Delta County Family Coalition

The Great Start Family Coalition (GSFC) is a team of parents and caregivers working to improve the lives of young children from pregnancy through age 8 in Delta & Schoolcraft Counties. We support the Great Start Collaborative's efforts by giving input on what is working and what is needed for young children in our community. GSFC members lend their time, talents, and parenting experiences to educate the community about the importance of a child’s early years, and about resources that support families and help kids thrive. Best of all, we make new friends, learn a lot, and have fun together! The Family Coalitions are open to all families. We invite you to our monthly meetings where you can help us give all kids a great start in school and life!

Purpose of  Michigan's Great Start Family Coalitions

• Provides networking opportunities for parents, guardians, and caregivers
• Participates in community projects for young children
• Increases parent participation in early childhood planning and decision-making
• Serves as a voice for parents in the community on behalf of young children
• Encourages parent leadership and participation in planning the group's activities

We meet monthly in Delta County with dinner and childcare provided. Meetings typically involve project planning, discussion around parenting topics, guest speakers, and group and family activities. We value and welcome all parents and caregivers wherever they are in their journey. We are a parent village working to support families with young kids. One way we do this, is by providing information about family-friendly opportunities and events in our monthly newsletters.

To view the most current edition of our newsletter click here

The Delta County Family Coalition is a parent-driven organization. Our activities are chosen around the group's interests and talents. We work to develop parent leaders and have an amazing group of parents who are involved in many aspects of Great Start's work including:

• Peer-to-peer connection opportunities
• Community outreach events
• Improving preschool to kindergarten transition
• Planning and participating in our annual Fun Fest event
• Planning and presenting Family Fun Night early literacy events
• Coordinating community resources & information
• Supporting foster care families and local resource closets
• Planning our back-to-school family picnic
• Hosting Social-Emotional Parenting workshops
• Developing a Family Coalition orientation and brochure
• Creating developmental totes for agency clients…and so much more!!!

Families get involved in projects that interest them at whatever level they are able. Family voice and involvement are the key to creating a strong early childhood system and a stronger community. Our Coalition members are one of our most valued assets in that process.

If you want more information or to get involved in our work in Delta County contact Laurie Mold, Family Liaison at lmold@dsisd.net or 906-786-9300 ext. 111

We need your help to give all kids a Great Start in school and life! You are invited.

The Delta County Family Coalition typically meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 pm at New Life Church, 2005 8th Ave S., Escanaba, MI. ALL parents, caregivers or those who are concerned for the welbeing of young children are encouraged to get involved! That includes grandparents, fathers, guardians, foster parents, step-parents etc! Families come in all forms. Together we work to build a strong community and ensure bright futures for our children.  Bring a friend. Free dinner, childcare, and children's activities are provided. Please RSVP to Laurie Mold, Delta-Schoolcraft County Great Start Family Liaison, at lmold@dsisd.net or 906-786-9300 x111. Hope to see you there!