First Steps

The Coalition to End Homelessness updated its list of cooling centers for the Grand Rapids area. With temperatures heating up this week, it's important to stay cool and beat the heat. Check out their list and make sure you're prepared for the hot weather! #StayCool #EndHomelessness 🌞🏠 https://lnkd.in/gb8Ye_xa

🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟 Our latest funding announcement is here! Check out our press release for all the details on how our partners are ready to make a big impact in early childhood education. Click the link below to learn more https://lnkd.in/gqexaUjQ #ReadyByFive #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FundingAnnouncement

“I always wanted to be a doula because a lot of women don’t have the mindset to advocate for themselves and they’re very quiet,” she said. “So although they know something is wrong, they don’t have that bravery to say, ‘This is my first birth. I want it to be like this and I don’t want anybody else to dictate my birth.’” https://lnkd.in/g2XP9tFK

“We are grateful to our residents and voters for the strong support of the early childhood millage and confident that Ready by Five will continue to ensure our children are healthy and ready for kindergarten,” said Jennifer Headley-Nordman, president of First Steps, which administers the Ready by Five millage for Kent County. https://lnkd.in/gwy6DMg5

Welcome Elyse to the First Steps Team! We are excited to have Elyse Greene join us as a Ready by Five Funding Administrator. With ten years of experience in public health, she has worked with the United Nations, helped start the Smoke-Free Coalition in Alabama, and contributed to health education at Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. Welcome aboard, Elyse! 🎉🌟 #FirstStepsTeam #WelcomeElyse

🎉Kent County voters have spoken! The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage has been renewed for another 6 years! We couldn't have done it without our incredible endorsers, donors, and supporters. Thank you for advocating for the health and well-being of all Kent County children. To our amazing service providers, your care and support for Kent County families is truly invaluable. Together, we are strengthening our communities and making a difference. Keep up the amazing work! 🙌 #ReadyByFive #KentCountyKids #CommunityStrong

We want to extend a big thank you to all our endorsers, donors, and supporters. We are grateful for your work advocating for the health and well-being of all Kent County children. We are happy to announce that Kent County voters have renewed the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage for another 6 years! https://lnkd.in/gF_iKz38

For those who still need to vote tomorrow, here is a guide to help know what's on the ballot - including the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage proposal! One day left! https://lnkd.in/gnysz2kV

Thanks to our Board Co-Chair, Kate Pew Wolters, for this op-ed on the importance of investing early and helping our Kent County children be ready for kindergarten! #EarlyInvestment #KentCountyKids #KindergartenReadiness #InvestInKids➡️https://lnkd.in/gvavTpNU

🔊 Listen up! Amy Turner-Thole, was on the Shelley Irwin Show discussing the crucial importance of early childhood development. Did you know 90% of a child's brain development occurs by age 5? Learn how investments can lead to long-term savings and a stronger workforce. Tune in now: https://lnkd.in/gwHjSs-C