2021 Distribution of Grants

 Jamie’s Smiles is a fund held and administered by Four County Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3), in memory of Jameson Bates. Their mission is to supply supplemental funding to outstanding programs that benefit special needs children, through grants and other financial means. Gretchen Bates said, “We are super excited to announce that even amidst the unusual circumstances of the past couple of years, Jamie’s Smiles has been able to add a THIRD grant this year and to release $3,000 in grants to help programs assisting children with special needs in our local community.” 

On October 21, 2021 the Macomb Infant Preschool Program (MIPP), serving approximately 1,000 students with special needs ages birth to 3 years in Macomb County, received three $1,000 grants for a total of $3,000 from Jamie’s Smiles for current projects and equipment. The money from these grants is for the purchase of aids to enhance seating options for babies and toddlers, support garments, splints, and developmental toys that will promote skill acquisition and milestone development including fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, and social emotional development. Some items will be used on site at their locations and other will be utilized as short-term loan equipment for families to use for child development and in-home teaching. 

When asked about their projects Bates said, “Helping others is my passion…especially those in the special needs community! That is why we love working with the Macomb Infant Preschool Program (MIPP). MIPP has been working double time even in this atypical environment. They are working hard to keep everyone safe, while adapting their teaching and therapy methods to continue to improve the lives of children with special needs like our son. We want to support their important efforts during this difficult era. We are thankful to have such high-quality programs in our own back yard to continue to help so many children progress and prosper.”