Douglas Powell, better known as Roscoe Burnems, was recently named Richmond's first Poet Laureate. In addition to his work as a poet, Roscoe is also a published author, spoken-word artist, comedian, TEDx speaker, and National Poetry Slam Champion. Roscoe joined Richmond Memorial Health Foundation's most recent Board meeting and inspired Trustees and staff with his poetry. Take a listen. 

One weird trick to fix our broken child care system 

Early education in the US is endlessly convoluted, and a massive expense for lower- and middle-class families. What if the solution were as straightforward as making child care a “good” job? 

More families with young children may now have access to $1,000 per month for child care in Virginia under new law 

Food trucks at the Diamond every Thursday! Pick up dinner to go!

Foster Youth Focus Group to discuss developing a Foster Care Bill of Rights Thursday, April 8 at 3:00 p.m. The registration form must be filled out by the LDSS worker, case worker, foster parent, or the youth (if the youth is 18 or older). Find more information HERE!

Racial Truth & Reconciliation VA Coalition Meeting Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 12 PM Register HERE!

Declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis in VA Friday, April 16, 2021 at 12 PM Register HERE!

Zero to Three: Join experts and advocates on April 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. for the State of Babies Yearbook 2021 Baby Summit, a robust, solution-oriented conversation around our findings, telling stories behind the data, and laying out the strong, permanent, national policies that will ensure families and babies can thrive. Register HERE!

ECE-VA-April Topic: Social problem solving. See all of the resources HERE!

VAFCCA- Care and Connection call for all family child care providers, Saturday, April 10th at 9:00 a.m., representatives from the state will be on the call to talk about new funding coming to help stabilize child care with direct cash grants and more subsidy supports but they need to hear from you about what your needs are. Let your voice be heard. Register HERE!

Calling all child care programs! We are recruiting for the 2021-22 Preschool Development Grant (PDG). This opportunity is FREE and available to all programs working with children birth-5. PDG will be piloting Virginia's new Quality Improvement System next year so don't miss out. If you want to be on the ground floor and offer your feedback on the new VA Quality as well as receive observations, coaching, and training, join us for an information session on Wed., April 14. See the flyer and zoom link here.