Family Leadership Network

Our Family Leadership Network (FLN) works with MI Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. The FLN helps us stay connected with resources and families across Michigan.

The Family Leadership Network was created out of the common need to obtain diverse perspectives from families across the State of Michigan. Parents of children with special health care needs have a lot of experience navigating different systems. This knowledge is valuable and can help create a better understanding of what families experience with healthcare and other systems. The Family Leadership Network provides input on programs and special projects, and shares information about resources with other families in their area. They also participate in ongoing learning opportunities to help them develop as family leaders. (Please note this is a volunteer position. We provide a stipend for participating in quarterly meetings and the yearly in person meeting.)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in quarterly meetings including a yearly in-person meeting and FLN training.
  • Act as a link and source of communication between the FLN and families, community-based agencies, health plans, and health departments in your region.
  • Conduct outreach activities in your region to families, youth, providers, and other stakeholders regarding availability of Family to Family and Family Center information and resources.
  • Identify local community partners and resources available to CYSHCN.
  • Review and update information for your region that is posted on F2FMichigan.org website.
  • Expand the F2FMichigan.org website by finding and sharing information about local resources, programs and services that are helpful to families of CYSHCN.
  • Listen to feedback from families in your region so that you can represent a regional voice in the FLN on programs, priorities, and initiatives.
  • Encourage families in your region to use resources and activities sponsored by the Family Center and Family to Family.
  • Report and make recommendations regarding issues and priorities on topics impacting the Family Center, Family to Family, and families of CYSHCN in your region.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Have personal experience as a parent, guardian or caregiver of a child or young adult (up to age 26) with a disability or other special needs; or be a youth (18 or older) with a disability or other special needs.
  • Will commit to participate in quarterly conference calls and one in-person meeting per year.
  • Willingness to share personal experience in a way that informs and empowers others.
  • Interest in working with others to provide input on programs and services for CYSHCN.
  • Open to diverse family cultures, values, and beliefs.
  • Use a family-centered, strength-based approach when interacting with others.
  • Ability to communicate well, listen, and show respect for other’s views.
  • Ability to participate in training opportunities.
  • Ability to access the internet through home computer, public library, or personal telephone.
  • Desire to grow as a Family Leader and be a part of a larger Family Leadership Network.
  • Able to work as part of a team.
  • 18 years or older.

The Family Leadership Network accepts applications on an ongoing basis, based on open spots. If there is an opening in your region and you are interested in applying, please download the application packet listed below.

If you would like the application packet mailed to you, please contact the Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722.

Up to two FLN members come from each of the 10 Michigan Prosperity Regions (see image below). Learn more in our FLN Information and Application Packet .

1 Upper Peninsula

Marissa Van Zile, Gogebic
Ashley McLenna, Marquette

2 Northwest MI

Sue Papajesk, Grand Traverse
Annalee Malmstrom, Benzie

3 Northeast MI

Nicole Eklund, Iosco
Genevieve Moore, Iosco

4 West MI

Krista Assman, Montcalm
Karen Kleinheksel, Kent

5 East Central MI

Samantha Oard, Gladwin
Nikki Sprague, Midland

6 East MI

Ann Livingston, Sanilac
OPEN

7 South Central MI

Amy Nierenberger, Eaton
Cherish Nunez, Ingham

8 Southwest MI

Essie Brown, Kalamazoo
Frances Vega Pietri, Kalamazoo

9 Southeast MI

Quanise Stitt
OPEN

10 Detroit Metro

OPEN
OPEN