In our final episode of this season's "Session Voices" series, we talk (again) with Mary Collins, of UM's Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development. Mary talks about the many steps left to codify and implement new policies, now that the session has ended, and the ways in which communities can work together to implement these changes. We discuss the power of local coalitions, particularly Early Childhood Coalitions (ECC's) -- what they are, why they exist, and how you can get involved in one in your own community (or help create one).

Guest Bio:

Mary Collins has worked in a variety of social service settings where she provided counseling, advocacy, and supportive services to children, adolescents, and adults. She worked for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in a variety of leadership positions focused on improving Montana’s behavioral health system. In her role at the Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development, Mary works to support Montana's early childhood system. Her efforts are targeted at bolstering the capacity of Montana's Early Childhood Coalitions to support community-driven systems change.

mary.collins@mso.umt.edu

Organizations/resources mentioned in this episode:

The Montana Early Childhood Coalition: https://hmhb-mt.org/mtecc/

UM's Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development: https://www.umt.edu/ccfwd/

Zero to Five Montana: https://zerotofive.org/

To contact your federal representatives: https://mt.gov/govt/congressional_delegation

"Session Voices" was hosted and produced by Emily Freeman, with music by Caroline Keys.

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, please visit LIFTS ( Linking Infants and Families to Supports) at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/