A commitment to community and sustainability
Our mission is to provide a safe environment for adult-led, youth driven after-school programming, tutoring, volunteer opportunities, and social activities which will impact teens so that they become successfully engaged in their families, schools, and communities.
Eaton Rapids Community Alliance
The Eaton Rapids Community Alliance (ERCA) is a community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that initiates and supports projects that promote community connection, health and wellbeing, and the Eaton Rapids legacy.
Eaton Rapids Teen Space
ERCA is the umbrella organization over Teen Space, a community-based teen center founded in 2018 that offers after school programming for youth grades 6-12.
Who We Are
Parents and grandparents of teens, and other interested residents with varied backgrounds in business, public service, health care, teaching, law enforcement, government, and finance.
Our Partners
We are proud partners of the City of Eaton Rapids, Eaton Rapids Public Schools, Eaton Rapids District Library, Eaton Rapids Medical Center, Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham County, Barry-Eaton Health Department, Eaton RESA, Capitol Region Community Foundation, and the State of Michigan.
Our History
ERCA began as the Eaton Rapids Area Teen Initiative (ERATI) in 2016 to research the possibility of starting a teen center in the Eaton Rapids area. In February of 2017, ERATI formed ERCA to handle the legal and financial aspects of starting the teen center.
Community Support
Through hard work and generous donations from citizens and businesses in the area, we have seen our dream come to fruition with the opening of Eaton Rapids Teen Space March 2018.
Program Success
Our primary community project has grown and flourished in attendance and the scope of its programming. We see dozens of local youth every day of the week coming to socialize, do homework, practice instruments, receive free instrument lessons, play games, learn new skills, and more. ERCA is proud of the success of Eaton Rapids Teen Space and hopes it will be an asset for generations to come.
Eaton Rapids Teen Space
Our starting goal was to open and operate a teen center that meets the needs of youth in the Eaton Rapids area. It was our priority to include both adults and teens in our teen center project. We welcomed any interested persons who would like to join us, either on an ongoing basis or to help with specific projects or programs.
In 2018, we met our first goal by opening Teen Space at Union Street Community Center in Eaton Rapids. We hired a director to run the center and work with the advisory board and ERCA on an ongoing basis to develop the center’s programs and policies.
Services & Resources
- A safe, supervised place for teens to go after school hours.
- Physical activity such as basketball, gaga ball, and other activities.
- Homework help and tutoring
- Areas to explore creative activities such as art, music, and crafts.
- Programs for enrichment, life skills, SEL, and STEAM.
- Snacks and cooking classes
Funding Sources
- Grants
- Donations from individuals, businesses, and churches
- Fundraising events and other income-producing activities
Support our Efforts
To Support ERCA and Eaton Rapids Teen Space you can click the button below. Thank you for your generosity!
Eaton Rapids Community Alliance 