Partnership for Children of Cumberland County began as a pioneer SMART START partnership in 1993, and has matured into a respected and viable organization providing the community with clear visionary leadership and a successful, proven track record.  We are a “social entrepreneur” combining the passion of a social mission with accountability, innovation and disciplined business practices. We have channeled the power of shared services fostering collaboration among multiple organizations which increases the purchasing power and operating efficiency while extending excellent business practices. As a result of our culture and values-driven tradition, we was recognized with the 2011 Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Award by NC Center for Nonprofits.

2018-19: Be the Driving Force

  1. Governance
    • Chair: James Grafstrom
    • Vice Chair: Chas Sampson
    • Treasurer: Sandee Gronowski
    • Secretary: Dr. Meredith Gronski
    • President: Mary Sonnenberg
  2. Invested $18.0 million in Early Childhood Education community services.
  3. Leads the Pre-K Workgroup for Cumberland County’s Anti-Poverty Initiative, Pathways for Prosperity.
  4. Initiated the planning and implementation phase to bring a universal home visiting program for infants and their families to the Fayetteville and Ft. Bragg area called Family Connections International.

2017-18: Be the Driving Force

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Chris Rey
    • Vice Chair: James Grafstrom
    • Treasurer: Marcus Hedgepeth
    • Secretary: Van W. Gunter, III
    • President: Mary Sonnenberg
  2. Invested $18.0 million in ECE community services.
  3. Cumberland County was first county in state to develop a Community Child Abuse Prevention Plan.
  4. Participated with the City of Fayetteville worked with the NC Justice Center to establish a community revitalization task force, develop a comprehensive action plan and translation of that plan into local action.
  5. Member of Greater Fayetteville United, an organization of community business and faith-based organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life in the community, commissioned a social capital survey and held a public forum to discuss the results.
  6. Selected to participate in the 2017 cohort of Network for Southern Economic Mobility.
  7. Hosted a NCSU Institute for Emerging Issues Crib to Career Workshop with the Economic Development Corporation highlighting the impact of high quality early childhood initiatives on the economy.

2016-17: Be the Driving Force

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Van W. Gunter, III
    • Vice Chair: Mayor Chris Rey
    • Treasurer: Marcus Hedgepeth
    • Secretary: Wendy Lowery
    • President: Mary Sonnenberg
  2. Invested $18.0 million in ECE community services.
  3. Mary Sonnenberg was selected as the third President of PFC.
  4. The Diaper Bank of North Carolina wrote a grant to bring a mobile diaper bank to Cumberland County with an emphasis on serving military families.

2015-16: Together We Can

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Sharon Moyer
    • Vice Chair: Van W. Gunter, III
    • Treasurer: Judge Talmage Baggett
    • Secretary: Mayor Chris Rey
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. Invested $18.0 million in ECE community services.
  3. PFC Board and Leadership Team Retreat.
  4. Vision, mission and value statements refreshed.
  5. Eva L Hansen retires after 20 years of community service.

2014-15: S.C.O.R.E (Successful Children: Our Responsibility Everyday

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Buck Wilson
    • Vice Chair: Sharon Moyer
    • Treasurer: Jody Risacher
    • Secretary: Van W. Gunter, III
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. Invested $18.0 million in ECE community services.
  3. The scientifically proven Reach Out and Read early literacy program is provided for Cumberland’s most disadvantaged children through the generous funding and/or in-kind from Walmart State Grant, Cumberland Community Foundation Women’s Giving Circle, Barnes and Nobles, PNC Bank, Kohl’s Cares for Kids.
  4. With funding from the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant, Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) increased provider capacity and prioritization of Developmental and Behavior Screening and Surveillance in 12 Primary Care Practices with a total of 28 medical providers reaching 13,500  total children age birth-5  (66% of these children received Medicaid).
  5. Our Partnership was recognized in President Obama’s Playbook for Becoming an Early Learning Community as making …”significant gains in designing and implementing coordinated data systems that meet the needs of their communities.”
  6. 44 individuals representing our Partnership and 10 other organizations were certified in the evidenced-based Nurturing Parenting Community Based Training.
  7. A staff member became one of 80 Strengthening Families Framework Certified Trainer throughout in the US and the first in NC.
  8. PFC provides shared services to 36 local partnerships and 8 nonprofits in 46 additional counties leveraging resources for excellence.
  9. PFC continued its rich history of giving back by contributing over $14, 181 to the 2014 United Way campaign and serving in the community.  72% of PFC staff serves on community boards/workgroups/committee/events. PFC staff, family and friends collectively raised $1,680 to support the March of Dimes mission. Team PFC was recognized as the 3rd highest fundraising Corporate Team at the walk.
  10. At the May Board Meeting, PFC’s Board of Directors decided to undertake a governance and leadership capacity building initiative to strengthen the board and leadership team and plan for the future.

2013-14: Celebrating 20 Years / Championing Children’s First 2000 Days

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Buck Wilson
    • Vice Chair: Lorna Ricotta
    • Secretary: Cathy Blackwell
    • Treasurer: Jody Risacher
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2.  $14.6 million.
  3. Held in conjunction with the North Carolina Partnership for Children, the First 2,000 Days Faith Summit on October 1 at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.  The Faith Summit brought together faith and community professionals from throughout Cumberland and surrounding counties to educate the faith community of the importance of the “first 2,000 days” of a child’s life, and the importance of early childhood education.
  4. PFC offered services in 27 additional counties to ensure success for all children and to enable PFC to be sustainable
  5. PFC CCR&R Department acts as the Region 5 CCR&R Lead Agency. Region 5 consists of the following agencies: Anson County, Cumberland County, Hoke County, Montgomery County, Moore County, Richmond County, Robeson County, and Scotland County.
  6. More than 1,600 families joined PFC for the PFC’s Fourth Pumpkin Patch Party on October 26.
  7. The Soirée Unveiling Party held on November 12, 2013 at Embassy Suites.
  8. The 4th Annual Forward March Conference, held November 14 and 15 at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, is a collaboration between the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County (PFC), Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Southern Regional Area Health Education Center in affiliation with Duke University Medical Center, and other sponsors, which promotes empowerment by building and continuing to strengthen and support ties amongst the “helping professionals” that serve military families throughout the region.
  9. The Soirée Unveiling Party held on November 12, 2013 at Embassy Suites.
  10. The Partnership for Children teamed up with Barnes and Noble for the 3rd year Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Drive. 1,379 books were collected and will be donated to 90 different child care facilities and nonprofits.

 2012-13: Children begin their educational journey at birth… What are you willing to do to ensure their path to success?

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Kim Nagowski
    • Vice Chair: Buck Wilson
    • Secretary: Robert Hines
    • Treasurer: Sondra McMillan
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. $18.6 million budget
  3. The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) awarded PFC the prestigious Authorized Provider accreditation.
  4. PFC received a $65,000 Walmart Grant and partnered with Harnett County Partnership for Children and Hoke County Partnership for Children and Families to provide parents and caregivers a tri-county Family Focus Resource Directory.
  5. The 10th Annual Partnership’s KidStuff was the1st year KidStuff was fully funded with private and in-kind contributions.
  6. The 1st annual Soiree fundraiser brought in more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. Proceeds benefitted two priority projects: Partnership’s KidStuff and Government and Military Affairs.
  7. PFC received its 5th United Way Spirit of North Carolina award.
  8. General Mark Graham (RET) & Mrs. Carol Graham tell their story to open the 3rd Annual Forward March Conference.
  9. Rooms to Go gave a $10,000 sponsorship to PFC as part of their grand opening.
  10. 64% of children in early care and education attended 4- and 5-star programs (compared to 27% in 2002).

 2011-12: The Time to Invest in the Future Is Now

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Jeff Hylland
    • Vice Chair: Kim Nagowski
    • Secretary: Robert Hines
    • Treasurer: Sondra McMillan
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. $18.9 million budget
  3. Eva Hansen was selected to participate in the first Smart Start Leaders’ Collaborative. The “Collaborative” included a $5000 grant, which provided funding for Eva to attend meetings with colleagues in Raleigh to reengineer Smart Start and to “Raise the Bar” in Leadership.
  4. PFC won the United Way Spirit of North Carolina Award for the 4th
  5. PFC received the Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Award, the state’s highest honor for nonprofits, from the N.C. Center for Nonprofits.
  6. Fayetteville’s Up & Coming Magazine presented PFC with the “Best of Fayetteville 2011 – Best Non-Profit” award.
  7. PFC received a contract with Hoke County to provide consumer education to providers and the community regarding the services available.
  8. The CCR&R Department is the Region 5 CCR&R Lead Agency.
  9. A local behavioral health professionals association with quarterly meetings among military and civilian counselors was created to discuss the unique challenges faced by military families.
  10. The PFC endowment fund was created.

 2010-11: Invest In Our Future

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Karen McDonald
    • Vice Chair: Jeff Hylland
    • Secretary: Robert Hines
    • Treasurer: Sondra McMillan
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. $21.9 million budget
  3. The PFC Resource Center loan was paid in full.
  4. PFC launched a new interactive and customer focused website.
  5. PFC, Jr. League of Fayetteville, and Fayetteville Young Professionals co-hosted the NC House and Senate Candidates Forum.
  6. The National Military Family Association sponsored a “Wall of Support” to show our countries appreciation for the sacrifices of military kids; PFC participated in this important effort to show that we “Stand Behind Military Kids.
  7. The Mansfield Family sponsored PFC’s First Pumpkin Patch Party.
  8. PFC teamed up with Barnes and Noble for the 1st Annual Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Drive.
  9. The 8th Annual Partnership’s KidStuff featured an expanded Toddler Zone.
  10. PFC hosted the 1st Annual Forward March Conference.

2009-10: Jump on Board

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Donna Mansfield
    • Vice Chair: Karen McDonald
    • Secretary: Dr. Ernest Johnson
    • Treasurer: Erica Little
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. $22.9 million budget
  3. Sustainable Sandhills presented the Green Business Award to PFC.
  4. The PFC website was re-engineered.
  5. The Fayetteville City Council adopted PFC’s Early Childhood Task Force’s first set of recommendations for policy changes.
  6. Eva Hansen was one of two Smart Start Executive Directors asked to present to the Consolidation Task Force.
  7. Congressman Etheridge visited PFC.
  8. Charlene Austin, wife of Lt. General Lloyd Austin, received the first annual Military Child and Family Leadership Award.
  9. The 7th Annual Partnership’s KidStuff featured Pirates of the Sky.
  10. A diverse Cumberland County Delegation participated in the state-wide Smart Investing Forums.

2008-09: The Support You Need to Help Children Succeed

  1. Governance
    • Chair: Donna Mansfield
    • Vice Chair: Karen McDonald
    • Secretary: Dr. Ernest Johnson
    • Treasurer: Erica Little
    • President: Eva Hansen
  2. $21.2 million budget.
  3. The Partnership was the beneficiary of the annual Evening with the Stars Oscar Party; the event raised over $30,000.
  4. Board Treasurer Erica Little and Eva Hansen represented PFC at First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to Fayetteville.
  5. Past Board President, Charles Morris, was the first recipient of the Ashley Thrift Volunteer Award (an award honoring leadership, commitment, passion for children, and tireless advocacy on behalf of Smart Start).
  6. The Board of Directors established a unique staff position, Military & Government Affairs Liaison.
  7. PFC deployed Mosaic’s GEMS.
  8. Board Chair Donna Mansfield and her family hosted a holiday gathering for the Cumberland County legislative delegation.
  9. The 6th Annual Partnership’s KidStuff featured the Two by Two Zoo – the Zoo with the Roo.
  10. Staff and family members participated in the March of Dimes’ March for Babies to honor George Wyatt, the great nephew of a PFC employee.

2007-08: Exploring Unlimited Possibilities

  1. Governance
    • President: Dr. Bishop Kenneth Hill
    • Vice President: Donna Mansfield
    • Secretary: Jerome Scott
    • Treasurer: William Lambert
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $19.0 million budget.
  3. PFC officially opened the Professional Development Career Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Cumberland County Business Council.
  4. The More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program expanded by 1,000 children becoming the largest program in the state.
  5. Received 2 awards from the United Way: Paul T Hodul Award for the most improved employee campaign under 50 employees and the Employee Spirit Award Not-for-Profit Agency 51-200 employees.
  6. Eva Hansen was the first recipient of the Karen Ponder Award.
  7. The Donor Wall was unveiled.
  8. A Military Spouse Leave policy was established
  9. A Board Director Emeriti position was established

 2006-07: Operation Families First

  1. Governance
    • President – Steven Moore
    • Vice President/President Elect – Dr. Bishop Kenneth Hill
    • Secretary – Donna Mansfield
    • Treasurer – William Lambert
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $15.2 million budget.
  3. The first Motor Cycle Fundraiser Ride supported by military members.
  4. PFC was awarded the Air Force Quality Family Child Care Grant. It was offered to 13 Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies throughout the U.S.
  5. PFC was awarded the Army Sponsored Quality Child Care Grant. It was offered to 10 Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies throughout the U.S.
  6. Established a Literacy Connection of Cumberland County.
  7. The More at Four Pre-K Program hosted a float in the Christmas Parade.
  8. PFC hosted a Star Rated Licensing System Forum for Child Care Professionals as part of the transition to the new North Carolina Star Rated License.
  9. The PFC Strategy Map was developed.

 2005-06: Not By Chance

  1. Governance
    • President: Amy Perko
    • Vice President: Steven Moore
    • Secretary: Dr. Bishop Kenneth Hill
    • Treasurer: William Lambert
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $13.3 million budget.
  3. Received a $50,000 grant from the Cannon Foundation for the capital campaign.
  4. The Early Childhood System Report Card was added to the Annual Report.
  5. Long-range planning efforts represented significant board involvement and resulted in major improvements to include additions of the Planning Assumptions and the Strategic Focus/Priorities.
  6. The second wing, Omni II, of the Omni Family Resource Center was purchased
  7. A Tile Wall was designed by famous local artist Greg Hathaway.
  8. PFC provided management services to Lee County PFC resulting in administrative and program independence
  9. PFC won the United Way Spirit of North Carolina Campaigning for Excellence Award.

2004-05: A Future Full of Promise . . .From a History of Commitment

  1. Governance
    • President: Erik Wells
    • Vice President: Amy Perko
    • Secretary: Mildred Braxton
    • Treasurer: Betty Hunnicutt
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $12 million budget.
  3. The third edition of the Family Focus Guide was printed.
  4. One Building, One Focus Capital Campaign began.
  5. Congressman Robin Hayes visited PFC to speak in support of the Omni Family Resource Center.
  6. PFC received a $205,000 Air Force Quality Family Child Care Program Grant.
  7. The Early Childhood System Mapping project began – the foundation for the strategic planning process.
  8. The Fayetteville–Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce presented Eva Hansen the Athena Award – given to a business leader who has advanced the role of women in the workplace
  9. 3 Panther Loyalty Ride for Kids benefitted military families through expansion of the Omni Family Resource Center.

 2003-04: A Decade of Services

  1. Governance
    • President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Vice President: Erik Wells
    • Secretary: Helen Pierce
    • Treasurer: Ann Crane
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $11.4 million budget.
  3. More families received subsidy financial aid, allowing more parents to seek and maintain employment.  A family of four earning $3,237 a month can get help. Ten years ago, few subsidies existed for the working poor to receive assistance with child care payment. A family of four earning more than 1,500 a month did not qualify.
  4. The quality of child care in the county has significantly increased.  Working parents have five levels of licensing standards to better choose the quality of child care programs.  Ten years ago parents had only two level of quality to rate child care, and child care standards were among the poorest in the country.
  5. 84% of licensed centers were rated 3-stars or higher.  There are 9 nationally accredited child care centers and 11 nationally accredited family child care homes. Ten years ago, only 20% of the child care centers in the county had an AA license
  6. There are now child care resource and referral (CCR&R) services; 10 years ago no child care resource and referral (CCR&R) services were available.
  7. The turnover rate for early childhood workers is 27%. Ten years ago, there was a 40% turnover rate among child care workers.
  8. The average salary for a child care center worker is $8.53/hour. Ten years ago, the average salary for child care center workers was $5.96/hour.
  9. Cumberland County has the most diversified More at Four Pre-Kindergarten program in the state, serving 536 children in child care facilities, Head Start, and the public school system. Ten years ago, there were very few preschool programs for children at risk of school failure
  10. PFC hosted the 1st Annual Partnership’s KidStuff partnering with McDonalds to celebrate 10 years of service.

 2002-03: Expanding Frontiers

  1. Governance
    • President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Vice President: Ann Crane
    • Secretary: Dr. Marion Gillis-Olion
    • Treasurer: Cheryl Thomas
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $10.8 million budget.
  3. PFC created a new vision and a revised mission statement.
  4. Multi-partnership accounting and contracting (MAC) services were provided by PFC for 3 other partnerships.
  5. PFC’s Research and Development provided evaluation services for 2 partnerships and 1 local organization.
  6. ITSC provided information technology services to 70 child care centers and supported 3 partnerships and 8 local non-profit and faith-based organizations.
  7. PFC provided management services to Bladen County PFC resulting in administrative and program independence.
  8. The More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program expanded from $352,000 to $608,000 to serve 163 four year olds at-risk for school failure.
  9. A feasibility study for expanding the Omni Family Resource Center showed strong community support.
  10. Cumberland County was one of a few communities to receive approval from NCPC to operate a Child Care Subsidy System outside of the DSS.

 2001-02: Improving Children’s Readiness For School

  1. Governance
    • President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Vice President: Ann Crane
    • Secretary: Dr. Marion Gillis-Olion
    • Treasurer: Cheryl Thomas
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $11.5 million budget.
  3. Cumberland County was a pilot site for the state in the Pre-K Licensing Project with the Division of Child Development.
  4. Out of 25 fast track applicants, Cumberland County was 1 of 12 communities selected to implement the More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program.
  5. Child Care Solutions became an accredited CCR&R service.
  6. Professional Development Counseling Center is offered through Child Care Solutions to increase the number of Early Childhood teachers with Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees.
  7. Nine states (Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont) built on PFC’s success through consultation, technical assistance, and site visits.
  8. Cumberland is the first and only county to replicate the NC Kindergarten Readiness Assessment.
  9. The Rainbow Ride, a Smart Start funded Health Department activity is recycled into the Evaluation Station, a Smart Start funded CDSA activity, resulting in an 81% increase in developmental evaluation services.
  10. The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute of the University of NC at Chapel Hill conducted the Cumberland County School Readiness Assessment (CCSRA); the first county level assessment in the State.

 2000-01: A Proud Tradition Continues

  1. Governance
    • President: Charles Morris
    • Vice President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Secretary: Winona Humphrey
    • Treasurer: Betsy Bradshaw
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $15 million budget.
  3. The Board of Directors adopted the NC School Readiness Goal Team’s definition, acknowledging school readiness as both the condition of children entering kindergarten and the condition of schools attended by kindergartners.
  4. Cumberland County was rated as one of the top ten counties in NC for the most rapid improvement from 0 to 3 Star Ratings for child care facilities.
  5. PFC acted as a catalyst with others to focus on six system changes: Birth to Kindergarten Education Coordination, Health Coordination Plan, Transportation, Family Resource Centers in Low Wealth Communities, the Unified Subsidy System, and the State of the Child and Family Electronic Community.
  6. Hosted the Omni Family Resource Center Open House; Congressmen Hayes and McIntyre joined the celebration.
  7. A collaborative project between FTCC and PFC resulted in a model early childhood center supporting the education of teachers.
  8. North Carolina strengthened licensing standards through the star rated license system.
  9. PFC sought to increase the visibility of early care and education with a “branding” campaign.
  10. PFC was selected as a pilot county for Newborn Hearing Screening and the Local Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) of the NC Division of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health.

1999-2000: A Partner of Choice

  1. Governance
    • President: Charles Morris
    • Vice President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Secretary: Winona Humphrey
    • Treasurer: Betsy Bradshaw
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $12.8 million budget.
  3. Partnering with the media, United Way, and Bank of America resulted in an effective
    Success by Six Public Awareness and Engagement Campaign.
  4. Over 350 community residents attended the Early Childhood Summit, Invest in the New Millennium, hosted by PFC in collaboration with United Way and Bank of America.
  5. The 1st edition of the Family Focus Guide was printed.
  6. PFC received a National Videographer Award for “The Early Years Are Important: Make Them Count.”
  7. Cumberland County hosted the First School Readiness Symposium in conjunction with the Cumberland County Schools, drawing on the work done by the statewide Ready For School Goal Team who released a report defining school readiness.
  8. The Information Technology Service Center was created to assist service providers and child care providers effectively use technology to increase the impact of their work.
  9. Suite 100 of the Omni Family Resource Center was purchased; again leveraging Smart Start funds previously used for rent.
  10. PFC partnered with Cumberland Community Action Program – Head Start resulting in a successful Early Head Start grant proposal and community collaboration.

1998-99: Testing New Ideas & Approaches

  1. Governance
    • President: Charles Morris
    • Vice President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Secretary: Winona Humphrey
    • Treasurer: Betsy Bradshaw
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $10.8 million budget.
  3. Bertha Gorham of the Research Triangle Institute conducted the county’s first comprehensive community early childhood needs assessment.
  4. Suite 200 of the Omni Family Resource Center was purchased leveraging the funds previously used for rent.
  5. The Healthy Families of Cumberland County (HFCC) began services.
  6. Kim Johnson, noted local children’s author and strong Smart Start advocate donated a portion of royalties to early literacy.
  7. The Bank of America/United Way of America’s Success by Six program awarded PFC $70,000 for implementation of a Public Awareness and Engagement Campaign.
  8. The Early Childhood Electronic Community began.
  9. Customizable, dynamic, web-based accountability tracking system developed.
  10. Computer-based training/education course around family violence and child abuse developed.

1997-98: Growth Through R&D (Research and Development)

  1. Governance
    • President: Charles Morris
    • Vice President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Secretary: Winona Humphrey
    • Treasurer: Betsy Bradshaw
    • Executive Director: Eva Hansen
  2. $8.8 million budget.
  3. The Omni Family Resource Center, now known as the Partnership Resource Center, was established. Along with PFC, Easter Seal Society – Cumberland County Division; Family Support Network of Cumberland County (Families F.I.R.S.T); Autism Society of Cumberland County; and Head Start co-locate in the building.
  4. PFC was the first Partnership for Children in the state as well as the first non-profit in Cumberland County to invest in Research and Development; R&D used the terms and strategies of business to do what the creators of Smart Start intended by creating collaborative public-private systems working to develop and strengthen early care and education to ensure all children are ready to succeed in school.
  5. The NC Early Childhood Institute selected PFC as one of the five sites for a visit by 25 institute participants from other parts of the country.
  6. The Cumberland County Child Care Work Force Study was conducted.
  7. NC Secretary of Commerce, Rick Carlisle, visited PFC recognizing the economic impact of the child care industry.
  8. Sprint championed PFC’s efforts through the Charlie Moser Sprint Grant for $35,000.
  9. 1st Smart Start Day chaired by Lucy Jones, the first Public Awareness Committee Chair.
  10. Applebee’s supports early childhood education through a grand opening fundraiser for PFC.

 1996-97: A Future Full of Promise

  1. Governance
    • President: Mark Kendrick
    • Vice President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Secretary: Winona Humphrey
    • Treasurer: Charles Morris
    • Executive Director: Rosemarie (Bullard) Allen/Eva Hansen
  2. $4.4 million budget
  3. Child Care Solutions expanded Quality Improvement Services to include technical assistance in addition to grants.
  4. BRIDGES recognized statewide for first SMART START Family Support Award.
  5. Rosemarie (Bullard) Allen was the Executive Director the first half of the year. PFC’s second Executive Director, Eva Hansen, took office in November.

 1995-96: Improving the Quality, Affordability and Accessibility of Child Care

  1. Governance
    • President: Mark Kendrick
    • Vice President: Dr. W.T. Brown
    • Secretary: Sara McDonald
    • Treasurer: Charles Morris
    • Executive Director: Rosemarie (Bullard) Allen
  2. $3.4 million budget.
  3. Child Care Solutions, a new department of PFC, was established to serve as the child care resource and referral for Cumberland County.
  4. Coopers and Lybrand noted that the Cumberland County Local Evaluation is the most comprehensive and had the greatest chance to produce useful information.
  5. The NC Partnership adopted and implemented a seven-point accountability plan to ensure the fiscal integrity and accountability for all Smart Start funds and programs.

 1994-95: A Comprehensive Blueprint For Improving the Early Childhood System

  1. Governance
    • President: Linda Rivers
    • Vice President: Rev. Lawrence Johnson
    • Secretary: Sara McDonald
    • Treasurer: Carol Hayner
    • Executive Director: Rosemarie (Bullard) Allen
  2. PFC received a $3.6 million Smart Start appropriation; this was the first full year of funding and services.
  3. Child care subsidy waiting list was eliminated.
  4. A community task force confirmed the need for CCR&R services resulting in hiring a Planning Coordinator for a seven-month planning process to establish CCR&R services.
  5. Cumberland County is one of 4 counties to participate in piloting the NC Smart Start House Calls Project under the Principal Investigator, Robin Jenkins, PhD.

1993-94: A Pioneering Spirit

  1. Governance
    • President: Louis Hanemann
    • Vice President: Linda Rivers
    • Secretary: Sara McDonald
    • Treasurer: Carol Hayner
    • Executive Director: Rosemarie (Bullard) Allen
  2. PFC received a $1.8 million appropriation (1/94 to 6/94).
  3. Smart Start’s authorizing legislation was ratified on July 9. Gov. Hunt announced selection of Cumberland County as one of 12 “pioneer” partnerships representing 18 counties.
  4. A diverse United Way community planning team incorporated local non-profit, Cumberland County Partnership for Children.
  5. Rosemarie (Bullard) Allen was selected as the first Executive Director of PFC.