Meridian and Samaritas Partner to Build 95 Bikes for Youth in Foster Care Across Michigan
Date: 04/29/26
Together, Meridian and Samaritas assembled 95 brand‑new bikes for children and teens in foster care, creating moments of confidence, independence, and belonging for youth across Michigan.
Having a bike is one of the most normal parts of childhood—a first taste of freedom, independence, and fun. Yet for many youth in foster care, it’s something they’ve never had of their own.
Together, Meridian and Samaritas came alongside one another to change that.
Just ahead of National Foster Care Month, Meridian and Samaritas kicked off a three‑city bike build across Michigan, assembling 95 brand‑new bikes for youth in foster care. The events not only put bikes into the hands of young people, but also helped raise awareness about the
ongoing need for foster parents in Michigan, where nearly 10,000 children need temporary homes where they can feel safe, secure, and loved.
The bikes, donated by Meridian, will be delivered by Samaritas case workers to children and youth served through its Child and Family Services program, which provides trauma‑informed support for foster care, adoption, and family preservation.
The first bike build took place on April 29 in Muskegon, where Meridian team members assembled 11 bikes. The effort continued the following month in Kalamazoo, with 22 more bikes built. The final event in Detroit on May 6 brought the largest turnout, with Meridian employees working alongside several former NFL players to assemble 62 bikes in just a few hours.
Many children enter foster care with very few belongings. Owning a bike—something that’s theirs—can build confidence and offer a sense of normalcy during a time of uncertainty. For younger children, it’s a source of joy and play. For teens, it can mean independence: a way to get to school, a job, or simply spend time with friends.
By investing in bikes for youth in foster care, Meridian continues its commitment to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well‑being of children across Michigan. It starts with showing up—and walking alongside partners like Samaritas to create moments that remind young people they are seen, supported, and not alone.
Watch WZZM 13’s news segment from the Muskegon bike build, here.