Kalamazoo County Great Start Collaborative

Kalamazoo RESA Early Childhood

Dear friends,

By now you have probably heard that the Great Start Collaborative will be dissolved at Kalamazoo RESA as of December 19th, due to State budgetary cuts. We want to take this moment to thank our community partners, families and stakeholders in working alongside the Great Start Collaborative these past 20 years, strengthening parent voice and early childhood systems throughout Kalamazoo County. We are grateful for the innumerable learnings from our time with you, and our friendships that will surely endure.

The Kalamazoo County Talking is Teaching campaign will continue through separate grant funding. Please continue to reach out to Jen Stroven for early literacy support and participation in the Talking is Teaching campaign. She can be reached at [email protected].

Best wishes, with grateful hearts ---

Sarah Drumm, Ashley Drenth, Deirdre Bartells, Jen Stroven

Parents & Caregivers: We hope you can join us for our final virtual Strong Roots Cafe on Thursday, December 11th from 1:30-2:30pm. We will spend time connecting and talking about the Protective Factor: Supporting Feelings. Sign up HERE: https://forms.gle/MqNF1xEf1bU8Ni5Y8

What to expect:
✅Real Talk: Share parenting wins and challenges in a supportive space
✅Recharge time: Meet other parents & caregivers who "get it"
✅Fresh Ideas: Practical tips to strengthen your family!