The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Family Leadership Network
Family Leadership Network
The Family Leadership Network was created out of the need to obtain diverse perspectives from families across the State of Michigan. Parents of children with special health care needs have a lot of experience. This knowledge is valuable and can help create a better understanding of what families experience with healthcare and other systems.
The Family Leadership Network members are volunteers who provide input on programs and special projects and share information about resources with other families in their area. They also participate in ongoing learning opportunities to help them develop as family leaders.
-
Qualifications
- Have personal experience as a parent, guardian or caregiver of a child or young adult (up to age 26) with special health care needs; or be a young adult (18 to 26) with special health care needs.
- Can commit to participate in quarterly conference calls and one in-person meeting per year.
- Willingness to share personal experience in a way that informs and empowers others.
- Interest in working with others to provide input on programs and services for CYSHCN.
- Open to diverse family cultures, values, and beliefs.
- Use a family-centered, strength-based approach when interacting with others.
- Ability to communicate well, listen, and show respect for other’s views.
- Ability to participate in training opportunities.
- Ability to access the internet through home computer, public library, or personal telephone.
- Desire to grow as a Family Leader and be a part of a larger Family Leadership Network.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- 18 years or older.
-
Responsibilities
- Participate in quarterly meetings including a yearly in-person meeting*.
- Act as a link and source of communication between the FLN and families, community-based agencies, health plans, and health departments in your region.
- Conduct outreach activities in your region to families, youth, providers, and other stakeholders regarding availability of Family to Family and Family Center information and resources*.
- Identify local community partners and resources available to CYSHCN.
- Expand the F2FMichigan.org website by finding and sharing information about local resources, programs and services that are helpful to families of CYSHCN.
- Listen to feedback from families in your region so that you can represent a regional voice in the FLN on programs, priorities, and initiatives.
- Encourage families in your region to use resources and activities sponsored by the Family Center and Family to Family.
- Report and make recommendations regarding issues and priorities on topics impacting the Family Center, Family to Family, and families of CYSHCN in your region.
*Note: This is not a paid position, however members are eligible for a stipend for participation in meetings, and some preapproved activities.
-
Regions and Applications
The Family Leadership Network accepts applications on an ongoing basis, based on open spots. If there is an opening in your region and you are interested in applying, please download the application packet listed below or fill out the online application. If you would like the application packet mailed to you, please contact the Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722.
Up to two FLN members come from each of the 10 Michigan Prosperity Regions (see image above) and there are two at-large positions. Learn more in our FLN Information and Application Packet or fill out online.
-
Current Family Leadership Network Members
- Upper Peninsula: Marisa Van Zile, Gogebic County and Carrie Rochefort, Delta County
- Northwest MI: Will Andrew, Kalkaska County and Dana Tuller, Grand Traverse County
- Northeast MI: OPEN and OPEN
- West MI: Cara Sutliffe, Kent County and Karen Kleinheksel, Kent County
- East Central MI: Samantha Oard, Gladwin County and OPEN
- East Michigan: Ann Livingston, Sanilac County and Jennifer Dial, Sanilac County
- South Central MI: Amy Nierenberger, Eaton County and Ryan Scrivens, Ingham County
- Southwest MI: Essie Brown, Kalamazoo County and Alicia Cunningham, Kalamazoo County
- Southeast Michigan: Quanise Stitt, Washtenaw County and Sakinah Williams, Washtenaw County
- Detroit Metro: Leslie Windless, Wayne County and OPEN
- At– Large: Jennifer Flanders-Shouse, Clinton County and OPEN
