Western Resource Center – Community Partners & Resources

Local Partners

The Western Resource Center loves to partner.  We partner with trainers, libraries, local Intermediate School Districts, child care programs, providers and families.  We support community efforts that prepare children for school and life.  If you have ideas on how we can work smarter, better and faster together, please contact our Resource Center Director, Sue Toman at 616-396-2301.   A few partners that share our vision for children are:

  • Local Great Start Collaboratives – working to build an early childhood system in Michigan.
  • Local Great Start Parent Coalitions – supporting parents and giving them voice.   
  • Local Libraries
  • Ready for School – works in the Holland, Zeeland and Hamilton areas to ensure children are ready for school.
  • Other partners are listed on the community resource page.

If you are interested in the Great Start Collaboratives or Great Start Parent Coalitions, you may find one in your area. 

Community Resources

The Western Resource Center promotes the “Strengthening Families” framework to support families.

The Strengthening Families Protective Factors are:

  1. Parental Resilience – Be Strong, not stressed
  2. Social Connections – Get and give support
  3. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – Learn more so you can parent better
  4. Concrete support in Times of Need – Get help when you need it 
  5. The Social-Emotional Competence of Children – Help your child manage feelings and relationships

All families go through times when they need more support. It may even be your family. There are resources in our region for support depending on your needs.

Basic Needs

Mental Health

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will give local county offices and their services.

Early On Michigan

  • Offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families.

Intermediate School Districts 

The local Intermediate School Districts offer services for eligible children with special needs who are over 36 months. 

Check out other resources in your community.  See what is available to support families and children locally.