The Delta-Schoolcraft Great Start Collaborative engages a broad array of early childhood partners who are committed to identifying gaps in services that are provided in the community. Opportunities for collaboration are created based upon these gaps, which helps ensure that every child in the area will have what they need to be successful in school and in life.
An example of a program in Schoolcraft County that was started based on identified gaps is an intergenerational story time at the Manistique Senior Citizens Center. Every third Wednesday of the month, seniors and kids aged 0-5 come together at the Senior Center to take part in "Stories & Crafts with Seniors and Tots". This has been a Collaborative effort between the activities director of the senior center, Heather Tyner, and the Schoolcraft County Family Liaison, Monica Powell. Each month there is a different story time theme where the seniors read to the kids, help the kids with a craft, and also eat a small snack afterwards. There are three seniors who come and read to the kids every month; Mary Ellen Debelak, Pat Norman, and Linda Chandanais. They love to watch the faces of the kids light up as they read and interact with the kids throughout the story time.
The intergenerational story time provides a wonderful opportunity for kids and Seniors alike to form a bond over books and crafts. The next scheduled story time at the Senior Center is August 20. For this program and other future opportunities make sure to check out great-start.org for ways to get involved.
