Great Start Parent Coalition

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.

The Parent 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 Parent Coalition and Great Start Collaborative events and activities and actively share information.

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

The Parent Coalition meets once a month to plan activities and support our families and young children. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at 1111 Delaware Avenue in Marysville. Free dinner and childcare is available for those that register in advance. If you would like to attend a meeting, please register here. 

2022-23 Meeting Dates 

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.

The Great Start Parent 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.

Nominations for the Family Friendly Business Award may be submitted at any time throughout the year. Winners will be awarded twice per year.

Family Friendly Businesses

• 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