Partnership observes 10th year
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on October 10, 2008 1:46 PM
Judy McCurdy has seen a big change in her son since she attended "The Incredible Years," a free workshop for parents who have children with challenging behaviors. "Now, he reads all the time. He used to be hyper, but not any more," she said.
Mrs. McCurdy and several other mothers spoke during an anniversary party held Thursday at Oak Forest Church of Christ to celebrate the Wayne County Partnership for Children's 10th year.
"Incredible Years" is just one of many programs offered at Partnership for Children.
The partnership started along with Smart Start, the early childhood initiative begun by former Gov. Jim Hunt. In 1998, the state legislature passed a 3 million bill providing funding for Smart Start in all 100 counties. Since then, the partnership was formed and added more programs.
"Children are not 100 percent of the population, but they are 100 percent of the future," partnership board Member Howard Scott said.
The partnership helps child care workers as well as children. Sandra Grant, who works at a child care center, said she would not have been able to afford to go back to school for her associate degree if it had not been for a scholarship the she received through the partnership.
"The partnership for me has truly been a blessing. We cannot thank you enough for all the wonderful programs you have."