First Steps Kent

10/15/2026

We'll be at Family Futures' Mini Monsters on October 20 and at Boo & Belong on October 24, with the Connect Cafe! (details on that one in the comments)

Trunk or Treats this Weekend ➡
https://grkids.com/trunk-or-treat-halloween/

10/14/2026

What does a strong partnership between parents and providers look like?

The third Early Relational Health Together explores genuine partnership, collaboration and power-sharing—and how strong relationships between families and providers can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Watch the video to learn more about building relational partnerships with families.

Building Partnerships Between Providers and Parents: A Relational Alliance. Discover what genuine partnership looks like and how collaborative, power-sharing relationships between families and providers lead to better outcomes for everyone. How do you best build strong partnerships between providers...

10/14/2026

Make a plan to vote on or by November 3, 2026.

✅ Last day to register to vote by mail or online: Oct. 19
✅ Last day to register to vote in person: Nov. 3
✅ Early voting period: Oct. 24-Nov. 1
✅ Election day: Nov. 3

ENTF - Kent County Essential Needs Task Force asked everyone running for the Michigan Senate or House of Representatives this question: "How will you prioritize the essential needs of Kent County residents?" See their answers and more here: https://hubs.la/Q04B82cJ0

10/13/2026

In its first three months in Grand Rapids’ 49507 ZIP code, Rx Kids delivered $269,500 in cash support, enrolled 145 families, and welcomed 83 babies. And 88% of applications came during pregnancy, connecting families with support early.

First Steps Kent serves as the local champion alongside Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the local funding administrator. Together, we’re supporting investment in families from the start.

Read more about the Power of Early:

Rx Kids: The Power of Early(October 1, 2026)-The journey from pregnancy to birth is one of our most exciting human events. Yet pregnancy and the six months immediately following birth can be one of the most expensive and complex periods of parenting. Programs that provide early and sustained investm...

10/12/2026

Every question helps you better understand your health and your baby's development.

Bring them with you.
Ask them all.
Write them down.
Bring them with you.
Ask them all.

Learn more about Early Relational Health at https://hubs.ly/Q04vg0Rg0 (https://hubs.ly/Q04vfZ9f0)

10/09/2026

Babies don't need perfect schedules.

Simple routines—feeding, bedtime, reading, cuddling—help children know what to expect and create a sense of safety.

Consistency, not perfection, is the goal.

Learn more about Early Relational Health at https://hubs.ly/Q04vfDnD0 (https://hubs.ly/Q04vfHlR0)

10/07/2026

Long before babies can speak, they're learning through relationships.

When you notice their cues and respond with love, you're helping build trust—and that's one of the strongest foundations for healthy development.

There isn't a "perfect" way to do this. Showing up consistently is what matters. ❤️

📚 Helpful Resource: https://hubs.la/Q04whncB0

10/05/2026

What we’re hearing from parents is clear: they want resources that are easy to find and meaningful connections with other parents.

Learn more about Early Relational Health at https://hubs.la/Q04wh5Lv0.

10/03/2026

What values guide the way we support young children and families?
The second of the Early Relational Health Together video series explores cultural humility, curiosity and diverse ways of knowing—and why dignity and respect must be at the heart of every relationship.
Watch the video to learn more about a relational approach to supporting babies, toddlers and families.

Explore the values that guide a relational approach to supporting babies, toddlers, and families including cultural humility, curiosity, and the importance of diverse ways of knowing. The core of all our work is dignity and respect in all human relationships, which creates a society in which young c...

10/02/2026

Connection starts before birth. Talking, singing, and reading to your baby during pregnancy can help nurture a strong bond before they even arrive. These simple moments of connection support Early Relational Health and lay the foundation for healthy development.

Learn more about Early Relational Health at https://hubs.la/Q04wh5Lt0.