Michigan Cleft Network Where having facial differences make you special.

• Michigan Cleft Network was founded by Teresa Croughen, R.N. 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.

• Teresa introduced herself to national organizations, AboutFaceUSA (now AmeriFace) and CleftAdvocate, and soon after became a Pathfinder in their Outreach Network and a State Resource Volunteer.

• 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.

• MiCleft earned international entitlement and accreditation by HONcode (Health on the Net Foundation).

• 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.

• 2006 - Teresa accepted the Michigan Department of Community Health's invitation, and currently serves as a Committee Member of CAC (Children's Special Health Care Services Advisory Committee).

• 2007 - MiCleft formed its Executive Board of Directors and introduced free, lifetime membership to its participants.

• 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.

• 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.

• April 2008 - The State of Michigan declared MiCleft a Michigan tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation.

• May 2008 - MiCleft acquired membership status with the Michigan Non-Profit Association, Inc. and Great Lakes Center for Youth Development.

• Summer 2008 - The network filed Form 1023 with the Internal Revenue Service.

• 2009 - IRS declared Michigan Cleft Network, Inc. a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity; effective May 6, 2008.
   

MiCleft hopes to better-prepare new and expectant parents; share experience, hope and strength;
be of financial assistance in health coverage, encourage utilization of community resources;
help locate the surgical team that best fits your needs; and last but not least, educate our visitors so they understand

Craniofacial anomalies do not make you different...they make you special.

• The MiCleft site and service herein are available to everyone: Persons born with a facial difference; Parents and family members of a child with a difference; Childcare and medical professionals; Students and the general public. MiCleft membership is also offered at no-charge.

• The network is comprised by teens and adults affected by facial differences, parents, caregivers, and medical professionals. It is funded by its members, corporate sponsors, craniofacial affiliates, and members of Michigan communities.

• The content of this and all MiCleft Inc. websites are provided for general information only and is not intended in any way to substitute professional medical diagnosis of treatment. This site does not offer medical advice and is not solely maintained by Teresa Croughen, R.N.. No medical decision should be based on information solely accessed, suggested, posted or viewed at our sites. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional if you have concern about you or your child's health. While the MiCleft Inc. website, services, and content is plentiful in providing essential resources and information, it is a compilation of patients, and/or their parents, registered nurses and physicians experiences, education, and discussions.

• MiCleft does not participate in advertising for the purpose of corporate profit; promotion (i.e. javascript, image, hyperlink, redirect, embed) of external entities is strictly prohibited without the explicit consent of MiCleft; all products, announcements, and resources are provided without endorsement unless otherwise specified. Sponsorship ad block packages are however available upon request.