The mission of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is to promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
The Community Housing Network (CHN) is committed to providing homes for people in need through proven strategies of homelessness prevention, housing assistance and development, community education and referral, advocacy, and additional services. CHN helps people who are homeless, people with disabilities, and anyone in housing crisis. The CHN Housing Resource Center, a one-stop-shop for all things housing, directs people to resources at CHN and other organizations.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS), is an independent agency serving Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. As the sole full-service agency for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities in West Michigan, D&HHS fills 4,000+ interpreter assignments annually, and provides further services through American Sign Language classes, cultural awareness and sensitivity training, equipment assistance and advocacy, and an educational and resources support program for deaf children in West Michigan.
NAMI Michigan and its affiliates are dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life for persons, families and others, who are affected by mental illness, including children with serious emotional disorders, through support, education, advocacy and research. Many programs listed on the website.
The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. This website contains information on advocacy and policy for families at the federal, state and community levels. Some key topics include, and are not limited to improving children’s access to care, nutrition, protecting immigrant children, childhood immunizations and promoting children’s mental health.
MHSA is the unified voice providing advocacy and leadership linking the Head Start community of parents, programs, and partners.
FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that provides services for people of all ages who have physical, intellectual and/or emotional challenges. FAR also promotes public understanding of the abilities and potential of people with such challenges.
Disability Advocates of Kent County works alongside people with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and to advocate for accessible and welcoming communities.
Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR) provides a wide variety of activities for the mind and body through artistic, recreational and social programs for people with disabilities. CIR seeks to build awareness and to create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in the life of the community as fully as possible. Services range from individual support to fully inclusive community activities by guiding healthy activity choices, providing accessible transportation, financial assistance, and connections to a variety of fun activities.
The site provides families with AS education and personal resources, ASF-funded research updates and accomplishments, community and national fundraising events, and more!