Kent County organizations collaborate to tackle poverty-related issues in early childhood

On many levels, it is a staggering problem. Child poverty rates continue to increase in Kent County where 20% of children between birth and the age of five live in poverty, and 43% of all births in Kent County are being covered by Medicaid.

However, thanks to the work of many individuals and organizations in the area, programs are being implemented to address these issues.

According to Amy Turner-Thole, communications director for First Steps Kent County, "statistics are startling  but the community is taking a proactive approach and focused on prevention."

Turner-Thole, whose recent column for state think tank The Center for Michigan, highlights three innovative programs in particular that are taking an aggressive and proactive stance:

- Welcome Home Baby
- Children's Healthcare Access Program
- Early Learning Communities

Turner-Thole points out these innovative projects are collaborative in nature, and the approach is to address the problems at a systems level.

For more information on the work of First Steps Kent County and/or for ways to  get involved, you can visit their website here.

Source: Amy Turner-Thole, First Steps Kent County
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor