Richmond, VA (October 2009) – The statewide Smart Beginnings initiative brings people together to help Virginia’s youngest citizens, ages prenatal to five, be better prepared for success in school and in life. Community leaders from the public and private sectors in Franklin and Patrick counties applied for and recently received a $50,000 Smart Beginnings planning grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF).
With over 85% of the brain developing before the age of five, the VECF wants all young children to have Smart Beginnings in the early years, so that they become engaged citizens who contribute to our economy, strengthen our communities, nurture healthy families and build the state’s quality of life.

The grant from the VECF will be used to fund a comprehensive community assessment of early learning needs in Franklin and Patrick counties, as well as the development of a leadership council for the new initiative and the creation of a long-term strategic plan that will be executed in the initiative’s service area.

The planning grant period begins in October 2009 and will end in early 2011. This grant is a major first step in a seven-year grant continuum that could potentially result in an investment by the VECF and the Franklin County/Patrick County communities of up to $750,000 in early childhood education.

Dr. Roger Morris, division superintendent for Patrick County Public Schools, is chairman of the Smart Beginnings initiative’s new leadership council. “Many parents have talked with our School Board about the importance of quality early education for their preschoolers, so we are very pleased to be a recipient of this generous planning grant from the VECF,” said Morris. “It’s exciting to see members of the business and education communities in both counties working together to provide a bright future for our youngest citizens.

“Taking part in this important school readiness initiative is a natural outgrowth of our agency’s focus on education and health—two of the building blocks for a successful life,” said Pat Koger, executive director of the United Way of Franklin County, which will serve as the grant manager and fiscal agent. “Smart Beginnings of Franklin and Patrick counties will work closely with partner organizations in both counties to review and enhance existing resources in early childhood development and education. We are united in our commitment to provide all of our young children, ages prenatal to five, with the necessary skills to start school ready to learn.”

“A diverse group of enthusiastic and committed community leaders are prepared to develop a
strategic plan for reaching the region’s early education goals,” said Scott Hippert, president of
the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. “We encourage our statewide network of grantees to
improve the system that serves young children and to create awareness about the importance of
quality childcare along with support for families. When young children are ready for school, they
are ready for life. Franklin and Patrick counties are off to a good start.” For more information,
visit www.smartbeginnings.org or call (804) 358-8323.

About Smart Beginnings of Franklin and Patrick Counties: Smart Beginnings of Franklin
and Patrick Counties is a collaborative partnership of public and private agencies, businesses,
and individuals serving Franklin County and Patrick County, working to enhance the quality of
services for young children. For more information, call Pat Koger, executive director of the
United Way of Franklin County, (540) 483-4949 or Dr. Roger Morris, division superintendent,
Patrick County Public Schools, (276) 694-3163.
About the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation: The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation is
a public-private partnership with a mission to provide collaborative leadership to foster Smart
Beginnings for all young children in Virginia and through them a vital future for the
Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.smartbeginnings.org or call (804) 358-8323.