about us
Grassroots Groundwork was started in March of 2024 to address unmet needs in the greater Lansing, MI area. GG is rooted in principles commonly woven into mutual aid practices and the organization believes every person is capable of achieving health goals.
We are fiscally sponsored through
The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing.
Our Mission
Grassroots Groundwork was created to provide support and sustainable solutions to the greater Lansing area for the purpose of addressing physical, social, and mental health needs that exist due to gaps in the health and human services continuum.
We believe
- Individuals are the experts of their own needs
- Groups are the experts of their own needs
- Providers and resources exist to meet those needs
- Every person is capable of reaching health goals
- Institutions and influential people have the power to fill gaps in unmet community needs and resolve issues related to marginalization
Our personal and professional experiences have led us to understand that barriers both small and large prevent even the most basic healing.
In our own practices, we are committed to applying a Health in All Policies approach to ensuring the work we do is both internally free of barriers and created to address the barriers complicating locals’ ability to recover. That is why we provide both direct services and services meant to address broader issues.
Our team
Meet the founders
Our team is made up of passionate peers and advocates dedicated to breaking down barriers to health and healing. Together, we bring lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to helping the Lansing community thrive.
Frances Kanous
Peer Support Specialist, Community Health Worker
Founder and Executive Director of Grassroots Groundwork
Frances has a background in mental health and substance use Peer Support. She has also participated in several mutual aid and advocacy efforts in the greater Lansing area.
Rob Kanous
Peer Support Specialist, Peer Recovery Coach
Director of Training and Outreach
Rob has a background in mental health and substance use Peer Support. He also runs a successful recovery group started in 2022 and helps facilitate community activities that promote healing from trauma.
Support Grassroots
Interested in supporting our mission? The area we need the most support is for our project, The Nest. Visit our facebook page or donation page to help us reach our programmatic goals.
Grassroots Groundwork is fiscally sponsored though The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. All donations are tax deductible.