Federal SNAP changes threaten little Michiganders’ food access and future
Good nutrition lays the foundation for physical growth, brain development, and school readiness.
Brianna Nargiso's Latest Articles
Mental health equity: Changes, challenges, and paving a path forward
“Health equity has always been an uphill battle. But without intentional investment and consistency, we risk sliding backward." Marianne Huff
Do child care challenges differ for urban and rural families?
While geography shapes experience, families face similar struggles finding child care.
الهجمات على العائلات المهاجرة وما تعنيه لتعليم الطفولة المبكرة
في عام 2024، لاحظ معلمو الطفولة المبكرة في جنوب غرب ديترويت انخفاضًا كبيرًا في تسجيل الأطفال في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة، وذلك بعد تصاعد نشاط تنفيذ قوانين الهجرة. وعلى الرغم من أن هذا الانخفاض لم يتم توثيقه رسميًا في ذلك الوقت، أفادت منظمات مجتمعية أن ما يقارب 15٪ من الطلاب تم سحبهم من برامج ما قبل المدرسة في المنطقة خلال أسابيع قليلة.
60 years of Head Start. What’s next?
As Head Start marked its 60th anniversary this past May, the program’s legacy stands as more than a historical benchmark. It offers a powerful example of how early learning can drive equity, resilience, and long-term impact.
Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations
Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.
More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings
Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences
The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.
Community mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities
Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.
“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations
Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.
