2024 Impact Report
Here we go again! The community reinforced its support of our youngest children in 2024, renewing the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage that was first approved in 2018. This historic millage for Kent County (and the state of Michigan!) passed with a total overall “yes” vote of more than 59 percent. Six additional years of dedicated and sustained funding for early childhood in Kent County means a stronger system with better outcomes for children and families. The excitement surrounding the millage renewal was significant with supporters from all over Kent County advocating, rallying the community, and voting! Read the full letter from Jennifer Headley-Nordman on page 3 of the impact report - download below.
Readiness Starts before Kindergarten
Nervous and excited 5-year-olds – wearing backpacks that cover half their bodies – walk into a whole new world on their first day of kindergarten. They are full of curiosity, apprehension, and potential. Whether they ultimately realize that potential is heavily influenced by what’s already happened in their lives, long before the start of school.
Kent County Renews Its Commitment to Early Childhood
A resounding “YES” means young children in Kent County will continue to get the start they need to be ready for success when they walk through the kindergarten door. Last August, voters in Kent County approved a six-year renewal of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, by a margin of 59 percent to 41 percent.
Ready by Five Highlights
Programs and services funded by the Ready by Five millage fall into four categories: Outreach and Navigation, Healthy Development, Parent Education and Support, and Early Learning. Community-based organizations – often referred to as “Ready by Five partner agencies” – provide the programming. Read about Ready by Five's successes with Outreach and Navigation, and Healthy Development programs below.
Read about Ready by Five's successes with Parent Education & Support and Early Learning programs below.
Parent Leadership at the Center
At First Steps Kent, we believe the people most impacted by decisions should be part of making them. That’s why parent leadership is a cornerstone of our work. Parents—whether biological, foster, grandparents, stepparents, or other caregivers—bring unmatched insight, passion, and lived experience to the systems that serve young children. They are the experts in what works, what doesn’t, and what’s truly needed to help families thrive.
Mainspring Early Care Alliance
2024 marked the official launch of the Mainspring Early Care Alliance—a first-of-its-kind, provider-led initiative supporting in-home child care professionals in Kent County. Born from years of listening and partnership, Mainspring is now powered by an 11-member advisory board made up entirely of in-home child care business owners. Together, they’ve shaped a bold new model for peer support, professional growth, and community advocacy.
Tasha Taylor's Journey
"My voice has always been in the shadows. But that day something in me came alive. Mainspring gave me the confidence to stand up and say, 'I have something to contribute.'"
Advocating for Kent County's Littlest Voices
In 2024, First Steps Kent leaned more intentionally into the policy space to protect and sustain the progress made for young children and families. With the national and local political landscapes shifting, it became clear that policy engagement was essential. As the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage came up for renewal on the August ballot, First Steps Kent amplified its advocacy work to ensure voters understood what was at stake for the future of Kent County’s youngest residents.
Total Revenue, Support, and Net Assets = $12,966,156 Total Expenses = $11,930,968 * financials represent the 2023/2024 fiscal year
Thank You
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the many individuals and organizations who make this work possible. Thank you to our funders, who continue to invest in early childhood as the foundation for a stronger community. To our partners—providers, advocates, educators, and leaders—thank you for your dedication, collaboration, and innovation.
