Our Collaborative was developed in October of 2008 and I am excited to be a part of this initiative! This website provides you with lots of important information regarding what we are all about including: our vision, mission, and purpose; our 97 page comprehensive Strategic Plan and Action Agenda based on a ton of local data collection; a calendar of meetings and activities; a listing of our GSC members; and a breakdown of our work in each of our five component areas of the star related to Pediatric and Family Health, Social and Emotional Health, Parenting Leadership, Child Care and Early Education and Family Support. Also be sure to check out our media section with our Bus Tour to give you an excellent view of our 1^st year of implementation and the new ads we are developing for multi-media campaigns. We have many triumphs along this journey and we want to share them with you! Check back often for updates and please use the links provided on the home page to learn more about our partner organizations.

Children are our future, and we need to be sure they are provided with the greatest start in life possible. To this end, our Great Start Collaborative is made up of over 34 leaders in our community dedicated to our vision: A Great Start for every child in Marquette and Alger counties; safe, healthy and eager to succeed in their education and in life. We are working to enhance existing early childhood collaboration and coordination, engage all stakeholders in the planning, implementation and coordination of services, and promote community awareness of early childhood programs and services. We have four committees and five subcommittees that are very active and meet regularly to work on the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in our Strategic Plan/Action Agenda. Want to make a difference? Contact me to join one or more of them!

I am proud of the engagement of our GSC membership, representing quite a diverse section of our two-county area. We have a very impressive membership list made up of area organizations and service organizations, judges, CEO's/Directors of public health, Human Services, Community Mental Health, AMCAB/Headstart, faith-based organizations, Lake Superior Community Partnership, Community Collaboratives, Great Lakes Center for Youth Development, business leaders, MSU Extension, philanthropic and charitable organizations, those providing services to minority populations, 4-C's of the UP, YMCA, educational representatives, Early On, Special Education, United Way, plus elected officials and several parents. We are a Collaborative that promises to make a difference in our communities!

Parents, check out our Parent Coalition page and how to contact our Parent Liaisons to become involved in our Marquette and Alger County Parent Coalitions. The monthly meetings are chock full of interesting information, time for networking with other parents, opportunities for you to build on leadership and advocacy skills to benefit young children, a parent share time, and participation in decision-making processes designed to make a difference in your community. We provide quality childcare on-site during the meetings. Plans are being made for some upcoming events and activities for YOU. Don't hesitate to call Brett or Liana today!

Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or your comments about this important work.

906.226.5157  klammi@maresa.org