RELEASE DATE:
July 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Partnership Board Approves New Budget and Programs to Expand Early Childhood Education Services
Camden, SC – Kershaw County First Steps is excited to announce that its Partnership Board has unanimously approved a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year, alongside a range of innovative programs aimed at enhancing early childhood education and family support in the county.
The newly approved budget reflects our commitment to its mission of ensuring that every child in the county enters school ready to succeed. The increased funding will allow for the expansion of key programs focused on early literacy, family engagement, and health and wellness, as well as the development of new initiatives designed to reach more children and families.
Stephen James, Interim Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm about the board’s decisions:
“This budget represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support the youngest members of our community. By investing in new and expanded programs, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for our children. Our board’s approval underscores the importance of this work, and we are eager to put these funds to good use.”
Key highlights of the approved budget and programs include:
- Expansion of Early Literacy Programs: Increased funding will enhance existing initiatives like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and provide additional resources for early literacy interventions.
- Family Engagement Services: New programs designed to support parents and caregivers will be introduced, including workshops on early learning strategies and increased access to resources that promote child development at home.
- Health and Wellness Initiatives: A focus on children’s health, including nutrition education and physical wellness activities, will be expanded to ensure that children are healthy and ready to learn.
- Partnership Development: The budget also allocates resources to foster new partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to strengthen community-wide support for early childhood education.
The newly approved budget is the result of careful planning and analysis by the board, staff, and key stakeholders to ensure that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the community.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about the opportunities ahead. These new initiatives will allow us to deepen our impact, especially for those families who need us most,” said Jennifer Kelley, Chair of the Partnership Board. “Our goal remains the same – to ensure that every child in Kershaw County is prepared for success in school and beyond.”
The new budget will go into effect starting July 1, 2024, and the expanded programs will roll out in the coming months. Kershaw County First Steps looks forward to continuing its work with local partners, donors, and the community to improve outcomes for children and families.
For more information about the new programs or to learn how you can support Kershaw County First Steps, please visit https://kershawfirststeps.org/programs.
About Kershaw County First Steps
Kershaw County First Steps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving early childhood education and development in Kershaw County. Through community partnerships and evidence-based programs, we strive to ensure that every child enters school ready to succeed.
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For more information about Kershaw County First Steps or how to volunteer or donate, please visit our website (https://kershawfirststeps.org) or email info@kershawfirststeps.org.