Smart Start Presents Top Award to Waynett Taylor

Waynett Taylor received statewide recognition from the North Carolina Partnership for Children as she was presented the Karen W. Ponder 2023 Leadership Award during a special ceremony earlier this week.

Waynett is the Executive Director and Inclusion Specialist with P.U.R.E. Excellence. She works tirelessly to improve the child care industry, which she cherishes and loves. She works with early childhood educators that director and work in child development centers, thus directly impacting the young children in Cabarrus County.

Items Needed for Duffle Bags of Hope

The Duffle Bags of Hope program stands as a beacon of compassion and support for children entering the foster care system in Cabarrus County. It recognizes the often dire circumstances that these young individuals face, as they are uprooted from their homes and families, entering an unfamiliar world with minimal personal belongings. The program strives to alleviate the distress of these children by providing them with duffle bags filled not only with essential supplies but also with hope and a sense of care.

Duffle Bags of Hope focuses on children of all ages, because there are never enough resources available for all age groups in our local foster care system. If you are able to donate items in bulk for our next batch of duffle bags, please visit the links below.

Last Chance to Submit Nominations

Nominations for the Anne Laukaitis Champion for Children Award are due by October 13! This award is given annually to an exceptional individual at the local level who is devoted to public service and whose leadership qualities have resulted in significant change for the betterment of young children, families, and communities. The award will be presented to the winner during the Voices for Children Luncheon on December 5.

Invest in Local Programs

For a quarter of a century, our organization has been dedicated to nurturing the future of Cabarrus County's youngest children. Now, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we ask you to join us in making an investment in your local programs so that every child in our community has an opportunity to thrive.

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