CARE for Benzie

History

The 0-6 Workgroup of the Benzie County Human Services Collaborative Body was awarded the Michigan Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) in 2022 to begin the process of rolling up their sleeves and embarking on the journey to begin to address the critical community issue of childcare. 

With the guidance of First Children’s Finance, the 0-6 Workgroup held a Town Hall, a Core Team retreat, and created the name CARE (Childcare Access and Resources for Everyone) for Benzie. 

Goals.

  1. Community Education and Partnerships: A Core Team will research and develop a central hub of information (software app/website) for all early childcare and education (ECE) needs and resources in and around Benzie County.
  2. Recognition: A Core Team will create an Early Childhood and Education Booster Club starting with members from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and invite other booster members from surrounding churches and communities regionally.

Reach out to the Benzie Human Services Collaborative Body to learn more today!

  • The Core Team leaders for CARE include:

    • Sarah May

    • Mary Manner

    • Sara Bennett

    • Josh Stoltz

    • Maggie Bacon

    • Marcia Landsman

    • Sue Campana

    • Valerie Gerhart

    • Kim Micham

  • CARE for Benzie is not currently seeking volunteers. The project is proudly supported by unpaid, passionate professionals. To learn more about the Initiative and how you can support, contact the BAY Initiative Sarah May at benziehsc@gmail.com

  • CARE for Benzie was supported directly through the 2022 First Children’s Finance Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP), a community engagement process and short-term grant designed to address the challenges of child care in rural America.