Help Me Grow - 269-512-7775

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Our 2nd Annual Michigan Indian Day Celebration is on Thursday, September 25th from 4-6pm at Camp Jijak in Hopkins.

Join MSU Extension The Parent Talk System , Tuesdays, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (7:30-9 pm). Register at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ymsFvepoXP3cFw

Join MSU Extensions on 9/10 (7-8:30pm) for Intro Into Hope Framework
Register: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dZEat3Y_RLmerD7NcoQGyA

Join MSU Extensions on Thursday, September 11, 18, 25, and October 2, 9 (7:30-9pm). Register
at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd7Nnn1h8Y1TcNg

HAPPY SEPTEMBER! "Let's Talk About Our Community" at home or FREE Talking is Teaching Play-and-Learns across Allegan County.

Join MSU Extension Classes - September 2nd: Working Together to Develop Early Literacy Skills and/or September 9th: Back to the Basics: Skills in Infant and Toddler Care from 8- 9:30 PM. Register at https://bit.ly/4oskK2I

Protect Michigan's Youngest Learners: Keep Section 32p Early Childhood Funding Dedicated

Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions are not duplicative programs. They are the backbone of early childhood infrastructure in Michigan. Their neutral, cross-sector leadership ensures every family has a place at the table and that no child falls through the cracks.

We urge Michigan lawmakers to:

✅ Maintain Section 32p as a dedicated funding line
✅ Reject proposals to merge it into Section 22f
✅ Protect the statewide network of Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions that make our systems work

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!

🖊️ Add your name and stand with us to protect Section 32p and the systems that support every Michigan child’s great start in life.

https://chng.it/HN42RYr4GP

🎉 It’s Book Reveal Time! 🎉
We’re excited to announce the 2025 NEA BIG • MIDDLE • LITTLE • MINI Read Lakeshore titles!
Allegan County’s Great Start Collaborative is proud to team up with Hope College for the third year in a row to celebrate stories, spark conversations, and share the joy of reading with all ages this fall.

We need Allegan County parents and grandparents to join our Great Start Collaborative meetings to ensure decisions reflect local families' needs. Participants who attend any of our GSC "Whole Group" or "School Advisory Committee" Meetings will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card for their participation. Sign up at bit.ly/GSCMeetings2026.

Great Start "Families Connected" Events are back again this school year. Don't forget to register your family for the events requiring registration at bit.ly/familiesconnected2026.

We are so excited to share this school year's Talking is Teaching Play-and-Learns! We look forward to seeing you at our September Play-and-Learns throughout Allegan County soon.

Join MSU Extensions August 19th: What Children Need to Know for School from 8- 9:30 PM. Register at https://bit.ly/4oskK2I

We are still "Talking About the Summer". Please join our FREE Popsicles in the Park celebration at Paradise Park in Fennville TOMORROW from 1-2pm.

Moms and dads, you are doing a great job! Follow the #safesleep steps to keep baby sleeping safely. Learn more https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/safe-sleep2/safe-sleep-for-your-baby/safe-sleep-steps

Know the facts on infant #safesleep and sleep-related infant deaths in Michigan. Learn more at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Safety-and-Injury-Prevention/Safe-Sleep/Sleep-Related_Infant_Death_Infographic.pdf?rev=02c7d123b7d040ef8c8d7b982e36f6ab&hash=92AEE6400499D7CC0FB657805ECD9D14

TODAY (7/24) is our 3rd POPSICLES IN THE PARK! Come visit us in Allegan at Hanson Park from 1-2pm!