Project Summary

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Smart Beginnings of Martinsville and Henry County is a collaborative effort focused on building bridges to strengthen the community's ability to respond to the needs of children and families so children enter school ready to learn and succeed.

About me

I am director of the Success By 6 early childhood initiative for the United Way in Martinsville and Henry County. I do not have an education background, but came to this position when I lost my HR job of 18 years when the textile facility closed. This community is my home; I know the people and their struggles. For the last five years I have shared with families and caregivers simple ways they can better prepare their children for future success. We have applied for and received planning funding from the state to begin this process. We have already held a community forum and have a diverse core group dedicated to working together for change. Both city and county school superintendents are involved, as well as a librarian, social workers, teachers, Boys and Girls Club, pediatrician, police chief, parents, home providers, agencies serving families, legislators, and pastors. While we each may have good core programs as single agencies or organizations, we are realizing that we must all come together and work as one if we want true long-term change and impact.