Rootead

Baby Café Open Hours
2025-05-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-10 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Announcing our new Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead!
Thursdays weekly from 10 AM – 12 PM
Our weekly Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead is a new initiative in our community, dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space for chest- and breastfeeding individuals to access professional assistance free of charge, receive unwavering support, and gain access to invaluable resources essential for the success of their journeys. We understand the significance of supporting individuals and their infants during this crucial stage of life, and our mission is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered and supported.
The Baby Café is a walk-in parent support group with lactation professionals present to provide support for baby feeding. This free service is available in partnership with Bronson Health Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Date: Weekly on Thursdays
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Rootead Enrichment Center, 505 East Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 0, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Business Basics Class for Doulas
2025-05-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Business Basics Class for Doulas
*The Business Basics Class for Doulas is offered to current Rootead cohort Doulas only. Not open to the public.
The Doula Business Basics Course is a unique training program designed for doulas who are just starting their doula business. Visioning, launching, and growing a business is a creative act. It necessarily involves getting outside of your comfort zone, the humility to be a novice, and a willingness to learn. The payoff is becoming one of those rare people who loves their job and gets paid for doing work you were born to do, on your own terms. Join us for a highly interactive covering the following topics.

Date: Friday, May 30th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Rootead Enrichment Center, 505 East Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 0, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Village Playdate
2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Are you and your little(s) looking for a fun place to learn and play that focuses on inclusivity and community? Come join the village!
Village Playdates are weekly drop-ins with story time and activities to participate in at no cost.

Village Playdates will be every Wednesday from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at the Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead.

Diaper Giveaway @ Baby Café
2025-06-04 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-11 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-25 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Diaper Giveaway Every Wednesday!
Diaper giveaway will be every Wednesday from 11 AM -1 PM. Come to the Village Playdates and also get free diapers!
Newborn – 4t/ 5t Pull-ups ~ Limited supply, first come first serve!

Village Playdates are weekly drop-ins with story time and activities to participate in at no cost.
Village Playdates will be every Wednesday from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at the Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead.

Open Mic Night
2025-06-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Join us for Open Mic Night!
Creating space for young adults through the healing art of spoken word. Join us every 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:30–9 PM for Open Mic Night! Whether you’re a seasoned poet, first-time performer, or just want to vibe with the community, all are welcome. Tea and water will be provided. In partnership with RAWK.

Featured Artist June 12th: Leslie “Biscuit” Barajas

🎤 Sign-up to perform at the door
🎟️ $5 entry or $2 with student ID

This event is for ages 18+.

CLOSED for Juneteenth Celebration Event
2025-06-14 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Rootead Enrichment Center will be closed on Saturday, June 14th 2025 for our annual Juneteenth Celebration Event!
Join us at Bronson Park from 1PM-7PM for the festivities, and learn more about our Juneteenth Celebration here.

Juneteenth Celebration @ Bronson Park
2025-06-14 13:00 - 19:00 | Bronson Park, 200 Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION!

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025 // 1-7 PM
Where: Bronson Park
Join us for a Juneteenth Celebration, June 14th from 1-7 PM at Bronson Park! We are now accepting registration applications for Volunteers, Sponsors, Food Trucks, and Vendors. This all-day event is expected to draw many people throughout the day, so don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of it!
REGISTER HERE: Juneteenth Registration Form

For any questions about the event please feel free to call us at 269-720-9200 or email: marketing@rootead.org
Pictures from last year’s celebration:

CLOSED for Juneteenth Holiday
2025-06-17 - 2025-06-19 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Rootead Enrichment Center will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday from Tuesday, June 17th – Thursday, June 19th. We will resume regular hours on Friday, June 20th.
Programming will be temporarily paused during this period. Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead will not be running during this period on June 19th.

Blossom Babies Workshop: Breastfeeding Basics
2025-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Announcing Blossom Babies Workshop at Rootead!
Blossom Babies are supportive, educational workshops that prepare expecting and new parents for childbirth and early parenthood.
Participants will gain essential knowledge, practical skills, and emotional support in a welcoming environment. Topics include labor and delivery preparation, coping techniques, postpartum wellness, recognizing and addressing mood changes, and successful breastfeeding strategies. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or looking for a refresher, Blossom Babies offers expert guidance and compassionate care every step of the way.
The workshop includes a 4-course series:

Breastfeeding Basics: Friday, June 20th @ 5:30

Learn the essentials of breastfeeding in this supportive, evidence-based class designed for new and expecting parents. Led by a certified lactation educator, this course covers everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your breastfeeding journey.

Childbirth Education – Part I: Thursday, June 26th @ 5:30
Childbirth Education – Part II: Friday, June 27th @ 5:30

Our childbirth education class is a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to prepare expecting parents for labor, birth and early postpartum period. Taught by experienced and certified educators and doulas, the class emphasizes informed decision making, self-advocacy and culturally responsive care. Participants learn about the stages of labor, birth planning, medical interventions, newborn care, postpartum recovery and more. Classes are in person.

Perinatal & Postpartum Mood Disorder: Thursday, July 10th @ 5:30

REGISTER HERE

Cost:

Clients of our organization: Free of charge
Community members: $25 per class ($60 for the bundle)

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM on dates listed
Location: Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead Enrichment Center, 505 East Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 0, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Youth Summer Camp - Session I
2025-06-23 - 2025-06-27 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
[Update: Session 1, June 23-27th is full. Space still available for other sessions.]
Rootead Summer Camp is for youth ages 5 – 12. (Must have completed Kindergarten) Youth will learn the fundamentals of West African Drum & Dance, make African inspired crafts, & learn mancala! At the end of each session, the youth will share what they learned at a family showcase!

There will be three sessions this year, and the dates are:

Session 1: Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, 9:00am – 4:00pm (SESSION IS FULL)
Session 2: Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Session 3: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Snacks are provided, but youth will need to bring a cold, packed lunch.
The cost of the summer camp is $200/week per child. Scholarships are available.
Registration closes June 20th.

REGISTER HERE

Blossom Babies Workshop: Childbirth Education - Part I
2025-06-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007

Blossom Babies Workshop: Childbirth Education - Part II
2025-06-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007

CLOSED for Independence Day Break
2025-07-03 - 2025-07-05 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Rootead Enrichment Center will be closed for Independence Day Break from Thursday, July 3rd – Saturday, July 5th. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday, July 8th.
Programming will be temporarily paused during this period. Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead will not be running during this period on July 3rd.

Youth Summer Camp - Session II
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-11 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Rootead Summer Camp is for youth ages 5 – 12. (Must have completed Kindergarten) Youth will learn the fundamentals of West African Drum & Dance, make African inspired crafts, & learn mancala! At the end of each session, the youth will share what they learned at a family showcase!

There will be three sessions this year, and the dates are:

Session 1: Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, 9:00am – 4:00pm (SESSION IS FULL)
Session 2: Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Session 3: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Snacks are provided, but youth will need to bring a cold, packed lunch.
The cost of the summer camp is $200/week per child. Scholarships are available.
Registration closes June 20th.

REGISTER HERE

Blossom Babies Workshop: Perinatal + Postpartum Mood Disorder
2025-07-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007

Open Mic Night
2025-07-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Join us for Open Mic Night!
Creating space for young adults through the healing art of spoken word. Join us every 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:30–9 PM for Open Mic Night! Whether you’re a seasoned poet, first-time performer, or just want to vibe with the community, all are welcome. Tea and water will be provided. In partnership with RAWK.

🎤 Sign-up to perform at the door
🎟️ $5 entry or $2 with student ID

This event is for ages 18+.
