Kalamazoo County Great Start Collaborative

“The foundations (of the GSC) are very clear — that family engagement, early literacy, and coordinating resources needed for parents ensure all kids are ready for kindergarten,” said John Severson, executive director of MAISA. “If we can do that well, we know through research there’s a great shot of them reading by third grade. That’s part of the work linking this whole system together."

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/12/05/michigan-early-childhood-funding-cut/87548063007/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOnEZ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFMQ0Zqdk1pT2x6N1B0cWVYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk1_RblNDyNobS4ugxPl7mCITPq9N-4SItuZXGk2NstzCrCP9kzphJB4KPMt_aem_9z54GxzNnJPX_7BD01v-hg

Parents 'stranded, lost' without state's long running early childhood program In the wake of the state's elimination of a 20-year early childhood program, counties are scrambling to continue supporting families with young children.

Thank you Birth Kalamazoo! We are so grateful for our amazing community partners, and all you do to support families!

Twice this year, we’ve been gifted with items for families with fewer resources by the Kalamazoo County Great Start Collaborative. Strollers, pack and plays, wraps for baby wearing, Arm’s Reach cosleepers, sleep sacks, monitors, and more have all been going out to our clients who have Medicaid insurance. Our doula and Medicaid coordinator Izzy was at the office today to grab some items to deliver to families. It’s a joy to be able to gift these items on!

On a sad and frustrating note though, did you know that Michigan’s 2025-26 budget eliminated all funding for Great Start Collaboratives around the state? There are so many amazing programs that are shutting down, including the Great Start here in Kalamazoo County. Let your legislators know if you’re as unhappy about that as we are. Thank you, Great Start colleagues! You are seen and appreciated, and your work continues to make a difference. ❤️💔❤️

https://nowkalamazoo.org/newsletter/archive/11-24-25-great-start-at-an-end/