Northwest Michigan Chapter

Supporting Relationships for Infants, Young Children and Families

Mission Statement: Promote healthy social emotional relationships for young children 0-5 and their families

Guiding Principle: To emphasize both infancy and early childhood as critical periods of development

For more information, check out the Northwest Michigan Chapter Facebook page!

 

Community partners that participate with our chapter’s board include:  

1. Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) is dedicated to fostering positive change by promoting self-sufficiency, enhancing quality of life, and strengthening community connection. Our mission is to provide opportunities that empower individuals and families to build more resilient, connected communities throughout Northwest Michigan. https://nmcaa.net/

2. Benzie Leelanau District Health Department

The Importance of Early Childhood

The science of early brain development validates the return on our investment in early childhood. These basic concepts, established over decades of neuroscience and behavioral research, help illustrate why child development—particularly from birth to five years—is a foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society. The earliest years of life are critically important and strong relationships are the foundation for families’ success across multiple generations.  https://www.bldhd.org/

3. Parenting Communities

Parenting Communities is a program provided by the citizens of Leelanau County (through the Early Childhood millage) and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. Parenting Communities of Leelanau County seeks to promote healthy children living in stable, nurturing families, supported by strong communities that provide comprehensive supportive services.  https://www.bldhd.org/parenting-communities/

 4. Generations Ahead

We help young parents overcome the obstacles of teen pregnancy  by helping them complete their high school education, fostering independence, and building trusting relationships so they may lead fulfilling lives with a stable family. https://generationsahead.org/
5. Munson Health Care – Providing a variety of health services including support for families with newborns such as:
Healthy Futures Every child deserves a healthy future.
We want to help you give your child a healthy future – and we do that by connecting you to trustworthy information and local resources. Healthy Futures is a collaboration of Munson Healthcare, health departments in northern Michigan, and health care providers across the region. Together, we serve all parents who live in participating counties. https://healthyfuturesonline.org/about/

6. Northwest Education Services – (Early Childhood) 

Children grow and learn at different rates and our services reflect the needs of all learners. Northwest Education Services offers a comprehensive system of services for families of children birth to age six. Using evidence-based practices anchored in relationships, we are here to support our community’s youngest learners.

Northwest Education Services Early Childhood department understands the role of parents and those who care for young children is no easy task. Whether you have a concern about your child’s development, are seeking childcare or preschool, or are looking to get involved, we are here to support you! https://www.northwested.org/academic-services/early-childhood-education/

The following are helpful some helpful resource links for families that live in the region:

Great Start Kids 

The Great Start Collaborative (GSC) in Grand Traverse County, Michigan is a group that works to support children and families from birth through age eight. The GSC is part of a statewide network of early childhood systems. https://greatstartkids.com/
5toOne
This is your connection to early childhood resources in 5 counties of northwest lower Michigan: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau. Explore and browse by topic and county. https://5toone.org/community/
Contacts:
Mike Acosta – Treasurer
Call/Text: (231) 590-0048  |  Email – mikeacostamsw@gmail.com
Shannon Olshove – Secretary
Call/Text: (231) 392-9374  | E-mail – solshove@northwested.org
Rosa Breneman – Board Member
Call/Text: 231-632-1391  |  E-mail – brenemanrosa@gmail.com

Chapter Officers

NameChapter Position
Lindsey Selby
lselby@tbaisd.org		Vice President
Annie Kiogima
anne.kiogima@gtbindians.com 		State Representative