To the Forsyth County Community,

As Veterans Day approaches, I take this opportunity to honor the men and women who have selflessly served our nation, embodying the principles of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Their contributions have safeguarded our freedoms and set a standard of service to which we can all aspire. Here in Forsyth County, I salute my fellow veterans for their invaluable impact, not only in uniform but also as leaders and contributors to our community.

My own service as a retired Army officer, which included combat and humanitarian missions in Iraq, Kuwait, and Haiti, profoundly shaped my perspective on leadership and responsibility. The experiences I gained in complex, high-stakes environments taught me resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of collective effort—all qualities that I now bring to my role as President and CEO of Smart Start of Forsyth County.

Leading an organization that serves over 13,000 children and families, I am guided by the same mission-driven focus that defined my military career. We are committed to creating equitable opportunities for early education, health, and wellness for all children and families in Forsyth County, recognizing that the future of our community depends on investing in its youngest members.

Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for Forsyth County.

With respect and gratitude,



Dr. Louis A. Finney, Jr.

President & CEO

Smart Start of Forsyth County

Retired U.S. Army Officer

SMART TABLE TALK:

CONVENING MEN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

This amazing conversation will take place at Goodwill to discuss the pivotal role males in early education hold. We hope to see you there!

North Carolina, Forsyth County, and Winston-Salem proclaimed September Smart Start Month!



The State of North Carolina proclaimed September Smart Start Month!

Thank you to our local community partners, our state and community leaders, early childhood leaders, and the families we serve who are part of our Smart Start family.

Through continual support and investments in Smart Start, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive!

The Smart Start Network is comprised of the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC) and 75 local Smart Start Partnerships that work to shift mindsets and the public narrative about children birth-to-five and their families. The impact we have locally is happening statewide as we work to ensure each child in North Carolina can thrive!



As a partner of the Smart Start Network, we are committed to raising the quality of early childhood care and education, partnering with families to build on their strengths, and improving community health. We also work to create a stronger early childhood system where each community receives evidence-based and evidence-informed services that best meets its needs.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Imprints Cares is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year with an exciting announcement - the grand opening of its new building, the Helen and Woody Clinard Center for Thriving Families, a fully renovated 21,000-square-foot space located at 711 Coliseum Plaza Court in Winston-Salem. The building is the former DataMax location and is located in the new “Education Hub” area, shared with neighbors Abound Health, Developmental Therapy Associates, Key Autism Services, The Parenting Path, and Salem Montessori School. A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new space was held on Thursday, October 17 at 11 am. In addition, a Community Grand Opening Celebration was for Saturday, October 19 from 10 am to 1 pm, and included tours of the Center for Thriving Families, activities, refreshments and meeting our neighbors. Thank you those that attended both of these exciting events!

Visit www.imprintscares.org for more details.

FIESTA!

Board Member Jessica McCrory, Special Guest Brooklyn, Community Engagement Manager Emily, and VP of PKI Glynnise at the 2024 Hispanic League Fiesta

SSFC was proud to support the Hispanic League by attending their annual Fiesta! We are so grateful to have been there!

Smart Start of Forsyth County has been named a North Carolina Family Resource Center (NC FRC) Network Member by Positive Childhood Alliance NC. Launched in March 2023, the North Carolina Family Resource Center Network is a statewide chapter of the National Family Support Network that seeks to connect Family Resource Centers from across North Carolina to both increase investments and promote best practices in family support services through advocacy and collaboration.

The NC FRC Network is committed to improving child and family well-being in communities across the state. The new S.T.A.R. Resource Center at SSFC is a place where families can access otherwise difficult to find resources including diapers and feminine hygiene products. Staff will be available to assist visitors in identifying resource centers.

The S.T.A.R. Family Resource Center will open on November 1, 2024. Contact Alisha Holt at AlishaH@smartstart-fc.org for more information.

Daniel Ferguson and Marvin Fulwood of SSFC presented "The State of Pre-K and Early Childhood Education in Forsyth County" at the Minister’s Conference of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Our presentation focused on Smart Start’s mission, key programs, and challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on childcare and workforce development. We emphasized innovative programs, partnerships, and called for community engagement and policy advocacy to enhance access and quality in early childhood education.

Dr. Louis Finney also presented "The State of Pre-K and Early Childhood Education in Forsyth County" at the United Way’s Planning for Our Future event on October 3, 2024. He highlighted Smart Start’s efforts to ensure equitable access through initiatives addressing staffing shortages, wage inequities, and family support. His presentation underscored successes and challenges and urged further community engagement and policy advocacy to advance early education.

Enhancing Equity in PreK Education: Insights and Practical Applications from the ARPA PreK Model Cohort Classrooms

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | Raleigh Convention Center

Smart Start of Forsyth County’s V.P. of Early Childhood Initiatives, Glynnise Highsmith,” and “Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools PreK Equity Manager, Lesa Bullins, provided participants with an understanding of significant disparities,insights into the Equity Audit tool and its methodology, key findings, and practical strategies for fostering equity in PreK settings. We also renewed participants' commitment to promoting equity in early childhood education.

Smart Start of Forsyth County visited Greensboro for the A&T vs. WSSU game. It was incredible to support our community at such a fun event!

11-5-2024

11-12-2024

11-19-2024

11-21-2024

Children with Special Health Care Needs

Challenging Behaviors

ITS SIDS

Stay Healthy, Stay Clean

Please visit www.smartstart-fc.org for more information and registration.

Proud Home of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Forsyth County