Stronger Together
FOR CENTRAL LAKE FAMILIES
CLEO is a network of community partners, uniting to provide early childhood activities, services and resources for the young children and families of Central Lake.
Through free, reliable resources and convenient access to programs, we find ways to put support in the hands of each parent, making it easier for every child to have a strong start and for every family to thrive.
As a collaborative partners and passionate leaders in early childhood development, we work tirelessly to strengthen the bond between child and parent and the powerful union of parents with their community. The families of Central Lake can trust in CLEO to provide continuous nurturing and connection through the early childhood years, promoting empowered parents and a thriving future for Central Lake.
More importantly, we want the families of Central Lake to know that...
You are not alone.
You are cared about, in and outside of your home.
You have the power. We’ll provide support when you need us.
You are the future. Let’s unlock potential and dream together.
We are stronger together.
Connect with us. Together, we can have a positive impact on every child, parent and family in our village of Central Lake.
CLEO is funded by a variety of local sources, with significant, sustainable funding from an endowment established by the Grand Traverse Regional community Foundation with a gift by Cleo M. Purdy.
Cleo M. Purdy (September 1933 – January 2013) was born and raised in Central Lake on her family’s farm. She was a keen and savvy business woman with a strong belief in supporting early childhood experiences and opportunities as a way to prevent poverty and enrich lives.
In 2003, Cleo began giving to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, totaling more than $500,000, which supported grants to help fund the Central Lake Preschool Program. In 2008, Cleo made plans for an irrevocable gift to the Community Foundation for the benefit of Central Lake’s young children and their families. At the end of her life, the gift from her charitable trust created the more than $14 million Cleo M. Purdy Endowment. This endowment ensures her wishes for equitable, quality and dependable early childhood opportunities will be available to families in Central Lake now, and forever.
Today, the Community Foundation manages the Purdy Endowment, granting funds each year for early childhood opportunities, programs and services to support the families of Central Lake. Because of Cleo M. Purdy, and many dedicated partners, all young children in Central Lake have the opportunity for a strong beginning and a thriving future.