Blog / News & Information

17Jun

Community events/ Literacy/ Livingston County Early Literacy Collaborative

🎶 Books & Beats: A Day of Music, Literacy, and Community Connection 🎉

Jun17, 2025 Community events/ Literacy/ Livingston County Early Literacy Collaborative

We’re still smiling from the joy that filled the air during our recent Books & Beats concert at 2|42 Community Center in Brighton! With more than 300 families joining us to sing, dance, and celebrate early literacy, it was a true reflection of Livingston...

15Jun

Community events

Great Start Livingston Joins the Fun in the ‘Ville!

Jun15, 2025 Community events

☀️ Sunshine, Smiles, and StoryWalks! ☀️ We had an amazing time at Fun in the ‘Ville on June 14! Hosted in Fowlerville, this annual family-friendly event brought the whole community together for a lively day of local vendors, food trucks, music, and activities —...

11Jun

Community Partner/ Literacy/ Playdates

🌞 Our First Summer Playdate Kicked Off in Oceola Township!

Jun11, 2025 Community Partner/ Literacy/ Playdates

What a beautiful morning for some fun at Oceola Township Park in Howell! Our first Great Start Livingston Summer Playdate of the season was a hit, and we’re so grateful to all the families who joined us. Together, we: Event Highlights Included: Scaredy Squirrel...

10Jun

Events/ Family Coalition/ Parent Cafe

Let’s TACO-Bout Parenting: Free Summer Parent Café in Brighton

Jun10, 2025 Events/ Family Coalition/ Parent Cafe

🌮 Let’s TACO-Bout Parenting Parent Café – July 9, 2025 🌮 📍 Hosted at SELCRA in Brighton, MI Parents and caregivers of young children (ages 0–8)—you’re invited to a deliciously fun and supportive evening focused on parenting, connection, and community. Join us for Let’s...

9Jun

Child Care

Big News for Michigan Families: More Help to Pay for Child Care

Jun9, 2025 Child Care

We know that finding high-quality, affordable child care is one of the biggest challenges for working families—and that it often feels out of reach. But there’s good news: more Michigan families may now qualify for help thanks to a recent expansion of the MI Tri-Share Child...

4Jun

Stories in Storefronts/ StoryWalk

Partner Spotlight: Stop #8 – Carriage House Howell

Jun4, 2025 Stories in Storefronts/ StoryWalk

This summer, we’re celebrating the magical partners bringing stories to life in Downtown Howell through our Stories in Storefronts StoryWalk®—and today’s spotlight is on Carriage House, Stop #8 on the route! Located at 119 N. Michigan Ave, Carriage House is a locally loved gift...

2Jun

Literacy/ Local Business/ Low Cost / Free Family Fun/ Outdoor Activities/ Reading/ StoryWalk

Dive Into a Reading Adventure with Tallulah The Mermaid: The Downtown Howell StoryWalk® is Now Open

Jun2, 2025 Literacy/ Local Business/ Low Cost / Free Family Fun/ Outdoor Activities/ Reading/ StoryWalk

Howell, MI – The Downtown Howell “Stories In Storefronts” StoryWalk® is officially open and ready for readers of all ages! Families and community members are invited to stroll through downtown Howell to explore 16 engaging StoryWalk stops featuring pages from “Tallulah The Mermaid and the Great...

29May

MSU Extension/ Parent Education

Michigan State University Extension Child and Family Development June 2025 Offerings

May29, 2025 MSU Extension/ Parent Education

MSU Extension has a wide range of free online classes for parents and caregivers of children of all ages and early childhood professionals. See below for June offerings! Please reach out to your local Extension office or find a Child and Family Development team...

29May

ALICE

New ALICE Report for Livingston County Highlights Financial Struggles

May29, 2025 ALICE

The United for ALICE initiative has released its 2025 State of Michigan Report — and the findings have significant implications for our work here in Livingston County. Based on data collected in 2023, this new report offers a comprehensive look at the financial challenges...

27May

Early Childhood Education/ Education/ Preschool

Pre-K for All Enrollment Now Open for 2025-26 School Year

May27, 2025 Early Childhood Education/ Education/ Preschool

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), local school leaders, and providers from across the state recently gathered to encourage families to enroll 4-year-olds in our no-cost, high-quality PreK for All program. We know that PreK for All gives kids the...

23May

CPR/ First Aid

Saving Lives First Aid & CPR Upcoming Classes for Families and Providers – Summer 2025

May23, 2025 CPR/ First Aid

Saving Lives First Aid & CPR offers many classes for HeartSaver Pediatric Total, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED in Pinckney. Upcoming Dates (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Location: Christian House of Prayer, 9949 McGregor Rd., Pinckney Cost: $75 per person. Cost includes:...

23May

Community events/ Food/ Low Cost / Free Family Fun/ Resources/ Support

Salvation Army of Livingston County’s Summer Lunch Bunch 2025

May23, 2025 Community events/ Food/ Low Cost / Free Family Fun/ Resources/ Support

Salvation Army of Livingston County’s Summer Lunch Bunch 2025 is back for the season! 📅 June 4 – August 7, 2025📍 Select locations weekly throughout Livingston County This summer, families across Livingston County are invited to enjoy free lunches, fresh produce, and take-home craft...

22May

Advocacy/ Family Coalition/ Parent Coalition

Great Start Livingston at the Child Advocacy Summit 2025: Lifting Voices, Building Power

May22, 2025 Advocacy/ Family Coalition/ Parent Coalition

On May 22, the Great Start Livingston team traveled to Lansing to attend the Michele Corey Child Advocacy Summit 2025, hosted by Michigan’s Children. We joined early childhood champions, youth leaders, and statewide advocates committed to one shared goal: making Michigan the best place...

21May

Community Partner/ Guest Post/ Parent & Family Resources/ Summer

Summer 2025 Art Classes in Livingston County

May21, 2025 Community Partner/ Guest Post/ Parent & Family Resources/ Summer

Guest post by Krista Smith Krista Smith has a background in youth program development, and is passionate about sharing her love of the arts with kids. She teaches a variety of art classes locally for both adults and youth. Krista and her husband stay...

19May

Backpacks for Kids/ Community events/ Events/ Parent & Family Resources/ Parent Resources/ Resources/ School

Backpacks for Kids: Supporting a Strong Start to the School Year

May19, 2025 Backpacks for Kids/ Community events/ Events/ Parent & Family Resources/ Parent Resources/ Resources/ School

The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) is proud to host the 24th Annual Backpacks for Kids event to help local students start the school year prepared and confident. Each year, this countywide initiative supports families experiencing financial hardship by providing free backpacks filled with...

19May

Parent & Family Resources/ Safety

PFAS Foam Safety Alert: What Livingston County Families Need to Know

May19, 2025 Parent & Family Resources/ Safety

As summer fun approaches, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges families in Livingston County and beyond to stay safe by avoiding foam on lakes, rivers, and streams. Foam on surface water can look innocent—white, off-white, or even brown, sometimes collecting...