April has arrived with tremendous energy, and I am honored to share the remarkable momentum our organization is carrying into this spring season. From a landmark fundraising evening to a major new grant investment to an exciting new chapter in our organizational home — there is much to celebrate.

Raising Forsyth 2026 — Party Like It's 1999

On April 10, Smart Start of Forsyth County gathered at The Millennium Center in Downtown Winston-Salem for our annual fundraiser, themed "Party Like It's 1999." It was a joyful evening of celebration, gratitude, and community commitment. DJ Energizer kept the crowd moving and J. The Artist delivered an unforgettable entertainment set.

Thanks to the long-term support of our community, we not only reached our $50,000 goal in 90 days — we exceeded it, raising an incredible $92,000. These funds will help support critical services not fully covered by public dollars, including family resources, child care assistance for working families, counseling and support for mothers and fathers, and efforts to address child care deserts in targeted communities.

We are proud to recognize this year's award winners: Women in Action, Bennett Bruff, the City of Winston-Salem, and Epiphany Childcare Center. Their leadership and service continue to strengthen children, families, and our community.

I also want to extend heartfelt appreciation to our staff and Board of Directors, who for the past four years have demonstrated 100% giving to Smart Start of Forsyth County — meaning every staff and board member has personally made a financial contribution to support our mission.

While we celebrate this success, the need remains great. Our community deserves stronger investment in both early childhood and public education, because these systems work hand in hand. Children who have access to strong early learning experiences enter school better prepared to succeed, and strong public schools build on that foundation for long-term academic and life success. When we invest early, we strengthen families, support the workforce, and improve outcomes for children. When we delay, families face greater hardship, children risk falling behind, and communities bear higher long-term costs.

We are grateful for what our community made possible on April 10, but our work is far from over. Together, we must continue investing in children, families, and the future of Forsyth County.

Expanding Our Reach: New Family Support Program Grant

Smart Start of Forsyth County has been awarded new funding through the North Carolina Division of Social Services for the SFY 2027–2030 grant cycle to deliver Family Support Program Services in Forsyth County. Through our Forsyth Families Strong initiative, programming will be centered on two proven, evidence-based curricula: the Incredible Years Preschool BASIC Parent Program for children ages 3 to 5, and Triple P Level 4 Group for families with children from birth through age 5, supplemented by Triple P Level 3 brief consultations. We are eager to bring these powerful tools to the families and children of our community.

697 Children Enrolled in NC Pre-K



We are proud to share that 697 children are currently enrolled in our North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program. Each child represents a family investing in their earliest years of learning, and our team is committed to ensuring every classroom reflects the highest-quality early childhood education.

An Exciting New Chapter: Office Relocation This May

Growth looks good on us! Smart Start of Forsyth County will be relocating our administrative offices this May. Our services, our mission, and our commitment to Forsyth County remain unchanged — but a new space awaits us, and we could not be more excited. Stay tuned for details on our new home and how to find us.

Week of the Young Child: April 11–17



The Week of the Young Child is one of my favorite moments on the early childhood calendar. This week is a special opportunity to celebrate young children, honor the educators and caregivers who walk alongside them, and reaffirm our commitment to early learning. At Smart Start, every week is the week of the young child — but we are glad the rest of the world takes this one to celebrate alongside us.

With Purpose and Gratitude,



Dr. Louis A. Finney Jr.

President/Chief Executive Officer

Smart Start of Forsyth County

The early childhood workforce pipeline in Forsyth County is expanding — one apprentice at a time.

Smart Start of Forsyth County's SPARK Apprenticeship Program has finished admissions for its FY26 cohort. This spring, a new group of high school students will complete orientation, provider matching, and placement at licensed child care sites throughout the county — beginning their journey toward earning the Child Development Associate credential and qualifying as NC Pre-K assistant teachers.

SPARK is a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship that combines structured instruction at Forsyth Tech Community College with supervised,

paid work experience in actual classroom settings. For providers, this means a steady flow of credentialed, work-ready candidates specifically prepared for early childhood roles—not just placements.



Apprentices who complete the program are prepared to step directly into NC Pre-K assistant teacher positions, earning $18/hr, and to continue working toward valuable teaching credentials.

If your organization works with young children and you're interested in hosting an SPARK apprentice, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Smart Start of Forsyth County to learn more about becoming a childcare provider partner.

People are busy setting up tables and spreading tablecloths printed with logos of their businesses, agencies, or churches. The smell of food cooking on the grill drifts through the air, blending with the lively chatter of agency members greeting one another and catching up on what’s been happening across their organizations. Residents begin stepping out of their homes and apartments, drawn by the music and the welcoming voice of Rev. Kenneth Holly over the microphone, inviting them to enjoy an event created with them in mind.

Rev. Kenneth Holly, president of Life of Victory in Christ Ministries Community Development Corporation (LVCM), an organization whose mission is “to foster community impact through collaboration, develop individuals, and build networks for stronger community-based organizations and associations.” A key component of LVCM is its Church in the Streets initiative. 

Church in the Streets brings faith-based support directly into neighborhoods, offering aid and addressing the challenges

communities face. The initiative’s collaborative partnership connects families with resources that support 10 dimensions of health, including: mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, occupational, and educational health. 

Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC) has been invited to participate in the Church in the Streets initiative. It serves as a critical partner, providing access to early education resources for children and parents. Through this partnership, SSFC can bring information about early childhood resources, family support services, and community programs directly to families across Forsyth County. Family childcare educators are also encouraged to participate, sharing details about their programs with parents seeking quality childcare options. 



Together, these efforts create a welcoming space where families can learn, connect, and access the support they need to thrive. 

By Vanessa Sawyer-Wilson

Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives Manager​

The Males Aspiring Long-Term Excellence (M.A.L.E.) Initiative is proud to introduce its Fatherhood Ambassadors, a powerful force for change, now positioned at two childcare sites across the community. These Ambassadors are more than advocates; they are champions of fatherhood, trusted leaders, and living examples of what intentional, present, and engaged fatherhood looks like.



Our Fatherhood Ambassadors take on broader roles and greater responsibilities, serving as the dedicated face of father engagement at each site. They show up, build relationships, and create an environment where fathers feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead in their children's lives. Children's early learning and development is the future of fatherhood in our community.