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
Register- https://bit.ly/4njyXy2
https://youtu.be/w_2IjkYq10A?si=QqSX8oKBXh0Qup9p
📚 This month, we’re excited to join Hope College’s BIG READ LAKESHORE!
We’ll be passing out FREE Mini Read books (Row, Row Row Your Boat) at the following "Let's Talk About Music" Play-and-Learns (10:30-11:30am):
📍 Fennville District Library (10/8)
📍 Allegan District Library (10/9)
📍 Ransom District Library (10/16)
📍 Dorr Township Library (10/21)
Come grab a book and be part of this community-wide celebration of reading!
Register- https://bit.ly/4njyXy2
Kayla shares that life can be tough, and it’s okay to ask for help. There’s always someone out there who can walk with you and help you find your way. 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/zryvJHxXFfs?si=PSPfWBtTO5xCE3gK
🌟 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
Let’s send a powerful message to Michigan’s lawmakers: Pass a budget NOW that prioritizes early childhood!
⏰ Michigan’s budget deadline is 9/30/25. The choices made in the next few days will directly affect families, early childhood providers, and communities across our state- https://www.ecic4kids.org/fy25-26-budget/#/1/
❌ Proposed cuts would mean:
Fewer affordable child care options for families
More providers at risk of closing their doors
Parents forced to leave the workforce
✅ By coming together on this Day of Action, we can make sure lawmakers hear us loud and clear—Michigan’s children and families must come first!
This Thursday, September 25th, is our 2nd Annual Michigan Indian Day Celebration from 4-6pm at Camp Jijak in Hopkins.
TODAY (September 18th) is our last September "Let's Talk About Our Community" Play-and-Learn at Ransom 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.
🎉 Congratulations to Zinnia on being this year’s giveaway winner! 🎁
Have fun with your Glow-in-the-Dark prize!
