The Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties recently received preschool funding that will support families and children in Northern Michigan.  The Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation both provided funding to the Great Start Preschool Scholarship Program.   “Having access to high-quality, early childcare […]

Earlier this spring, 23 area residents underwent training to become Michigan Department of Health & Human Services certified doulas, through a program coordinated by the Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties. Now, the community can access these doulas, learn about their training, and contact them for services through […]

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Char-Em ISD staff worked with Boyne City High School robotics students, Bear River Electric volunteer engineers, and community volunteers to customize a child-size ride-on vehicle for a 2-year-old boy with disabilities who resides in the Boyne Falls School District. This project is inspired by Go Baby Go!, a national program […]

During the month of March – designated each year as National Reading Month – East Jordan’s EJ company harnessed the power of community by inviting staff to participate in a book drive to benefit the Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition’s FreeCycle Book Project. The drive was organized by the company’s EJ Social Committee. The […]

New Medicaid coverage of doula services expected to increase demand BOYNE CITY – Pregnant individuals and their families in Michigan have a new birthing option that is covered by Medicaid as of Jan. 1, 2023 – doula services. Michigan Medicaid insurance will now cover different types of doula services, including community-based doulas, prenatal doulas, labor […]

The Consumers Energy Foundation recently granted $5,000 to the Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties to support preschool tuition for families in need.  “The Great Start Collaborative aims to ensure all children are developmentally ready to succeed in school at the time of school entry. A key to […]

Earlier in November, the Great Start Collaborative hosted its second drop-in volunteer day and it was another smashing hit in terms of new faces and generous volunteers, according to GSC Director Savanah Cool.  “Additionally, we created new partnerships with child welfare agencies, providing them each a set of 15 unique Talking is Teaching Baby Bundles […]

Visitors to Emmet County’s Camp Petosega will have something new to talk about during their next visit: A new Talking is Teaching trail has been established by the Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties. Talking is Teaching is a national public awareness and action campaign from Too Small […]

‘Talking is Teaching’ arriving with fun giveaways in local grocery stores June 18, 2022 Families with children ages birth through five who bring their children grocery shopping are encouraged to stop by Louie’s Fresh Market locations on Saturday, June 18, 2022, for new “Talking is Teaching” campaign celebrations. Talking is Teaching is an initiative of […]