Ludington Community Services

Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Table of Contents

Ludington is a compassionate community with services that help those in need.

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.

Resources for Pet Owners

Community Cats TNR

Community Cats TNR is a group of volunteers, caregivers, and veterinarians working in the City of Ludington and Mason County to reduce and stabilize the number of free-roaming, abandoned, homeless, feral cats through a humane program known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). The group was formed in 2012.

Community Cats TNR volunteers meet with caregivers, assess the size, age, and health of their cats, provide them with information on how the program works, show them how to safely and successfully trap the cats, and how to care for cats before and after surgery. A veterinary appointment is then scheduled and volunteers help trap the cats the day before surgery. On the morning of surgery, cats are transported to the clinic and then returned them to the caregiver after surgery.

Two local veterinarians make time in their surgery schedules for Community Cats – Country Vet Clinic, and Animal Hospital of Ludington. After surgery, cats are cared for in the traps either by the caregiver, or by a TNR volunteer. Males are generally released the next day and females are generally kept for three days. Kittens over three pounds (about 10+ weeks old) can be spayed/neutered.

For more information on Community Cats TNR, call (231) 845-9312 or visit communitycatstnr.org.

Fixing Furry Friends

Fixing Furry Friends seeks to prevent cruelty to animals and provide relief to suffering animals. The group provides certificates to Mason County residents who have dogs and cats to help assist with the cost of spay/neuter.

The group was founded in 2001 and believes that spaying/neutering pets makes for a calmer, healthier and happier pet for the owner. There is also less worry about placing and feeding unwanted puppies and kittens and fewer stray cats and dogs roaming the community.

For more information on Fixing Furry Friends, call (231) 757-9219 or visit fixingfurryfriends.org.

Lakeshore Animal Friends

Founded in 1992, Lakeshore Animal Friends is a non-profit organization that works to find safe, happy, permanent homes for displaced animals that come through Mason County Animal Control. The group pays for spay/neuter for all animals that are adopted from Animal Control and also provides foster care for animals facing euthanasia.

Animals adopted through the group are up to date on vaccinations, flea treatments, and are spay/neutered if old enough. They are also treated for any medical attention that is needed and dogs are tested for heartworm and put on preventative medication. Cats are FIV/FeLV tested, as well.

The group has been in existence since 1992 and works closely with Mason County Animal Control, providing many of their necessities. The group is seeking volunteers, foster homes, and donations to support their cause.

For more information on Lakeshore Animal Friends, call (231) 843-1414, visit petfinder.com.

Mason County Mutts

The Mason County Mutts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2015. The group’s prime purpose is to work on community oriented projects, education and animal welfare. The group volunteers at the local animal control, as well as rescues and fosters animals. Donations received by the group go towards furthering their efforts with rescue, medical care, food, education materials, community projects and any other expenses incurred in our attempt to help as many local animals as possible.

For more information on the Mason County Mutts, visit facebook.com.

Mason County PAWS

Mason County PAWS, formerly the Second Chance Humane Society, was founded in 2015 and is a non-profit whose mission it is to end companion pet homelessness in Mason County and to provide an alternative to the euthanasia of healthy, treatable, and adoptable animals. Their primary goal is to open a “no-kill” animal shelter in Mason County.

The group rescues at-risk dogs and cats from Animal Control and provides age appropriate vaccinations, worm medicine, flea treatment, spay/neutering, medical vet care, enrichment, adequate exercise, training, and socialization for animals in their foster program before those animals are adopted into “furever” homes. The group also helps abandoned, displaced, and unwanted companion animals when necessary.

For more information on Mason County PAWS, call (231) 757-9219 or masoncountypaws.org

Mason County Animal Control

Mason County Animal Control is located at 305 N. Meyers Rd. in Ludington. They are open on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9am-12pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 3-6pm. They may be reached at (231) 843-8644 or animalcontrol@masoncounty.net.

Those who find lost or stray animals should contact animal control first and they will notify the appropriate agency.

More Community Services

Area Churches

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.

Childhood Cancer Campaign

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.

Corewell Health Ludington Hospital

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. 

COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters)

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 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

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.

Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center

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.

Mason County District Libraries in Ludington & Scottville

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.

Mason County Fairgrounds

Think the fairgrounds are just for the fair? Not here in Ludington! The Mason County Fairgrounds gets plenty of use in the summertime, one of our favorite seasons here along the lakeshore. The 185-acre site where the fairgrounds and airport are now located was farmland purchased in 1935 from Charles G. Wing. The first fair in Mason County was held in 1936, and the fair has been held each year with the exception of during WWII.

Staircase Youth Services

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:

  • At-Risk and Runaway Services
  • Homeless Services
  • Youth Advocacy
  • Prevention Programs

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.

United Way of Mason County

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:

  • 2-1-1 Information System (a partnership with District Health Department #10
  • Mason County Government
  • West Shore Educational Service District
  • Michigan Works West Central)
  • Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Gerald R. Ford Council – Boy Scouts of America
  • Scottville Area Senior Center
  • Mason County Central Meals on Wheels,
  • Ludington Area Senior Center
  • COVE
  • Staircase Youth Services

Yada Yada Resale Shop

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. Read more about Yada Yada Resale here.

Organizations & Clubs

Lakeshore Pyrate Head Club

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.

Ludington Area Jaycees

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.

Mason County 4-H Club

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/.

Mason County Garden Club

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

Optimist Club of Ludington

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:

  • Reach-Out-and-Read Program Partner
  • Youth Chess Tournament
  • Jr. Golf Tournament
  • OSCAR Reading/Mentoring Program for 3rd Graders at Foster Elementary School
  • Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
  • Senior Prom Sponsor
  • Junior Billiard League Sponsor
  • Sponsor of Christmas Presents for DHS Foster Children
  • Bike Rodeo
  • Monthly Outstanding Senior Program

The club meets every Tuesday at Noon at the American Legion Club- 318 N. James St.,  Ludington. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Win With Wellness Club

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:

  • Online Miles Tracker
  • After School Programs on Wednesdays from 4-5pm at the Scottville Library and Thursdays from 4-5pm at the Ludington Library
  • Oceana County Winter Wellness Program
  • State Street Mile Fun Run/Walk in Hart
  • Snow Scram 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run in Pentwater
  • Free Friday Fitness Classes at Ludington Crossfit on various days

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