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A family recently contacted the Family Resource Center at SOS Community Services in Washtenaw County with an unpaid utility bill for later in fiscal year 2024. With state and other local utility resources out of funding, the FRC needed to connect with their partnering organizations. Through these important connections and referrals, the family's utility bill was paid and their power restored. |
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From the Executive Director
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For the first time since COVID, we were able to hold an in-person conference with our network of prevention partners. During the packed two days in Mt. Pleasant, we heard from leading researchers on a variety of topics and from parents who want to make a difference. The energy was so inspiring!
I was honored to be joined by CTM’s Board of Directors Chair Amy Tattrie Loepp to share our experiences creating a strong board of directors and how it helps Children Trust Michigan. We were able to help our prevention partners in their communities with their many questions about working effectively with a board of directors.
As we enter the final months of this year, I hope you will enjoy time with family and friends for the season of celebrating and of giving. We are so thankful for your support throughout the year.
Warm Wishes,
Suzanne Greenberg
Executive Director
From learning how to craft compelling stories to celebrating everyday heroes, the team from Children Trust Michigan and its network of prevention partners came together for two days of learning and inspiration.
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The conference kicked off on Thursday, Oct. 17 with a session from Parent Advocate and Storyteller Bethany Van Delft Moffi about how stories connect people and allow them to share a vision for a better future.
“As advocacy, our stories create change,” she explained.
Stories also connected the six parents who shared their experiences and encouraged more partners to elevate parents’ voices in their programming.
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“We know what works and what doesn’t,” parent Cara Sutliffe explained.
Experts outlined how cell phone use isn’t just a problem for young people. Parents also struggle with keeping their phones from taking center stage. But the issue is far from simple, said Dr. Brandon T. McDaniels, senior researcher from Miro Center for Research and Innovation.
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“What is so great about this conversation is that we’re all realizing how complex this issue is,” he said after a series of difficult questions about cell phone usage.
He encouraged people to highlight how cell phone usage - and many social apps - can provide support for parents who are stressed or need a break.
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That same emphasis on positive messaging was echoed by Tufts University’s Dr. Robert Sege, head of the Healthy Ourcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) National Resource Center. Generally, positives usually exist alongside negatives when parenting is challenged by poverty and other influences. Children’s brains are literally rewired by positive experiences, which help them overcome negative experiences. Focusing attention on what parents are doing right for their children can open a partnership to address the negatives.
The two-day conference wrapped up with an energizing session with Delta Project Executive Director Cole Williams highlighting every-day heroes with superhero capes and funny hats to all of his new friends. The positivity and opportunities to spotlight the great work prevention partners do every day was an inspiriting ending to the conference.
CTM Debuts New Monthly Blog
Don't miss our monthly blog posts highlighting some of our specific programs and the impact of the funding shared with prevention partners around the state. Check out the inaugural post: Children Trust Michigan Plays Vital Role in State's Future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
32nd Annual Parenting Awareness
Michigan Conference
This conference will be held Friday, Nov. 8 at the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. More information is available here.
Parent Leadership Training
Parents can earn a $200 stipend with child care reimbursement for attending the virtual three-day Parent Leadership Training Nov. 12-14. Any parent or caregiver with a child up to age 18 who has received speciality public services in Michigan is eligible. More information is available here.
Save the Date
CASH Conference
The Child, Adolescent and School Health (CASH) Conference will be held Aug. 12-13, 2025, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Calls for workshop proposals, sponsor and vendors is open. Contact Conference Coordinator Diane Drago at [email protected] for more information.
Stay Connected With CTM
Online: www.childrentrustmichigan.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 517-241-0042
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