Dear Great Start Collaborative stakeholders,
On Oct. 3, 2025, the Michigan legislature approved the state’s budget, which is now awaiting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature. As part of the budget, all funding for Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions throughout the state was eliminated, effective immediately.
This news was not anticipated. However, we want to assure our partners that Char-Em Intermediate School District is dedicated to keeping the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim County operational. Char-Em ISD is the fiscal agent and provides oversight for the GSC. Below is a statement from Scott Koziol, Char-Em ISD Superintendent:
“Char-Em ISD is committed to funding our Great Start Collaborative and maintaining staffing levels for at least the remainder of this school year, 2025-26. We have proactively positioned ourselves as an ISD over the years to be able to fund this program in the event of state budgetary shifts. We believe in the importance of Great Start’s work in our communities and know their reach makes meaningful impacts in the lives of children and families.”
For nearly 20 years, the Great Start Collaborative has served as a connection point for families with young children to numerous resources, services, and supports in our region, including:
- Putting 15,000 books into the hands of children through the FreeCycle Book Program each year.
- Launching ‘Talking is Teaching,’ a campaign encouraging families through colorful signage in stores and parks to read, sing, and talk to their children to improve literacy.
- Leveraging resources to bring in tens of thousands of dollars in preschool tuition for families.
- Securing grants and donations for focused projects like training two dozen doulas.
- Training professionals in the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework.
- Publishing crucial guides, including the Family Resource Guide, the Family Resource and Pregnancy Guide, and the Guide to Preschool and Child Care Programs.
- Serving as the hub for Help Me Grow, a statewide program connecting families of young children to developmental screenings and child care.
These are just some of the examples of the work we do every day. While the budget news may have taken us off guard, we are committed to moving forward and continuing this meaningful work for families.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at any time. Thank you for your support and for all that you do to support children and families in Northwest Michigan.
Sincerely,
Savanah Cool, Director
Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties
www.greatstartcollaborative.org