Van Buren Great Start Parent Coalition

11/02/2026

Help improve out community's health care!

Corewell Health is conducting their regular Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Your input is important especially as they build services in Cass and Van Buren Counties.

Action Needed: Complete the 10 min. survey by November 6, 2026.
The survey is open to residents age 18 and older who live in Van Buren, Cass, or Berrien counties. Every response helps ensure that local voices are represented in decisions that impact community health.

2026 Community Survey.

11/02/2026

Michigan adults now have a new tool to help them quit to***co. MDHHS has launched the QuitLogix app, bringing support straight to your phone! More life. More health. More savings. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/chronicdiseases/to***co/how-to-quit-to***co?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Los adultos de Michigan cuentan ahora con una nueva herramienta para ayudarles a dejar el tabaco. El MDHHS ha lanzado la aplicación QuitLogix, ¡que pone el apoyo directamente en su teléfono! Más vida. Más salud. Más ahorros. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/chronicdiseases/to***co/how-to-quit-to***co?

10/31/2026

As you prepare to enjoy Halloween, take time to talk to your child! Talk about their costume, the pumpkins you see and even make believe play with them. The more you talk, the more they learn!
Mientras te preparas para disfrutar de Halloween, ¡tómate un tiempo para hablar con tu hijo! Hablen sobre su disfraz, sobre las calabazas que vean, e incluso jueguen a imaginar situaciones juntos. ¡Cuanto más hablen, más aprenderá!

10/30/2026

Do you have a little one? The Infant Support for Parents and Caregivers is here with resources to support you on your parenting journey! More information is available in a variety of languages at https://mi211.org/infantsupport?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
¿Tienes un bebé? El programa de Apoyo Infantil para Padres y Cuidadores está aquí con recursos para ayudarte en tu camino como padre/madre. Puedes encontrar más información en varios idiomas en https://mi211.org/infantsupport?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

10/29/2026

We’re making a few changes to better manage the high number of calls and requests we receive. Our new OFFICE hours begin October 5, 2026. (The Porch and Lydia's Closet hours are unchanged)

Please remember that we are an all-volunteer team. We may occasionally close* because of staff shortages, bad weather, holidays, or a fifth Wednesday in the month.

*Before you visit, please check Google or our social media for the latest updates. Thank you for your understanding and support!

10/29/2026

October is Safe Sleep month! All parents & caregivers can play a role in providing a safe sleep environment for their child! Visit http:/safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov for more information.
¡Octubre es el mes del sueño seguro! ¡Todos los padres y cuidadores pueden contribuir a crear un entorno de sueño seguro para sus hijos! Visiten http://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov para obtener más información.

10/29/2026

We’re hiring GSRP substitute teachers! Support preschool classrooms across Van Buren County with just a high school diploma and a background check.

Pay:
Lead Teachers: $135 per 8-hour day; $70 per 4-hour 1⁄2 day
Associate Teachers: $110 per 8-hour day; $60 per 4-hour 1⁄2 day

Opportunities are available in Decatur, Lawrence, Gobles, Bloomingdale, Pullman, South Haven, Covert, and Hartford.

For more information, email [email protected]

10/27/2026

Post Adoption Resource Center Region 4 has an upcoming family event in Van Buren County:
• November 17 - Adoptive Parents’ Coffee & Conversation at The Modern Well, 503 N Main St, Lawton, MI 49065.
Meet PARC staff and other adoptive parents for coffee at 10:00 am. Children are
welcome to attend if not in school.
To RSVP or for more information: call: 616-224-7565 • email: [email protected]

10/13/2026

October is Safe Sleep month! A firm, flat mattress in a clutter-free crib, bassinet or pack and play keeps baby safe during sleep. Nothing but baby for EVERY sleep.

10/10/2026

Bring your little ones out to the VBC Mental Health Awareness Walk happening today until 1:00pm. Families can enjoy a short walk, a free lunch for each person, a free book for each child and community resources!
Traiga a sus niños a la Caminata de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental de VBC, que se lleva a cabo hoy hasta la 1:00 p. m. ¡Las familias podrán disfrutar de una caminata breve, un almuerzo gratuito para cada persona, un libro gratis para cada niño y acceso a recursos comunitarios!