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Michigan Cleft Network is nationally recognized as Michigan's first and
foremost network of its kind; providing its services and programs,
free of charge, to more than 250 families.
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Michigan Cleft Network was founded by Teresa Croughen in 2005, shortly after the birth of her youngest son, who was born with multiple clefts and other conditions. Its initial purpose was to promote communication among
Michigan families and individuals affected by cleft lip and palate, and associated craniofacial conditions.
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Teresa introduced herself to national organizations, AboutFaceUSA and CleftAdvocate, and soonafter became a Pathfinder in their Outreach Network and a State Resource Volunteer.
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In January 2006, the organization launched a structured website enabling individuals to form on- and off-line relationships with programs not limited to: MiCleft Angel peer counseling, interactive playgroups, philanthropy, and a full range of electronic media services. Furthermore, it expanded its purpose to educate the general public and promote diversity and awareness in public schools. It began offering participants resources and assistance in choosing a surgical team that best fit their individual and family needs, and provided interpersonal training to medical professionals and new parents to ensure families benefit and receive the most comprehensive health care possible.
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MiCleft earned international entitlement and accreditation by HONcode (Health on the Net Foundation).
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2006 -
MiCleft was acknowledged as a CleftAdvocate Pathfinder Partner Organization, gaining wide-range acceptance from affiliated national and state organizations, surgical teams, and Michigan communities.
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2006 - Teresa accepted the Michigan Department of Community Health's invitation, and currently serves as a Board Member of CAC (Children's Special Health Care Services Advisory Committee).
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2007 - MiCleft formed its Executive Board of Directors and introduced free, lifetime membership to its participants.
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January 2008 - MiCleft removed member services from the public website, and completed the transition to Big Tent; a State-of-the-Art and privacy secure, members-only community platform.
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2008 - Michigan Cleft Network gained the support of Fiscal Sponsor, AmeriFace (formerly AboutFaceUSA), and filed its
Non-Profit
Articles of Incorporation with the State of Michigan.
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May 2008 - MiCleft acquired membership status with Michigan Non-Profit Association and Great Lakes Center for
Youth Development.
The network is comprised by teens and adults affected by facial differences,
parents, caregivers and medical professionals.
Executive Board Code of Ethics Contributors Donate Now
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