Help Me Grow is a free, family-centered system that connects parents and caregivers with the resources they need to support their child’s healthy development. We help families navigate early childhood services by offering simple, friendly, and coordinated support—no matter where they are in their journey.

Help Me Grow makes it easier to find help, understand options, and build strong foundations for children from birth to age five. Our goal is simple: support families, strengthen connections, and help every child thrive.

Through Help Me Grow, families can:

  • Track their child’s development and get answers to common questions.
  • Access screenings that identify strengths and developmental needs early.
  • Connect with community resources, including early intervention, health care, childcare, parenting supports, and more.
  • Receive one-on-one guidance from a knowledgeable family support navigator who listens, problem-solves, and walks alongside families every step of the way.

Heritage Southwest ISD

The Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District (ISD) is incorporated in the state of Michigan. ISDs function as regional service centers to provide special education, instructional services, and career technical education coordination for local school districts.  

Heritage Southwest ISD currently employs more than 175 persons. Its geographic coverage encompasses approximately 487 square miles and includes most of Cass County and small portions of Berrien, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties in lower southwest Michigan. Four local school districts: Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, and Marcellus, as well as the county’s private and parochial schools, depend on the Heritage Southwest ISD for the provision and coordination of general and specialized services.

Almost 8,000 students, enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grades, represent the primary consumers that the ISD incorporates into its strategic education plan.

Mission Statement

“Learning for All…Whatever It Takes”

All in all, Heritage Southwest ISD’s mission and purpose is SERVICE! We serve as a liaison between the local school districts and the Michigan Department of Education and as your educational service agency “helping Cass County Schools help kids.”

Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District (HSISD) provides significant leadership in the oversight of Great Start funding, strategic planning, and annual work plans. HERITAGE SOUTHWEST ISD is Great Start’s fiscal agent performing accounting and financial management.