New Leadership at Great Start!

Hello Parent Coalition!

I wanted to introduce myself as your new Parent Liaison.  My name is Mishawn Zudweg and my family and I reside in Howard City, Michigan.  Susan Sunden has moved into the Director position for Great Start Montcalm and I have been given the opportunity to serve you as your Parent Liaison.  I am a mother of three children ages 12, 10 & 6 and a home business owner.  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in business management and have had the joy of working from home for the last 10 years.  I have been an active participant in our coalition from the start and look forward to working with all of you as your new Parent Liaison.

Please note:  There was a change in plans for the presentation of the sleds to Sen. Cropsey and Rep. Huckleberry.  The sleds will now be presented on Feb. 22 at the Legislative Luncheon at MCC, 12:00PM.

Mishawn Zudweg, BBA, Great Start Montcalm Parent Liason 

Parent Leadership Training

When:  February 9, 2010 (Dinner begins at 5:30 followed by parent child activity.  Meeting begins at 6:30PM.)

Where:  585 Fremont (M-82), Newaygo (located in the Neway Center) 

Part one of the training is based on an exercise that identifies the key skills and qualities of effective leaders.  At its completion, the coalition members will know what their individual strengths as leaders are, as well as the leadership skills and qualities they want to develop further.  The participants will also identify the leadership strengths they possess as a PC. 
Part two of this training is designed to guide parents in telling and use their personal life stories as resource in their advocacy work.  After the training, parents will know how to decide which parts of their story to share in a given situation.  When, completed, this training gives parents a variety of approaches for sharing their story.

At this point, Mishawn is trying to determine the interest of our coalition in attending this event.  Please contact Mishawn ASAP if this is of interest to you. Final details will come closer to the event for those who would like to attend (time, carpooling, etc.).  Any questions, please let Mishawn know.

Aspergers/Autism Associates Winter Classlist

The winter classlist is now available.  Social skill groups will continue to be offered, as well as new workshops.  Chase the winter blues away with fun activities for the whole family.  Visit www.autism-asperger-associates.com for complete information.

Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health

The Infant Mental Health Statewide Forum Planning Committee is pleased to announce the following series of meetings for 2010.

1. Relationship Development in Pregnancy and Early Postpartum:  An Infant Mental Health Perspective (April 1, 2010)
2. Domestic Violence:  Supporting Pregnant Mothers, Infants and Toddlers Living in Abusive Environments (July 29, 2010)
3. Substance Use and Abuse in Pregnancy and Early Parenting:  Why Doesn't She Just Quit?  (October 25, 2010)

For complete event details and registration, please download a copy of the information by clicking here.

Play, Learn, Read!

Check out the complete schedule for book readings and play groups at your local library!  This is an excellent opportunity to meet and play with other parents and children from birth to 5 years old!

Explain the flu to me better!

This interesting flier explains the difference between H1N1 and seasonal flu and ways to stay healthy:  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/2009-10/pdf/pan_flu_flier.pdf

Budget Impasse

Budget Impasse Results in Immediate Cut-off in Federal Funds to Michigan School Districts - read the complete news release here!

Community Impact Center

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about what we are doing at the Community Impact Center.
Right at this time we are handing out food to 155 to 167 families a week when we do not run out of food.  The last few months we have been closing the pantry up early on Thursday afternoon and closed all day Friday, we are praying for more donations of food, and it is coming in slowly.
We have a small rummage shop in the back of the building on the south side.  We have clothes, household items, old computers, we get bikes every now and again. Freezer, dishwasher, vacuums, blankets.  Bookcases, books, desks.  A little bit of everything.  This is for the community, and we asked a small donation for each item other than cloths. We ask $2.00 donation for a bag full. As much as you can get in the bag.   We are not asking  for a lot, just enough to keep the utilities on. This is for all of Greenville and surrounding areas.
Thanks again,
Pastor Karen