A Year of Building Bridges and Strengthening Bonds
Reflecting on the developments of 2025, it’s evident that families flourish when communities collaborate. Great Start Livingston has been instrumental in supporting families raising young children, ensuring no parent navigates the journey alone. Serving as a system-building and convening body, the organization unites families, community partners, and organizations to enhance resources for children aged 0–8 throughout Livingston County.
Playdates Creating Community
Playdates emerged as a crucial avenue for connecting families to each other and to the wider early childhood system. During the summer of 2025, more than 600 children, parents, and caregivers participated in outdoor playdates across Livingston County, including Howell, Brighton, Pinckney, and Hamburg. Even in winter, hundreds more families joined indoor gatherings, underscoring the demand for year-round engagement opportunities.
These events were facilitated by collaborations with over 40 community partners, each contributing to create inclusive, affordable opportunities for play, learning, and connection. These interactions not only built trust but also expanded networks, driving momentum for a responsive early childhood system.
Expanding Literacy Through Creative Engagements
In 2025, early literacy initiatives blossomed across Livingston County, manifesting in engaging and accessible forms. New StoryWalk® installations increased the total to six active locations countywide. These installations transformed public spaces into interactive reading experiences, inviting families to read, move, and connect communally.
Empowering Parents Through the Family Coalition
The Great Start Family Coalition played a pivotal role in 2025, providing a platform for families to connect, learn, and lead. Meetings throughout the year facilitated relationship-building and meaningful discussions on real concerns, such as:
Action followed these conversations. For instance, when families expressed concerns about book durability during read-alouds, indestructible books were provided, underscoring the commitment to closing the feedback loop and building trust.
Parenting Education Tailored to Need
Great Start Livingston offered free parenting classes and Parent Café opportunities throughout 2025. These sessions addressed real-life challenges, offering families practical tools and a sense of belonging.
Investing in the Early Childhood Workforce
Supporting early childhood professionals was another focus in 2025, with Great Start Livingston hosting multiple professional learning opportunities for educators. Workshops like A Joyous Way to Learn and the Birth-to-Three (B-3) Early Literacy Workshop provided educators with research-informed strategies applicable in various early learning settings.
Advocacy for Local Families
In 2025, Great Start Livingston amplified the voices of local families at the state level, advocating for policies that support young children and caregivers. Advocacy efforts included multiple visits to Lansing to represent local experiences in statewide decision-making.
Partnerships That Drive Progress
The achievements of 2025 were made possible through collaboration with over 60 community partners. These partnerships supported a range of initiatives, from literacy and safety education to leadership development and resource access for families.
2025 By the Numbers
- 600+ individuals engaged in summer playdates
- Hundreds more families participated in winter playdates
- 40+ community partners collaborated
- 6 StoryWalk® locations active countywide
- Numerous literacy events combining books, music, and movement
- Family Coalition meetings focused on connection and resilience
- Multiple advocacy visits to Lansing, including major events like Early Childhood Capitol Day
Looking Forward
In the coming year, Great Start Livingston remains dedicated to:
- Listening to families and responding effectively
- Reducing barriers to participation and access
- Strengthening cross-sector partnerships
- Building a cohesive early childhood system for families
Building Community Connections that Support Families of Young Children—that’s the mission driving efforts forward, made possible by families and community partners in 2025.
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