When asked by The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, "What calls you to this work? What keeps you going?" Joan Blough, ECIC VP of Great Start System Planning & Evaluation had this to say: 

"The challenge is to tap into the heart."

We connected with 6 Michigan parents at the Parent Leadership Institute and asked the same question, receiving these heartfelt replies:

Cynthia Corey, Parent Liaison, Traverse Bay GSC

“I have three young children and I was a child of teen parents who didn’t have support. I want to provide that support in my community, and opportunities to those who need it.”

 Lisa Benac-Appelgren, Parent Liaison, Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Counties

“I already was doing volunteer work locally when I found out about this work. It just seemed to fit. Our community is rural and there a lot of people who aren’t aware that they can make a difference and don’t think their voice is needed. I like showing them that they can be leaders.”

Jennifer Thompson, Parent Liaison, Macomb County

“The passion that drives me to this are my two little boys. Jacob is 3. He was in Early On, placed out, and is in pre-kindergarten doing great. Blake is 4. He has torticollis, a weakening of the neck muscles. Because of that, he’s going to be a little behind. As a parent, I want other parents to understand torticollis, and know they aren't alone. That’s one thing to add to my list that I want to help parents understand.”

Helen Maxwell, Parent Liaison, Genesee County

“I like making a difference in people’s lives and I like making a difference in the lives of our youngest citizens. Investments in early childhood are so important because 90 percent of the brain is formed in the first four years. So if we don’t help kids and they fall behind... it’s pay now, or really pay later.”

Nichole Decker, Parent Liaison, Onaway County

“I love children. I have young children and I see the need for investments in early childhood and how important it is for children to be prepared. I go into my daughter’s (kindergarten) class and I can see how the children who are not prepared are holding others back.”

 Tina Burch, Parent Liaison, Kalamazoo County

“It all started with my son. I was having problems with him in school. No one would listen, no one cared. As a last resort, I went to a parent coalition meeting thinking, “This isn’t going to work, no way.” But they listened, they cared, and I was like, ‘Wow!’ I got help for my son and I thought, ‘How many other people go through this and don’t get help?’ Once I found out I had a voice, I felt empowered.”