Update on NEMSCA

Tricia Grifka, the Early Childhood Director from Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) and Stephanie Robison, Regional Manager for Midland shared an update with the club.

NEMCSA is a community action agency serving 22 counties in northeast Michigan offering a variety of programs to strengthen communities across age ranges from family support, early childhood, to senior services.

We heard an update on the implementation of the federally funded Head Start program whose aspiration is to change the trajectory of children’s lives before they enter kindergarten.  The program began in 1967 aimed at children from birth to 5 years of age.  This government provides up to 80% of the funding and requires a 20% match from the community.

In Midland County, NEMCSA operates 9 Head Start classrooms; 2 for 3 yr olds, 5 blended with GSRP funding for 4 yr olds and 2 Strong Beginnings classrooms (a new pilot) for 3 yr olds.  These classrooms enroll 140 children at Coleman, First Baptist Church, Isabella Street, Longview and Meridian Schools.

The Head Start program is more than just a pre-school, offering services such as medical care, dental care, and screening, health and developmental screenings, nutritional meals, and parental engagement.

Research shows that early childhood experience has a profound impact on education, health and wellness, and success of an individual.  We hope to hear of opportunities for our Kiwanis Club to collaborate in the future.