This month’s 2024 Challenge Grant Awardee Mission Moment is the Bay-Arenac ISD Starting Strong Parents as Teachers program. They were awarded $10,000 under the PBS category for their project called Building Connections: Combating Isolation Through Community Events and Partnerships.
“Each year, we ask our families for feedback through the annual Parents as Teachers Parent Satisfaction Survey,” said Rich VanTol, Collaboration Coordinator. “One theme emerged loud and clear this year: many of our families are experiencing loneliness, isolation, and a lack of strong social connections. These feelings are more than just difficult—they represent a real challenge to family well-being. We know that having a network of support is a key protective factor for families, helping them build resilience, strengthen relationships, and access critical resources.”
The survey results also revealed another growing challenge: many families in the program do not have reliable transportation. As a result, they are unable to participate in community events, playgroups, Group Connections, and other activities that foster meaningful connections with peers.
In response to these challenges, the program announced a new effort to strengthen social support networks for families: a partnership with the local PBS affiliate, the Michigan Learning Channel/Delta Kids Public Media. Together, they have planned two Starting Strong/Great Start Family Networking events to give families more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
This effort builds on the success of our March 2024 collaboration with PBS Kids and the Bay County Historical Society. Together, they developed and launched the new PBS Kids Reading Room, a dedicated exhibition at the museum designed to be a safe, welcoming, and educational space for young children and families. On March 19, they celebrated the opening with an open house and family social gathering that brought together Parents as Teachers families and members of their broader Great Start network. The event was a huge success, welcoming 38 families and a total of 71 individuals.
The program is especially proud that the PBS Reading Room will remain open to the public indefinitely, serving as a lasting community resource—and that Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC) is recognized as a key contributor to this meaningful initiative.
As they continue to address barriers like transportation and isolation, these family events and partnerships offer a hopeful path forward. By working together and leaning into community-based solutions, they hope to ensure every family has the support they need to thrive.
Parents as Teachers National Center commends your commitment to the children and families in your community.