Stories

"Being a teacher during this time has been one of the hardest and also one of the most rewarding times in my teaching career.

In the last 13 years I have done a lot, but nothing prepares you for a situation like this one. I am currently being pushed by inner motivation to find ways to engage with children I can no longer see, to create opportunities for children to learn while at home during a time that is less than normal.

I'm tasked with helping to support parents to find confidence to be their child's teacher, even though they have been the child's first teacher all along.

I've created projects to send home; I'm writing letters; I'm making weekly phone calls; I'm sending texts; and I have even created videos so 'my kids' can see my face. I'm a teacher; that didn't stop when the doors to the school closed, it only ignited a deeper fire within myself to help support 'my kids.'

These students may not remember me one day, but I will remember them, and I will look back and smile, because they are the ones helping this teacher become better each and everyday."

Heather, teacher

Though our physical preschool classrooms are closed, our services and work continue. Our staff are doing everything we can to ensure we are serving the needs of our communities, especially through this difficult and stressful time.

​Because all of our students are so unique, that journey looks a little different for each of them.

Below is a story from one of our Head Start parents about how her daughter flourished in the classroom.

"Head Start supplies a diverse learning environment with new tools and techniques from what we have at home.

I have peace of mind knowing my child is cared for by staff who love her. She is growing and sharing her love of learning with our family.

Since we've enrolled in Head Start, we read more at home, and we make it a point to use descriptive and expressive language.

I hope her curiosity and love of learning that bloomed in Head Start are never stifled."

​"A note of thanks to you (Housing Director, Justin) and the entire staff at Mid Michigan Community Action for the work done to insulate my home. The results have been phenomenal. Not only is the house warmer and less drafty, the furnace cycles fewer and shorter times.

The experience has been a pleasure to work with you and your staff. From coordinating and scheduling with you and Jody by phone, to working on-site with Johnny, Mike, Shane and Tyler, to your final on-site inspection, everyone has been courteous and professional.

Thanks again for a job well done."

Brad had his home weatherized, a process by which an energy auditor assesses a potential client's home to see what type of energy efficiency measures would be beneficial, and then a weatherization crew completes the work. In this case, it was found that Brad's home would benefit from added insulation in the walls, attics, and basement to keep his home warmer and his utility bills lower. He also had smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed.