or create a resume. The Hospitality INC shelter can be reached by calling (231) 510-4591
Jericho House, located at 912 E. Ludington Ave. in Ludington is a Christian-based organization that provides housing for women in emergency, violent, or at-risk situations; as well as women who have recently been released from incarceration. It’s mission is temporarily housing women so they may focus on themselves while finding jobs, developing a relationship with Christ, and bettering their situations. Jericho House can be reached by calling (231) 843-3044.
Since 2009, the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center has provided a child-centered environment for children and their families who have experienced sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or if a child has been a witness to violence. Through the work of the Lakeshore CAC, a team of child abuse professionals – including social workers, law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical examiners, and mental health professionals – are brought together to provide a coordinated response that best meets the needs of the child and family. The organization serves Mason & Manistee Counties and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. For more information, click here.
The Ludington and Scottville Branches of the Mason County District Library are dedicated to providing a vast array of educational, fun, free programs to our communities. In addition to regularly scheduled programs, they frequently host special events for both kids and adults. All events/programs at the Mason County District Libraries are free.
Staircase Youth Services is a community outreach program that has been in existence since 1979. The organization provides youth and family intervention services in Mason, Lake, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties. Staircase staff seeks to bring guidance, support, and hope to those who utilize their services. Staircase provides services which are free of charge, confidential, voluntary, and community-based. Services provided include:
Staircase Youth Services is located at 5880 W. US 10, Ludington. Call them at (231) 843-3200 or at their 24 hour hotline: 1-888-267-6086.
The United Way of Mason County is committed to mobilizing the caring power of individuals and organizations to strengthen our community. This is accomplished through powerful partnerships which work tirelessly to accomplish community goals together. Local programs that are currently funded by the United Way of Mason County include:
Yada Yada is a non-profit resale store that directly benefits the general fund of Covenant Christian School in Ludington. The store opened in 2010. The store seeks to serve the community with excellence and offer only quality items that are clean and in good condition. Its staff members strive to be neat, clean, friendly, and available to minister love and hope to anyone in need.
The Lakeshore Pyrate Head Club, previously known as the Lakeshore Parrothead Club, was formed in 2002 by Don and Deb Harris from Baldwin, and is now run by Phil & Becky Riggs. Their motto is “Party with a Purpose,” and that’s exactly what they do- have a good time while helping others. Anyone who’s heard the “BOOM” from their ship cannon is keenly aware the pirates are nearby. Their signature event each year is the Buccaneer Bash, held at the Ludington Boat Club, and the Alzheimer’s Association is the cause they mainly raise money for.
The Ludington Area Jaycees is a non-profit organization for individuals 21-40 years of age seeking leadership, social opportunities, personal and professional development, and community involvement. They take pride in making the community a better place to live through their many fundraising projects and involvements. One of the most notable and popular events hosted by the club is their annual 4th of July Freedom Festival in downtown Ludington. The club also owns and manages the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, a business that contributes 30% of it’s profits annually to other community organizations and causes. For more information on membership in the Ludington Area Jaycees or their events, visit ludingtonareajaycees.org.
4-H is the largest youth mentoring and development organization in the United States and nationally, has worked to better the lives of 6 million young people. The programs offered by the organization are research-based and empower youth through camps, clubs, after-school and school enrichment programs. Locally, Mason County’s 4-H Program has been in operation for over 100 years and has touched the lives of many youth throughout that time. The motto of 4-H is “to make the best better” and the program teaches kids values, skills, and a strong work ethic. 4-H is run through the MSU Extension Office. For more information, contact (231) 845-3362 or visit canr.msu.edu/mason/4-h/.
Is gardening a major part of your life? Or are you someone who would like to gain more knowledge of gardening? The Mason County Garden Club is a great program to get involved in to gain gardening experience, volunteer, make some new friends, and just have a good time. The Mason County Garden Club has regular meetings March through October on the 4th Thursday of the month, and the 3rd Thursday in November. Meeting Location is at 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington, MI. To learn more about membership benefits as well as membership responsibilities and community activities visit masoncountygardenclub.org.
The Optimist Club of Ludington strives to “bring out the best in kids”. Members are offered the opportunity to mentor students and work hard to provide positive and safe experiences to children in the community. The group believes that by combining their optimism, they will be able to create a positive affect within the community. Their programs include:
The club meets every Tuesday at Noon at the American Legion Club- 318 N. James St., Ludington. For more information, find them on Facebook.
The Win With Wellness Program, in partnership with area schools, has created a Fit Club to encourage elementary-age students to develop a love of health and fitness through numerous programs. The Fit Club program is designed to increase knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices; offer opportunities for physical fitness; encourage teamwork, goal setting, and sportsmanship; utilize school physical education programs to offer fitness measurements; track students’ Body Mass Index; and provide educational opportunities on relevant health topics. Programs include:
The first to settle in what is now Ludington were the Ottawa Tribe. The Caswell family were the first white settlers in 1847.
No matter your religion or beliefs, there is a place of worship for everyone in and around Ludington. See our comprehensive list here.
Move to Ludington, Living Here is Great! Take it from the locals, there’s no finer place to work or live than Ludington.
Ludington has many organizations that are dedicated to the health, well-being, and population control of domesticated pets.
Sandcastles Children’s Museum with it’s four floors of fun and a party room, is the perfect place to host your child’s next birthday party!
Ludington home & garden businesses can help beautify your indoor and outdoor spaces. Consult with one to create your dream home today!
Epworth is a summer resort with a 127-year history. This gated community has activities for both members and the public.
Friends of Ludington State Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wise use and conservation of the Ludington State Park.
The Stage Left Theatre Company strives to provide a variety of theatre experiences to the community and acting opportunities to all ages.
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
The Father Jacques Marquette Shrine marks where Father Marquette died in 1675. It’s a peaceful setting on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington.
In the last few years, the community of Ludington has decided to start making history with attempts at breaking world records.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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