SUMMER 2022
GRAND RAPIDS
VOL 15
FAMILY FUN GUIDE
Summer Camp Finder
ON PAGE 24
GR’s BEST BIZ LIST FOR 2022 check out page 16
DAY TRIP TO
Michigan’s Adventure ON PAGE 14
GRAND RAPIDS
KIDS
P U BLI C AT I ON
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GRAND RAPIDS
KIDS
2022
Your HHC Doctors:
We are driven by faith. Proven by results. Creating an extraordinary experience. We can help with: Frequent Colds ADD/ADHD Behavior Challenges Concentration Migraine Headaches Depression Sports Performance Colic
Breastfeeding Issues Constipation Sleep Issues Ear Infections Anxiety Headaches Sinus Issues & Allergies Stomach Issues
Dr. Erik Kowalke Dr. Marc DeMeester Dr. Katie DeMeester Dr. John Deyo Dr. William Booker Our family has been going to Higher Health for 4 years! We have all experienced benefits like less sickness, more mobility, shorter/fewer colds. The list goes on and on. The doctors truly care about your health. Love this place! - April S.
1027 Gezon Parkway SW, Wyoming | 180 Baldwin St, Suite 101, Jenison
GetHigherHealth.com // 616-301-8300
Warm days and sunny skies are here! Jump into a lake, listen to the crackle of a campfire, hike a new trail, soak up that vitamin D and embrace the slower pace of summer in the mitten state. Here are a few favorite ways to spend these precious summer days: - Find new animal friends at Places to Get Close to Animals - Chase thrills for a day at Michigan’s Adventure - Fore! Learn the Ins & Outs of Golf at Junior Golf Camp - Make new friends at a Summer Camp - Celebrate summer birthdays with a specialty cake from local bakers We can’t wait to see you out living Michigan summer to its fullest with us this season! Cover image: Michigan’s Adventure
Team GRKIDS Melody VanderWeide Publisher
April Hunt Content Editor
Leanne Hendrikse Content Manager
Christie Tidd Graphic Designer
FIND US ONLINE grkids.com Facebook.com/grkids Instagram.com/grkids grkids.com/daily
The Grand Rapids Family Fun Guide is published two times per year by Grand Rapids Kids in Grand Rapids, MI. ©2022 Grand Rapids Kids, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement. GRKIDS.COM 3
IN THIS ISSUE 07 COOLEST CAKE CREATORS 08 BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE
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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
10
GET CLOSE TO ANIMALS
12
ZOO COMPARISON
14
MICHIGAN'S ADVENTURE DAY TRIP
16
BEST THINGS IN GRAND RAPIDS
22
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
24
SUMMER CAMP FINDER
29
UNIQUE LOCAL DAY CAMPS
30
GET INTO GOLF
You can Ride!
Legacy Stables
www.LegacyHorses.com Caledonia, MI 616-570-1106
where the fun never ends! Silver Lake sand dunes 231-873-2511
Muskegon us-31 & Pontaluna Rd. 231-798-4963
4 west mi locations
Holland us-31 & chicago dr. 616-392-7300
Grand Rapids US 131 & 54th St. 616-530-2900
craigscruisers.com GRKIDS.COM
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#AD
PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS OF WEST MICHIGAN
DR. STEPHANIE KLOOSTRA AND DR. KATIE SWANSON ARE BOTH TOP 10 DENTISTS AS VOTED BY GRKIDS READERS! Dr. Stephanie Kloostra and Dr. Katie Swanson 2155 East Paris Ave SE, Ste 120, Grand Rapids www.pdsofwestmi.com / 616-608-8898
Dr. Katie and Dr. Stephanie are board certified pediatric dental specialists trained in child development and behavior enhancement to treat children from infancy to adolescence. The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists creates a warm and inviting environment as they tailor treatments for each child.
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Preventative, restorative, laser and sedation services available Certified by the American Board of Laser Surgery Laser frenectomy treatment for lip and tongue ties Advanced education for treating children from birth, including those with special health care needs "Every detail has been carefully thought out to make this not just your average dentist. Truly a one of a kind practice! My daughter keeps asking when she can go back. So happy we found this place!”
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
The Coolest
Cake Creators
IN WEST MI
The perfect birthday party needs the perfect birthday cake. These local bakeries will whip up something special for your celebration.
THE CAKABAKERY | THECAKABAKERY.COM
919 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids 616-319-1611 82 W 8th St, Holland 616-392-3258 Specializes in themed cakes, vegan & gluten free, dessert displays
CONNIE’S CAKES | ILOVECONNIESCAKES.COM
1416 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids 616-455-6214 Specializes in custom designed cakes
DREAMSCAPE DESSERTS | DREAMSCAPEDESSERTS.COM 3448 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park 616-930-4030 Specializes in cupcakes, sheet & custom cakes
RYKE’S BAKERY | RYKES.COM
Locations in Grand Haven, Muskegon & Holland 231-726-2253 Specializes in cupcakes, sheet & custom cakes
VAN’S PASTRY SHOP | VANSPASTRY.COM
955 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids 616-458-1637 Specializes in sheet cakes
Scan here for more Grand Rapids Birthday Cake Artisans GRKIDS.COM
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Birthday Party Guide Celebrating birthdays is one of of our favorite things to do with kids, but planning a kid’s birthday party can be a big task. Busy parents know that booking a local venue for your next birthday party can make all of the difference in the party planning process. The following local birthday party venues make planning your kid's next bash a breeze. Scan to open the Birthday Party Guide
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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
Birthday Party Guide ULTIMATE
BIRTHDAY PARTY DESTINATION ALTITUDEGR.COM
2978 28th St. SE Grand Rapids
616-200-6956
grandrapids@catchairparty.com Catch Air Grand Rapids
FUN, SAFE, UNIQUE, DYNAMIC, AND INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES: bounce houses, dance parties, giant three story soft play castle, interactive toys, and lots more. GRKIDS.COM
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PLACES TO GET
detroit zoo
CLOSE TO ANIMALS Get wild with lions, tigers, bears and more this summer at our favorite animal spots.
Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek Meet animals from around the world at this 400+ acre zoo including creatures at their expansive Wild Africa exhibit.
Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
8313 Pratt Lake SE, Alto Hand feed giraffes, go on a wild safari tour, and hang with the parakeets in their large aviary. Or head over to their brand new rhino habitat!
John Ball Zoo
1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids The ultimate zoo experience, at JBZ kids can get close to and learn about so many animals, and also participate in many hands-on expereicnes like camel riding, feeding budgies and brushing goats in the petting zoo.
Fellinlove Farm
6364 144th Ave, Holland Fall in love with ponies, rabbits, hedgehogs, pigs, goats and more at this farm. With many opportunities to interact with all kinds of animals, your kids will love to visit!
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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo
4180 West M-20, New Era Encounter camels, alpacas, miniature horses, sloths, armadillos, parakeets, wallabies and prairie dogs at this zoo.
Detroit Zoo
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak Discover over 2,100 animals at this 125 acre barless zoo, including giant apes, majestic rhinos and an incredible aviary. Don't miss the world-renowned Polk Penguin Conservation Center or the inspiring Arctic Ring of Life. And no visit is complete without a photo op at the historic Rackham Fountain!
Deer Tracks Junction
7850 14 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs Get close to creatures like deer, goats, bunnies and pigs. Pet and feed their reindeer, elk, and yaks on the Wildlife Safari and end your visit at the ice cream shop.
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
1698 M-66, Athens Check out hundreds of rescued reptiles such as alligators, tortoises, lizards, and even birds and fish.
Scan code for over 25 animal farms and petting zoos in West Michigan
ZOO COMPARISON BINDER PARK ZOO
Detroit zoo
JOHN BALL ZOO
Location
7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak
1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids
DISTANCE FROM GR
1.5 hours
2.5 hours
Local
SIZE
430 acres
125 acres
140 acres
# OF ANIMALS
500
2100
1180
# OF sPECIES
140
230
230
AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISIT
4-5 hours
5-6 hours
4-5 hours
ANIMAL HABITATS
Wild Africa, North America, Zoorassic Park
African Forest + Grassland, American Grassland, Arctic, Antarctic, Asian Forest, Austrialian Outback
Africa, North America, South America, Arctic
CAN’T MISS ANIMALS
Giraffes, Cheetahs, Giant Tortoise, Snow Leopard
Polar Bears, Apes, Penguins, River Otters
Tigers, Red Pandas, Grizzly Bears, Wallabees
TOP 3 ATTRACTIONS
1. Life-sized Brachiosaurus Statue 2. Carousel 3. Giraffe Feeding
1. Carousel 2. Tauber Family Railroad 3. Rackham Fountain
1. Petting Zoo 2. Penguin Feeding 3. Parakeet Aviary
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
Playground, Overnight Experiences
4-D Theater, Playground, Animal Encounters
Ropes Course, Zipline, Funicular, Gift Shop, Playgrounds + Play Zones
on-site food options
Kalahari Kitchen Restaurant, picnic areas
Buddy’s Pizza, American Coney Island, and more
Multiple food vendors inside the park
MEMBERSHIP
Individual: $67 Family: $97
Individual: $77 Family: $127
Individual: $67 Family: $130
2022 HIGH SEASON admission rates
Adults: $15.75 Seniors (65+): $14.75 Children (2-10): $13.75
Adults: $22 Seniors (65+): $18 Children (2-18): $18 Parking: $8
Adults: $19 Seniors (62+): $15 Children (3-12): $15
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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
Midland
A DAY TRIP AT
Michigan’s Adventure
ADVENTURE PARK HIGHLIGHTS + Kids love Camp Snoopy, the Carousel, and Timbertown Railway + Five wild rides for Thrill Seekers: Corkscrew, RipCord, Shivering Timbers, Thunderhawk, & Wolverine Wildcat + 53 Rides & Experiences
WILDWATER ADVENTURE WATER PARK FAVORITES + + + + +
Lazy River Swan Paddle Boat Wave Pool Funnel of Fear, a 63 feet tall tornado slide “Beach Party” splash zone
Cover image: Michigan’s Adventure
TICKET DEALS! Scan here.
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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
1. CONSIDER PACKAGES Hoping to visit a few times this summer? Then a season pass will be a good option. Or gather a group together for a day trip and earn bundle pricing.
2. DOWNLOAD THE MICHIGAN’S ADVENTURE APP BEFORE YOU GO FOR: + Height/weight restriction info for rides + Ride status info and wait times + Park map with routes
3. PLANNING MAKES A DIFFERENCE + Arrive early to hit the more popular rides before the wait times increase. + Confirm hours of operation. These vary throughout the season and differ between the waterpark and amusement park. + Get a Parent Swap Pass at the Group Sales office to avoid waiting in line twice if you have littles that cannot go on bigger rides.
4. DRESS FOR BOTH PARKS Wear rash guards, swim shorts and swimsuits to explore the theme park first. For babies and toddlers, plan on water shoes, life jackets and extra swim diapers at WildWater Adventure, as they are required.
5. FOOD OPTIONS There are many options available inside the parks, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and other allergen-friendly choices, too. Whether you crave a cold smoothie or bratwurst from a buffet, Michigan’s Adventure has it. Coolers are not allowed in the park but re-entry is, so another option is to pack a lunch and tailgate in the parking lot.
GRAND RAPIDS
KIDS
BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS Grandtastic 2022
Each year GR Families vote on their favorites around West Michigan. Here is this year’s best of the best in Grand Rapids!
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Museum // Grand Rapids Public Museum Indoor Play Venue // Craig’s Cruisers Animal Experience/Attraction // John Ball Zoo Corn Maze // Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery Corn Maze Birthday Party Venue // John Ball Zoo
TRAVEL Disney Vacation Planner // Jennifer Witham Buck (Love the Mouse Travel) Michigan Waterpark // Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark Michigan Vacation City // Traverse City Michigan Family Resort // Boyne Mountain Resort West MI Staycation Hotel for Families // Double JJ Resort Waterpark West MI Downtown for Families // Grand Rapids 16
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
SUCCESS for STRUGGLING or DYSLEXIC INDIVIDUALS Reading, Writing and Math Tutoring for Children and Adults
GRAND RAPIDS, TROY & ONLINE READINGSUCCESSPLUS.COM 833.229.1112
GRKIDS READERS VOTED #1 HOME INSURANCE AGENT
GRAND RAPIDS
KIDS
DATE NIGHT DESTINATIONS
BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS
Distillery // Long Road Distillers
Grandtastic 2022
Date Night Take Out // Amore Trattoria Italiana West MI Romantic Night Stay // Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Romantic Restaurant // Amore Trattoria Italiana Place for Good Beer // Founders Brewing Co. Place for a Glass of Wine // Reserve Wine and Food Place for Cocktails // Butchers Union Place for Dessert // Cheesecake Factory
BEAUTY Mommy & Me Pedicure // A Charmed Life Nail Salon - Rockford Massage // The Woodhouse Day Spa - Grand Rapids Ear Piercing for Kids // Screaming Needle Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios Haircuts for Kids // Cookie Cutters 18
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
Come to HIS Dance for a ...
STAY’CATION hisdance.org 2715 29 th St SE Grand Rapids
(616)-667-2514 • www.thegoldenfile.com 7501 Cottonwood Dr. Jenison, MI 49428
GRAND RAPIDS
KIDS
SHOPPING + SERVICES
BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS
Attorney // Tim Alles (Alles Law)
Grandtastic 2022
Financial Planner // Kurt Faasse (RSC Advisors) Home Insurance Agent // Alex Briggs (White & Associates) Tutoring/Academic Support // Sylvan Learning of Grand Rapids Car Detailing Service // Breton Auto Wash Home Organizing Service // Skinny House Overnight Camp // Camp Henry Realtor // Paul Spica (Spica Real Estate) Kids Money Program // Lake Michigan Credit Union Photographer // Kara Hanes Photography Daycare // Milestones Child Development Center
LESSONS Dance Studio // Rockford Dance Company Music Lessons // Academy of Music in Grand Rapids Swimming Lessons (TIE) // Goldfish Swim School & Julie’s Swim School Youth Sports Training // SpartanNash YMCA Art Instruction for Kids // The Mud Room Gymnastics Lessons // For the Kidz Gymnastics Martial Arts Studio // Carlson Gracie Grand Rapids 20
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
PETS Pet Boarding // Countryside Kennels Pet Resort & Spa Pet Groomer // Countryside Kennels Pet Resort & Spa Pet Store // Chowhound Pet Trainer/Obedience School // A Pleasant Dog Veterinarian (TIE) // Dr. Heather Haskins (Standale Veterinary Hospital) & Dr. Rebecca Kursch (South Kent Veterinary Hospital)
Learn More About Us www.gildenwoods.com
GRKIDS.COM
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Sleeping Bear Dunes NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located along the northwest shores of Lake Michigan, is an American treasure. It is a must visit for all Michiganders for its: - majestic lake vistas - sweeping dune panoramas - crystal clear rivers - emerald-colored inland lakes - islands - hiking trails over dunes and through hardwood forest
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS The park comprises the Platte River District to the south and the Leelanau District to the north. In the middle are Empire, South Manitou Island and North Manitou Island.
This is in a remote part of Michigan where cell service is spotty. There are small markets and the occasional gas station but be prepared to bring most items from home. 22
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
The small village of Empire is home to the visitor’s center and is a great place to start your adventure. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 9922 W Front St, Empire
Dune Climb | 6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor This is a giant sand dune to run up and down. It leads to a trail out to Lake Michigan. For younger kids, avoid the hike and instead climb the dune to the lookout bench (left side of the dune) and be rewarded with Lake Michigan and Glen Lake views. Empire Bluff Trail | Wilco Rd, Empire It’s an out-and-back 1.5-mile hike that starts with a climb and then takes you over a rolling, wooded pathway. Once you reach the Lake Michigan overlook, there’s a boardwalk with great photo ops all around.
The Platte River Campground is a lovely wooded campground with sites spaced far enough apart for privacy. There are hot showers and RV hookups. Reservations open six months prior to your visit’s start date.
Scan to open the Sleeping Bear Dunes Guide GRKIDS.COM
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SUMMER CAMP FINDER SCAN FOR MORE CAMPS
SCHOOL AGE SUMMER CAMP (Ages 6-10 years old)
www.gildenwoods.com XÃĜê˘^ĉàĆĉĀÃĦ˘ àÃæêĥž
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SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS
JUNE 13 – JULY 29, 2022
SCIENCECAMP@HOPE.EDU HOPE.EDU/EXPLORE 24
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
SUMMER CAMP FINDER
Come to HIS Dance for a ...
STAY’CATION hisdance.org • 2715 29th St SE, GR
Weekly Overnight Camps Ages 6-17 June 12th - July 22nd
Register Online at www.CampGreenwood.org
GRKIDS.COM
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SUMMER CAMP FINDER
ARTS CAMP
interlochen.org/camp
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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
SUMMER CAMP FINDER
gust 19 June 13–Au
know You never l get into! what you’l
The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Day Camp is a Christian camp, licensed through the State of Michigan, offering children ages 5–12 the opportunity to engage in fun–filled activities in a safe and positive environment. Campers will experience a week full of age–appropriate activities including arts & crafts, sports, games, music, swimming, slip & slide, Bible activities, field trips, and more! Monday–Friday: 9 AM–4 PM*
*Extended care available for an additional cost.
Members: $145/week Non-members: $170/week
Get more details and register for camp online at GrKrocCenter.org.
2500 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | Phone: 616.588.7200
GRKIDS.COM
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SUMMER CAMP FINDER
youth + families camps
Register Today!
Equpping Youth and Families
for lives of reconciliation
in God’s World 616-452-7906 | www.tallturf.org 28
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
UNIQUE LOCAL DAY CAMPS Help your kids experience outside of the box adventure by enrolling them at one of these unique summer camps in our area. GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM - artmuseumgr.org/summer-art-camp Inspire creativity with camps that explore the museum’s inspirational galleries and teach printmaking, painting, sculpture and photography.
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION vaei.vai.org/student-programs/summer-camp Kid scientists get hands-on here, digging into interactive investigations focusing on fossils, space and animals.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF WEST MICHIGAN hswestmi.org/youth-camps.html Art projects and games help your animal lover gain a deeper understanding of animal welfare, animal training, and more.
BATTLEGR - battlegr.com
Archery tag, basketball, volleyball, laser tag, futsal, and a myriad of other energy-burning day camp activities will keep your kids entertained and engaged all day long at BattleGR.
AMPED VIRTUAL REALITY - ampedrealityvr.com/summer-camp
Gear your kids up for STEM fun like 3D printing, robotics, coding, and educational VR.
DAIRY DISCOVERY - swisslanefarms.com/camps
Kids will live like a modern dairy farmer at Dairy Discovery Day Camp! Farm chores, training and caring for their calf, and participating in a calf show are all on the farm-fun agenda.
Scan for all 2022 West MI Camps:
GRKIDS.COM
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GET INTO GOLF
West Michigan offers many options to get your youngster into golf. We’ve got the answers to your top golf questions.
When Do Kids Start Playing Golf? Some golf lessons start as young as age four, but most kids are a little older. How Much Does Golf for Kids Cost? Programs vary in length, duration, and cost. Junior Golf fees usually include instruction and range balls. Tournament fees are additional. Instruction fees and program fees can range from $5 for a scholarship program through the First Tee up, to several hundred dollars. What Equipment is Needed? Golf clubs and a golf bag. (Some pee wee programs provide equipment for kids.) Golf shoes are not a requirement but can be helpful. Beginners wearing athletic shoes will do just fine. What are Junior Golf Leagues Like? Most local programs are held at a single golf course. If your player progresses, he or she will travel between local golf courses. School sports teams travel between cities to play other school teams. PGA JR League is an option for summer play with a home golf course, practices, and some travel to other courses for competition. Registration for these teams ends in May or early June. 30
GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Summer 2022
First Tee Golf Lessons for Kids First Tee of West Michigan makes golf accessible to any kid while teaching character development. Any students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch at school are eligible for the $5 scholarship rate.
GOLF LESSONS FOR KIDS MAPLE HILL GOLF 5555 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville
• Junior Golf Lessons, First Tee Program • Grades K-12
ARROWHEAD GOLF COURSE 2170 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell • Junior Golf League • Grades K-8
CASCADE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 3725 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids • Junior Golf Lessons • Grades K-12
RAILSIDE GOLF CLUB 2500 76th St SW, Byron Center
• Junior Golf Lessons, Junior Golf League • Grades K-12
TYLER WONG GOLF @ INDIAN TRAILS 2776 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids • Junior Golf Lessons, First Tee Program • Preschool-Grade 12
Scan for more local junior golf programs.
GRKIDS.COM
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MI ABLE
MiABLE is a savings and investment program offered by the state of Michigan that empowers people with disabilities and their families.
With MiABLE, you can plan and save for your child’s future expenses.
The bonus? MiABLE does not jeopardize insurance benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, or the beneficiary's employment.
BENEFITS OF MIABLE Allows family members, guardians & powers of attorney to open and manage an account on behalf of a disabled person. Savings can pay for a wide range of expenses such as education, housing, transportation, medical costs, employment training, assistive technology and personal support services. Access funds at any time. Savings grow tax-free and distributions—including any earnings—are not taxed if used for qualified disability expenses. Michigan state income taxpayers can claim up to a $5,000 deduction for single filers and $10,000 for joint filers for MiABLE contributions.
Learn more about MiABLE at savewithable.com
#AD
