“Our Strong Start” Program to Help Open New Child Care Programs and Increase Availability of Affordable Care
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the new Our Strong Start program to make it easier for entrepreneurs to open new child care programs, get licensed faster, and expand access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families.
Our Strong Start will be run by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Child Care Licensing Bureau and help entrepreneurs get licensed and secure grant funding to launch their business.
Our Strong Start navigators will counsel potential business owners, help them understand and quickly navigate the licensing process, assist them in creating a business plan, and connect them with grant funds to open their child care business. Navigators are also available to assist current business owners interested in expanding their child care program. Entrepreneurs can connect with the Our Strong Start at michigan.gov/MIchildcare.
In addition to working one-on-one with entrepreneurs, the Our Strong Start team will host in-person and virtual events to promote the child care industry and encourage individuals to consider a career in child care. The first virtual event, “How to Open a Successful Child Care Business in Michigan,” will be at 12 PM on September 15th. Anyone considering a career in child care can register at michigan.gov/MIchildcare.
Families can visit michigan.gov/childcare for a complete list of reasons they may qualify for low or no cost child care and qualifying income levels for larger families.
Reporting for WGRT – George James
United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Day Of Caring Kick-Off
Many of us take for granted being able to do things on our own. Something as simple as changing a light bulb or cutting the grass can be a difficult task for some. The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton will address these needs for its community with its 27th Annual Day of Caring.
The Day of Caring began in 1993 and has since then helped countless community members who are unable to perform tasks on their own such as repair work, cleaning, and gardening to name a few. Volunteers from local companies go out into the community and assist in their areas of expertise.
There are 15 sponsoring companies this year, with approximately 150 volunteers assisting at 18 job sites. Event Organizer, Pamela Bodkin says “Those assisting seniors or others in need, not only provide their services with repairs and maintenance, but there’s also a social aspect, as some individuals have limited or no social networks.”
For more information contact Pamela Bodkin at (519) 336-5452 ext. 5
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
NACW Port Huron Names Woman Of The Year
The National Association of Career Women is a nonprofit organization of professional women dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive, engaging, and empowering environment for women to develop personally and professionally.
This year they have awarded one lucky member Woman of the Year. Bonnie DiNardo, Executive Director of Community and Public Relations at St Clair County Community College has received the honor due to being recognized by her peers as an individual whose conduct exemplifies high standards personally and professionally.
Dinardo wears many hats in the community, aside from her 33 year tenure at SC4, Dinardo is also a member of the St. Clair Chamber, The Blue Water Chamber, a volunteer for multiple nonprofit organizations, and much more.
On September 14th, the NACW also named its 2022-2023 board members.
For more information about NACW visit their website at nacwonline.org
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Port Huron State Game Area Day
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Division staff are hosting a tour of the Port Huron State Game Area on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The MDNR field office at 6181 Lapeer Road in Kimball Township will serve as the central meeting location, and MDNR staff will be set-up to interact with attendees.
The primary goals for this event are to:
- Increase awareness of State Game Areas and make them more accessible to users, including hunters and non-hunters
- Showcase the Port Huron State Game Area
- Make MDNR Wildlife Division staff and local partners more accessible
- Celebrate and showcase MDNR partnerships with the public
The Thumb Land Conservancy (TLC) is encouraged by this well-deserved attention to one of the most significant natural areas in the region. Several TLC members have promoted the Port Huron State Game Area, including Bob Haas who worked for the MDNR Fisheries Division for many years and authored the Black River Assessment. Bob passed away in June.
TLC Member John Fody did much of the field work to produce the 2012 Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for the Port Huron State Game Area.
Tour planning is underway and will include driving and walking. There will be activities for kids at the field office, including a nature loop they can check out. They will have combo kits of blaze orange hats and vests to give out, as well as some other goodies that are still to be determined.
Reporting for WGRT – George James
Gov. Whitmer Announces Additional Food Benefits Assistance In September
With the cost of living going up these days, Some Michiganders are feeling the pinch. From fuel to food, many families are finding it more difficult to manage their budgets in accordance with the rate of inflation. To combat this and help lower the price of groceries, those who receive food assistance benefits will be given an extra $95 in the month of September.
Governor Whitmer made the announcement concerning additional benefits on Tuesday September 14th. Eligible recipients should receive the additional assistance by September 26th. “This extra $95 monthly payment will lower grocery bills and help households use more of their hard-earned dollars for bills, school supplies, and other essential expenses,” says Whitmer.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. The additional assistance will help more than 1.3 million residents in more than 700,000 households.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell