FLINT, Michigan — Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Fam Jam event happening on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franklin Avenue Mission (FAM) (2210 N. Franklin Avenue). The all-ages Christian family extravaganza will be hosted by the
Flint Mission Network on the city’s east side.
Fam Jam will feature a wide range of activities, including games, face painting, t-shirt art, and a free bike raffle. The event will provide refreshments such as ice cream, hot dogs, chips, and cookies. Entertainment will be handled by community partners such as Mars Davis, Shanta Smith, DJ Smuvi, Bit-No-G with the Big Moves Hype Squad, Joe Brown-TBAR, and Reverend Dietrich Gladden.
For those into sports, a basketball court will be available, and everyone is welcome to join and have fun. Flintside spoke with Shannon Liddell of the Franklin Avenue Mission to discuss what people can expect at this year's Fam Jam.
Flintside: Can you tell our readers who the Franklin Avenue Mission is and what they do?
Shannon Liddell: “Franklin Avenue Mission has been striving to be God’s hands and feet, assisting our neighbors since 2016. Franklin Avenue Mission (FAM) provides community members [with] up to 125 meals each day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, emergency pantry supplies, monthly personal supplies, emergency clothing supplies, a children’s program, Taking Jesus to the Streets program, and church services.”
Flintside: How did the Flint Mission Network get its start?
S. Liddell: “In 2021, Franklin Avenue Mission partnered with Mercy House, The Luke Clinic, and York Avenue Mission, expanding as the Flint Mission Network. Mercy House provides housing for mothers and children. The Luke Clinic provides free prenatal care and infant care.”
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"What started as a Christian music festival quickly expanded to give the entire family the opportunity to enjoy a day of music, refreshments, games, and crafts." - Shannon LiddellFlintside: This is the 3rd Annual Fam Jam. What inspired you all to put on a family-friendly event like this?
S. Liddell: “Bringing hope and light to our neighbors is what we do and want to be known for. What started as a Christian music festival quickly expanded to give the entire family the opportunity to enjoy a day of music, refreshments, games, and crafts. As quoted by Pastor Christian Jones earlier this year, “I can think of no better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop than with Flint’s MCs and DJs proclaiming the gospel to the neighborhood through music.”
Flintside: The Fam Jam has continued for years. What do you all feel the goal and mission of this event is?
S. Liddell: “To provide a family-friendly afternoon of gospel music and fun. How wonderful to see the children’s eyes light up while participating in games, enjoying an ice cream, or getting their faces painted.”
Flintside: If people have questions or want to partner for next year’s Fam Jam, who can they contact?
S. Liddell: “Contact Shannon or Audrey at Franklin Avenue Mission Inc. at 810-285-9598.”
Franklin Avenue Mission is located at 2210 N. Franklin Avenue in Flint. Mission’s campus is on the east side of Franklin, north of Bennett. Learn more about the organization here.
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