Register- https://bit.ly/4njyXy2
"My husband and I both work for non-profit organizations, therefore, as we were building our family we lived paycheck to paycheck. Both of us work in education in some role, making the importance of reading to our children a top priority. When our first of 3 daughters was born, I signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to receive books to help build our home library. As our family grew, money became tighter. Without this book gifting program, our home library would not have had books. Both my husband and I believe in the power of reading, imaginative play, and the importance of having books readily available for our 3 girls. It was because of this collaborative that our wishes came true, building a library full of books for our girls and allowing them the opportunity we could not provide them. It not only impacted our girls, but our family and friends as well. Each time anyone came to our home, to see the books and learn of the program was powerful and overwhelming to most. "
"The information and materials that are provided by Great Start helps with taking the burden off of many families with young children who may not have other resources or the financial ability to purchase simple things like books or that may not know where to go to find information that is helpful to them in many aspects of what is important in their young child’s development. It also provides us as caregivers to help with all the little things that are necessary for connecting with new families in their journey. "
"By partnering with the library, the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition has made a positive impact on the families they engage with, by providing free books for families to take home with them. Providing available for resources for families helps those in underserved communities to thrive and access to resources and materials to help promote critical early literacy at home, outside of just the library or school."
"I have personally witnessed so many people who have changed their lives, broken the abuse pattern, become better parents, and controlled their anger by using social and emotional support. I have seen teens pregnant with no support or idea how to become a mom, who are now mentoring others. Children who were missed by the school system but identified as having issues by GSC-GSCF were supported and connected with outside resources. I have seen lives change, and being someone who works at a church, I know God is the source they all need. But God also created and gifted Allegan County with GSC-GSCF, and they have been the hands and feet in our community. We Need them........"
Wednesdays, October 28, November 4, November 11, November 18, November 25
https://youtu.be/EQi6STag4tE?si=N8ZrwJv8JZj9bU9e
You are not alone. 1 in 5 women experience challenges with their mental health during pregnancy and through the first year of baby’s life. If you are struggling, you are NOT alone and "It's Okay to Ask for Help.". Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA
Register- https://bit.ly/4njyXy2
HELP US SAVE GSCs & GSFCs!
We are collecting stories from families and partners like YOU to show the impact of our early childhood supports and the system of collaboration that makes them possible. YOUR input helps decision-makers see both the human impact and the importance of system-building work led by Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions across the state. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey- https://bit.ly/SAVEGSC
TODAY (October 9th) is our next October Mini Read "Let's Talk About Music" Play-and-Learn at Allegan District Library from 10:30-11:30am. Families with children ages 0-5 years old are encouraged to join our FREE playgroups. Each family receives a FREE Book to take home.
Our amazing group of moms is working together to meet the needs of our youngest children this winter season. We’re collecting new or gently used winter coats for children ages 0–5 through November 3rd.
You can drop off donations at any of these partner locations:
📍 Allegan District Library
📍 Fennville District Library
📍 Ransom District Library
📍 Dorr Township Library
📍 JC Public Wheeler Library
📍 The Living Well Church
📍 North Point Church
📍 Friendship Wesleyan Church
📍 Project HOPE (Dorr)
Help us keep little ones warm this winter—together, we can make a big difference! ❤️
While we still have many unanswered questions, we will share what factual information we have about our Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition. The new Michigan School Aid Budget does NOT have line-item funding for Great Start Collaboratives (GSCs) and our services.
We are collecting stories from families and partners like YOU to show the impact of our early childhood supports and the system of collaboration that makes them possible. YOUR input helps decision-makers see both the human impact and the importance of system-building work led by Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions across the state. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey- https://bit.ly/SAVEGSC
TOMORROW (October 8th) is our first October Mini Read "Let's Talk About Music" Play-and-Learn at Fennville District Library from 10:30-11:30am. Families with children ages 0-5 years old are encouraged to join our FREE playgroups. Each family receives a FREE Book to take home.
You are not alone. 1 in 5 women experience challenges with their mental health during pregnancy and through the first year of baby’s life. If you are struggling, you are NOT alone and "It's Okay to Ask for Help.". Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA
https://youtu.be/kLZMRULx22o?si=P92AkOwXaMfcoBdR
🌟 Are you signed up for our FREE Great Start Families Connected Events this fall?
💦 Family Swim at the Aquatic Center
📅 October 17 | ⏰ 10–11:30 AM
🍎 Nutrition Rocks Playgroup in Fennville
📅 October 23 | ⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
✅ Registration is open until spots are full!
👉 Sign up here: bit.ly/familiesconnected2026
