How we select locations for 5toONE Neighborhood Centers
5toONE Neighborhood Centers are located in communities that are under-resourced with respect to early childhood programs and services, and where there is a concentration of families raising young children. During the early phases of model design we asked parents where they wanted to go, and how far they were willing to travel, to attend playgroups and access services. They said, in order of preference from most preferred to least: playgrounds, schools, libraries, churches, government offices, and health departments. They preferred to travel 10 miles or less, and many commented that they wanted activities that were close to home where they could network with other families from their neighborhoods.
How we partner with 5toONE host organizations
Organizations that either already have as part of their mission serving families raising young children in their communities or that want to begin serving families are evaluated as potential host organizations. We complete a preliminary checklist with a potential host organization to determine whether the organization has the capacity to host playgroups and other activities, and if families will be safe coming to the location. The next step is to convene host organization leadership and staff, any volunteers, and several parents who are likely to attend playgroups and create an advisory group for the 5toONE Neighborhood Center. As soon as the host organization is ready, a playgroup is scheduled and the 5toONE team begins supporting the Neighborhood Center.
Sustainability
Every community is different, and brings different resources to the table. Thus each 5toONE Neighborhood Center is the product of the unique capacities of the host organization, families, and their community. The 5toONE sustainability model is based on helping communities discover new ways to use existing resources to create and maintain local opportunities to nurture children and strengthen families.
The Host Organizations
Betsie Valley Elementary School
17936 Cadillac Hwy, Thompsonville MI 49683| 231.378.4164
Grow Benzie
5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia MI 49616| 231.882.9510
Great Lakes Children’s Museum
13240 S W Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City MI 49684| 231.932.4526
Kalkaska NMCAA – Head Start
406 S Cedar St, Kalkaska, MI 49646| 231.258.4505
Kalkaska County Library
247 S. Cedar Street, Kalkaska MI 49646| 231.258.9411
Lake Ann United Methodist Church Community Center
19900 First St., Lake Ann MI 49650| 231.275.7236
Rapid City Elementary School
5258 River Street, Rapid City MI 49676| 231.331-6121
