Great Start Collaborative shares strategic plan, vision for 2024-26

Posted on November 14th, 2023
That children are born healthy, thriving, developmentally on track, and prepared to succeed CHARLEVOIX – Every three years, the Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start requires Great Start Collaboratives across the state to update their local-level, early childhood sys

Doulas complete training in postpartum care through Great Start Collaborative 

Posted on November 10th, 2023
The Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties recently wrapped up the second phase of its doula initiative: postpartum training.  Over the past year, the collaborative has worked to bring both birth doula and postpartum doula training to Northern Michi

Postpartum doula training coming to Boyne City in October 2023

Posted on August 9th, 2023
The four-day training will run 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13-16, 2023 The Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties is launching the second phase of its doula initiative: postpartum training.  The collaborative has worked over the last year to bring doul…

‘Meet the Doulas’ publication available for community, professionals

Posted on June 9th, 2023
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…

Go Baby Go! build helps local 2-year-old with mobility

Posted on May 11th, 2023
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. T…

EJ Celebrates National Reading Month with a Book Drive for Kids

Posted on April 11th, 2023
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 d

Doula training to be held in Boyne City in May 2023

Posted on January 31st, 2023
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…

$5,000 preschool grant supports tuition for Northern Michigan families

Posted on January 20th, 2023
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 developm

Great Start hosts volunteer drop-in, distributes Baby Bundles

Posted on November 29th, 2022
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, pr
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