GETTING WORK DONE!
At the Great Start Collaborative, we want to see families strengthened. We want to see kids not only ready for school, but conquering school when the time comes. We want to see kids active and thriving in our communities-ready to take on any challenge they face. And we want to see parents equipped as leaders, not only in their homes, but also leaders in our communities and our state. Our work begins with our strategic plan. If you want to know the "big picture" of what we are doing, you can download our strategic plan here.
Therefore, we take an active role in the communities of Cheboygan, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties. We want to be the people you can trust and turn to, as you raise your children in our modern world!
Backpack Activities
What We Are Doing!
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1. Literacy
Your child and reading is the avenue to a healthy and successful life! Literacy has become a central piece of our efforts in the three counties we serve. Here's a look at the things we are doing:
Story walks
Book bins
"Little libraries"
PoWeR Book Bags
Talking is Teaching
All are designed to help get you the tools you need to make reading fun and exciting for your children. We also encourage parents to use The Dolly Parton Imagination Library as an amazing tool for parents to get books in the hands of their children! You can register your child on line here to get free books!
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2. Scholarships
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We are continually developing a scholarship fund to ensure that children have access to pre-school, regardless of economic circumstances
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3. Educational Opportunities
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We want to put information in your hands! We have hosted "Lunch and Learns" throughout all three countiesThroughout the three counties, we host opportunities to improve in our parenting and interactions with children! Interested in checking one out? Contact us via email!​​
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4. Water Safety
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One of the fun and unique parts of living "up north" is all the lakes, rivers, creeks, and swimming holes all over the place. Whether you are headed to a fun family outing at the beach or up north visiting grandparents, we have life jacket loaner stations posted all over the three counties for you to use to help keep your child safe in the water.
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5. Community Resources
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We provide "Project Connect" in a number of communities, where we connect families to local resources to help them thrive. These "Project Connect" events provide families with free food and clothing; and as well, connect you to local agencies and job recruitment. We also work with local food pantries to get food resources to the families who need it most.
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6. Doulas
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An amazing tool that we have worked to partner with is a great group of doulas who are working hard on your behalf during your pregnancy. We have put together this great tool that you can download to help you during your pregnancy and post-natal journey!