Great Start Collaborative becomes ‘HOPE Certified’ with focus on Positive Childhood Experiences

A groundbreaking shift in how children and families thrive is underway in Northwest Michigan. The Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties (GSC) is celebrating becoming the first organization in Michigan – and just the 7th nationally – to become certified as “HOPE-Informed” by the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences national initiative.

“Serving children and families is at the heart of the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition,” said GSC Director Savanah Cool. “This milestone means the GSC is enhancing support to bring more Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to the community’s youngest members and their caregivers.”

Cool explained that the HOPE certification moves beyond addressing trauma; it focuses on building resilience, joy, and strong family relationships. The framework ensures every child has the foundational experiences – like supportive relationships, safe environments, and opportunities to play and learn – they need to flourish.

The certification is based on research that indicates a focus on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can build healthy development, fortify resilience, and transform the impact of early-life challenges. 

“This certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a promise to our community,” said Cool. “It reshapes how we serve families – moving us past simply fixing problems to actively building strengths, resilience, and genuine joy in every child’s life.”

The GSC’s certification as a “HOPE-Informed Organization” recognizes its commitment to reshaping care and service delivery to better accomplish its mission of improving the lives of children and families.

By embracing the HOPE framework, the GSC will “consistently identify, honor, and promote child and family strengths, translating directly into better outcomes for the region,” said Cool. The certification is specifically designed to:

• Enhance families’ experiences of care and increase their satisfaction.
• Increase equitable access to Positive Childhood Experiences for all children and families served.
• Reduce families’ experiences of bias in the care they receive.
• Increase family retention rates in services by fostering stronger relationships.
• Create meaningful ways for community members to engage and partner with the GSC.
• Ensure services are culturally relevant and meet the community’s diverse needs.

“When HOPE-Informed organizations implement this framework, they prioritize family strengths and resilience, provide anti-racist and culturally resonant care, and create and promote Positive Childhood Experiences,” Cool said.

“Being the first in Michigan shows our commitment to this region’s future. We aren’t just offering services; we are creating a foundation where every single child and family in Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties has the opportunity to truly thrive.”

Learn more about the Great Start Collaborative online at https://greatstartcollaborative.org/