Craven Smart Start’s Board of Directors is conducting a fund drive to raise money to help maintain its services and programs for Craven County children from birth to age five.
Craven Smart Start works with families, local organizations and early-care educators to help Craven youngsters receive the education, health and family support necessary to arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed, according to a release from the organization.
Craven Smart Start is the local public-private partnership that administers the funding and programs of Smart Start in Craven County. Smart Start is the early childhood initiative in North Carolina.
In July, Craven Smart Start learned its funding from the state would be cut 18.4 percent, about a $400,000 decrease in the budget. As a result of the state cuts, five programs were eliminated and three current programs received a decrease in allocations from Craven Smart Start.
Additionally, the partnership’s Resource Lending Library located in New Bern increased its membership fees and rates for services used by parents and teachers on Jan. 1.
"The board has been working hard to raise more private funds to help make up the deficit of the state budget cuts," Pat Morrow, Craven Smart Start’s executive director, said in a press release. "Board members held a fundraising yard sale in November and several other fundraising efforts are being planned, following the completion of the annual fund drive."
Kelly Klemmer, board president, said reaching the youngest of children is crucial to helping their future success.
"Babies growing up in poverty and under stressful conditions often miss out on opportunities that will promote physical and emotional growth," she said in the release. "Smart Start supports programs that educate parents, encourage early literacy and increase the quality of child care, just to name a few."
Craven Smart Start is a 501C3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible.
Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the partnership office at 2111 Neuse Blvd., Suite F, New Bern, 28562. Checks should be made payable to Craven Smart Start.
Donations can be made online through the organization’s website at www.cravensmartstart.org.
Individuals and groups interested in participating or volunteering in fundraising efforts can call Pinkie Moore, Craven Smart Start community outreach coordinator, at 671-0689 or contact her by email at pmoore@cravensmartstart.org.
For more information on Craven Smart Start and its programs and services, call Morrow at 636-3198.
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