Food insecurity – the lack of enough food, at times, for a healthy lifestyle – now affects nearly 12 percent of all Midland County residents.
“We struggle nearly every day to make ends meet,” said Leo Strike of Mills Township, who has been unable to work since 2011 after his back was fractured in three places.
Kristen McDonald, Greater Midland President/CEO, was appointed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to the statewide Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
Created in 2005, the 15-member board is the state's center for information and investment in early childhood to ensure Michigan's children are safe, healthy and eager to learn when they enter the school system.
“All of our children deserve the highest quality early education. I am very excited to help ensure that our smallest learners are prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond,” said McDonald.
McDonald has been in her current role with Greater Midland since August 2016. Prior to this position she was Vice President of Program and Policy for The Skillman Foundation, a Detroit nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of children. She has made it her mission to improve outcomes for children and ensure students graduate from high school ready for college, career, and life.
At Greater Midland, McDonald works with a team of dedicated professionals to ensure every Midland resident is healthy, stable and thriving.
Prior to her work at the foundation, McDonald served as the chief of staff to State Superintendent of Schools Mike Flanagan. She has worked extensively in the policy field of early childhood education.
McDonald earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Michigan State University and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan Flint/Ann Arbor.
Greater Midland’s Early Care and Education Center serves over 200 families throughout the year. For greater details on our facilities visit here.
