2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Collaborating with other entities, Calhoun First Steps helps Calhoun County families and caregivers prepare their children for school success by maximizing public and private community resources to deliver, enhance and expand high - quality early childhood services.
1. By 2025, increase the reach of children who are directly served by First Steps from 17% to 20%.
2. By 2025, the percentage of children directly served by First Steps enrolled in high intensity programs will increase from 28% to 40%
Families are the single most important influence on the development of their young children. Services must be individualized and adaptable to meet the unique needs of families and their children. We value, and demonstrate in our collaborative work and advocacy, diverse perspectives in the development of public policy and programs
3. By 2025, the percentage of children who score at the highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment between White kindergartners and Black/Hispanic Kindergarteners will be reduced by 1% each year.
1. Work with the community to establish a high quality early childcare center in Saint Matthews.
2. Host two focus community meetings 1) with parents and 2) with local stakeholders to discuss the needs of the community in order to continue improving our community.
3. Collaborate with county government and other stakeholders in erecting playground equipment at John Ford Community Center.
Street, City SC 00000 | 000-000-0000 | website OR scfirststeps.org/county
304 Agnes St, Saint Matthews, SC 29135 | 803-655-5126 | calhounfirststeps.org
FIRST
PROVEN RESULTS
$1 = $1.27 Calhoun County First Steps leveraged $112,296 from sources outside of state government, providing a match of $0.27 for every state dollar invested
STEPS
Last year, because of Calhoun County First Steps: 2100+ books delivered to families with young children 74% more likely to score at the highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment 34% less likely to be chronically absent in kindergarten
IS HERE
A 2019 study found that children who received First Steps local partnership services were: 94 parents & caregivers received direct services and support to be their child’s first and most important teacher 167 children directly served in Calhoun County
2 6 45 244
Countdown to Kindergarten celebration at Saint Matthew K-8 School, Saint Matthews, SC.
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Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for child care providers, Calhoun County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Calhoun County begin school ready to succeed. We serve as a:
1Calhoun County First Steps participated in the annual Calhoun County School District Back to School Bash.
3Community partners attended the Community Baby Shower hosted by Calhoun County Library.
The Calhoun County Library and Calhoun County First Steps have formed a wonderful partnership to help serve our diverse community. I am the Programs and Outreach Librarian at the library, and I also serve on the board of Calhoun County First Steps. We have worked with Mrs. Newman and her staff on multiple projects and have always appreciated their willingness and professionalism. First Steps representatives provide story times for our summer reading program events all summer; they offer an outlet for those children who have difficulty quietly sitting through a program. We value their service in this capacity. The library has also entered into a partnership with First Steps for our community baby showers. First Steps representatives attend as a vendor, and they provide valuable information to all expectant parents from our community. We work with First Steps to promote the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which is a wonderful opportunity for community members to receive free books each month.
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PROGRAMS
OUTREACH LIBRARIAN
BETH RAST,
&
Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Calhoun County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.
FUNDING SUPPORT
State of South Carolina: $191,702.42 (through South Carolina First Steps)
Federal: $9,352.93
United Way of the Midlands: $15,000
United Way Augusta: $171
Central Carolina (Midlands Gives): $2,979
Tri - County Electric: $2,500
Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc: $250
IN - KIND SUPPORT
Calhoun County Council $23,230.00
JOIN US
For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at calhounfirststeps.org
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State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding In-Kind Contributions Total Parents as Teachers $117,167.05 $2,800.00 $22,212.00 $18,136.00
Imagination Library $2,324.53 $0.00 $2,810.37 $0.00
Countdown to Kindergarten $27,917.10 $5,552.93
$0.00
Program Support $20,182.07 $1,000.00 $7,962.04 $3,032.00 $32,176.11 Administrative Support $24,111.67 $0.00 $4,717.06 $2,062.00 $30,890.73 Total Expenses $191,702.42 $9,352.93 $38,244.58 $23,230.00 $262,259.93 19% 81% Since inception, Calhoun County First Steps has leveraged $1,054,281.24 from sources outside of state government. That’s $0.29 for every state dollar. 11 Expenditures of State Funds by Program Type
$160,315.05
$5,134.90
$543.11
$34,013.14
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sam Richardson, Board Chair
Stanley Rivers, Co - Chair
Mariam Aiken, Secretary
Michael Smalls, Jr. Fundraiser Chair
Linda Hickson
Frederick Golden
STAFF
Bridgett McKnight
Gary Jones
Christia Murdaugh
Theresea Spellman
Beth Rast Cheryl Prickett
Virginia Newman, Executive Director/PAT Supervisor
JaVonna Lewis, Program Assistant/ Lead Parent Educator
Quinnetta Garner, Program Assistant/Parent Educator
Cassidy Gleaton, Parent Educator
CONTACT US
304 Agnes Street, P.O. Box 195, Saint Matthews, SC 29135 | 803.655.5126 | calhounfirststeps.org
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Total number of documents printed: 13. Cost per unit: $13.19. Total printing cost: $171.43.
