Great Start Family Coalition

The St. Clair County Great Start Family Coalition is a group of parents working together to ensure a great start for St. Clair County's children.

The Family Coalition works to raise awareness and support for early childhood programming in the community.

They give parents who are passionate about early childhood issues a way to volunteer in their own communities.

The Family Coalition also gives parents a voice in shaping programs and services used by young children and their families in St. Clair County, and they work to support the work of the Great Start Collaborative.

What's in it for you?

You will meet new friends who share your concerns about how this community can better meet the needs of families and young children. You will have a chance to develop a broader social network of people across the county whom you get to know and trust. By getting involved, you will also have the opportunity, should you choose, to develop your advocacy, public speaking, and leadership skills.

Ways to participate

The Family Coalition is made up of parents just like you. We know you're busy; that's why the coalition does not take a "one size fits all" approach to participating. Can't promise you can make regular meetings? That's OK. You better believe we understand. You can still get involved and stay connected regardless of the other demands on your time.

Electronic members:
Parents stay in touch with what's going on through regular email and regular newsletter.

Supportive members:
Parents attend events and activities and actively share information about their community circle but can't commit to attending meetings.

Participating members (CORE):
Parents and caregivers attend monthly meetings, volunteer at Family Coalition and Great Start Collaborative events and activities and actively share information.

Great Start Collaborative parent representatives:
Parents serve on both the Family Coalition and the Great Start Collaborative.

Meeting Information

The Family Coalition meets once a month to plan activities and support our families and young children. Free dinner and childcare is available for those that register in advance. If you would like to attend a meeting, please register here.

The Great Start Family Coalition meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at
RESA East Campus (1111 Delaware, 2nd Floor).

Meeting dates

The Great Start Family Coalition meets once a month to plan activities and support our families and young children. Free dinner and childcare is available for those that register in advance. If you would like to attend a meeting, please register here.

2024-25 Great Start Family Coalition Meeting Dates

October 10th, 2024
December 14th, 2024
February 13th, 2025
April 10th, 2025
June 12th, 2025
August 14th, 2025

2024-25 Great Start Family Coalition Meeting Schedule

Location:
RESA East Campus
2nd Floor
1111 Delaware
Marysville, MI 48040

Time:
5:30-7:00 p.m

For more information, contact:

Doreen McComas
Family Liaison
810-455-4096
Email

Link opens Great Start Parent Coalition Facebook Group page

Family Friendly Business Award

The St. Clair County Great Start Collaborative recognizes county businesses, agencies, and organizations that are “family-friendly.” A family-friendly business encourages and supports children and families through its business practices. An example of this may be a doctor’s office that provides an area with books or activities for waiting children or a restaurant that offers child-friendly menus, including healthy options.

Who can win this award?

Any business or agency in St. Clair County can be nominated. Perhaps you know of a business or agency that makes the extra effort to ensure families of young children feel comfortable, accepted, and welcome. Maybe you have recently visited a business or agency where the employees, staff, or volunteers made your family feel special. Think about nominating them for this special recognition.

What type of recognition do winners receive?

The Great Start Family Coalition will choose two businesses per year from the nominations received. The winning business will be featured on our website and Facebook pages, and will receive a framed award to display within their business.They will also have the honor of displaying our Family Friendly Business statue at their organization until the next Family Friendly Business Award Recipient is chosen. "Businesses play a key role in our community and we need to recognize this. Children and families are important and they need to feel welcome, so they can benefit from the great community we have," said Great Start Collaborative Director, Riley Alley. Consider nominating your favorite Family Friendly Business, so they can receive the recognition they deserve.

How often are winners chosen?

Previous Winners

Family Friendly Businesses

Megan Simmons-State Farm Agent, Port Huron
Hippy Dippy Creamery, Marysville
Four Star Grille, Marysville
Donut Girls LLC, Memphis
Kate's Downtown, Port Huron
Raven Café, Port Huron
Casey's Pizza & Subs, Port Huron
The Children's Room at the Main Branch of the St. Clair County Library, Port Huron
Neiman's Family Market, St. Clair
The YMCA of the Blue Water Area, Port Huron
Roasted with Perks, Marine City

Family-Friendly Business Award Nomination Form

Community Resources

Car Seat Safety

Imagination Library

green circle graphic with generic book and tree image

Storywalks

St. Clair County Community Help Card

Summer Fun Guide

Great Start Family Coalition

2024-25 Great Start Family Coalition Meeting Schedule

​For more information, contact:

Family Friendly Business Award

Community Resources

For more information, contact: