Darlington County First Steps Annual Report 2021-2022

To provide programs, services and information to strengthen families and communities in Darlington County.

Community engagement.

Compassion and empathy.

Transparency and accountability.

Education and advocacy.

Support for families and children to reduce health disparities

INCREASE THE REACH OF OUR SERVICES

By Fiscal Year 2023, the percentage of children and families in need who are directly served by our organization, will increase from 15% to 20%.

Children are healthy and safe

Increase the number of single - parent households served in Darlington County

Link available resources to support the wellbeing of teenage custodial parents

Increase our collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders by 20%

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Diane McIver Darlington County Community Action Agency, Head Start Director

Collaboration and commitment are the cornerstones of our efforts to serve the communities of Darlington County. As a First Steps Partnership organization, we partner with traditional and nontraditional organizations, including Save the Children, S. C. Cancer Alliance, and Fact Forward. These organizations support our efforts to provide information as well as material goods which enhance the quality of life of the citizens in Darlington County.

I have served this organization as the representative from Project Head Start, Darlington County Community Action Agency, for eight years, and my tenure has ended. It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of the progress we have achieved. Namely, we increased our outreach to pregnant and parenting teenagers and young parents; supported health screening to detect prostate cancer in the men in our communities; added Reach Out and Read as a program strategy that now serves two (2) pediatric providers. Finally, we expanded our physical presence by adding a location in the Town of Lamar. Yes, we are embracing our vision to engage communities and equip families!

Thanks to the executive director and the staff for your dedicated commitment to serving the neediest and most vulnerable citizens of Darlington County by equipping families and engaging communities.

On behalf of the board, we acknowledge and thank all county agencies, our local school district, churches, and organizations for their help in making it possible for citizens to prepare themselves for a better life.

Forward, Diane McIver

Equipping Families. Engaging communities.

30 15 6

Since being enrolled in the program, I have enjoyed our reading sessions and the visits I receive from my Parent Educator. Through Motheread/Fatheread sessions, it provides tips and guidance through reading. I also love the support of the other parents during the sessions. I like being able to share our opinions. It has helped me as a parent because when I read to my child now or even talk to him, I ask him different questions that I didn’t consider before. It has helped him learn to communicate and express himself more.

MOTHEREAD/FATHEREAD & PARENTS AS TEACHERS PARENT

36 305 16

I really enjoy being part of this program. I receive so much support and knowledge from my Parent Educator. While pregnant, it was through her that I learned how to change a diaper. I was also provided with books to continuously read and connect with my daughter-books that she now loves!

Being in this program really has been a blessing for me through all the resources that have been provided.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS PARENT

1,994 2

Reach Out and Read makes a difference with our youngest patients to encourage literacy and support school readiness, social-emotional wellness while providing books. The book adds a welcomed positive surprise and gift which provides a source of comfort, care, and a positive tool allowing the opportunity for parents to bond with their child.

TESTIMONIAL FROM REACH OUT AND READ CLINIC

13 14

I wish programs like this were around when raising my children. The difference I see in my daughter’s parenting and how my grandchildren are practicing what they have learned after each session is amazing.

GRANDMOTHER OF A FAMILY FROM THE PROGRAM

COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN

Developed by South Carolina First Steps - and identified as a promising state practice by the National Governor’s Association in 2005 - Countdown to Kindergarten (CTK) is a home visitation program pairing the families of rising kindergarteners with their future teachers during the summer before school entry. Teachers complete six visits with each family, establishing strong connections during the summer that facilitate classroom learning throughout the year.

Catch Up to Kindergarten (CUK) was initiated and funded by SC First Steps due to the impact of COVID on kindergarten children during the first semester of the school year. Darlington County First Steps secured funding from the Foundation for a Better Hartsville to implement Catch Up to Kindergarten during the second semester. This program conducted by CTK teachers was offered during the lunch periods and after school for those children still experiencing readiness challenges.

CTK & CUK BY THE NUMBERS 2021 - 2022

schools served

kindergarten teachers trained as home visitors

families served

total home visits

children served

My son enjoyed his weekly visits this past summer with the CTK program. After each visit, I could see improvement and how excited he was getting, knowing he was moving to 5-yearold kindergarten this year. I am very thankful he had help to prepare him for such a big step in his learning journey.

JENNIFER ROGERS, MOTHER OF CTK CHILD

LITERACY KITS

A unique core function that we’ve implemented since 2014, is our Literacy Kit Distribution. We distributed Literacy Kits, also known as Welcome Baby Bags, to moms who delivered newborns at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. Kits are designed to encourage parentchild engagement and early literacy. The kits included board books from our organization and Darlington Library System, Kids Basics Born Learning Curriculums produced by United Way Worldwide, Kindergarten Readiness Assessment handouts prepared by South Carolina First Steps, baby wipes, parenting literature, and sexual health resources. This year, we prepared and delivered 500 kits to the hospital for distribution to families.

Our preparation team and a nurse from the labor and delivery department with a Literacy Kit.

Our preparation team working to assemble literacy kits and make a delivery to Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center.

HEALTH SERVICES

The integration of Health and Human Services has been shown to improve health, reduce health inequities, and reduce long - term healthcare costs. We coordinate with partners to support the health and well - being of families with young children. Our Health Services include. men’s health awareness and education; reproductive and sexual health awareness, education, and support, and condom distribution. Condoms are regularly distributed to young people and condom - access partners upon request.

Our reproductive and sexual health services connect youth, ages 15 - 19, with a community health worker who provides information and resources related to their needs. Participants complete an evidence - based program in three steps:

1. Complete the Rapid Adolescent Prevention Screening (RAAPS). The Community Health Worker reviews RAAPS with participants to provide additional education and referral services.

2. View Plan A, a 22 - minute video displaying the lives of young women who demonstrate good and poor decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and educate the audience about popular forms of contraceptives.

3. Complete a post - survey inquiring about the effectiveness of Plan A

Our focus on health equity is demonstrated through our sharing of Men’s Health paraphernalia and community education during community outreach events. As a Men’s Health Network Affiliate, we have access to Prostate Cancer Awareness brochures, Health Screening handouts, and promotional materials that encourage men to be proactive about their health. We have also been engaged in The Work of the Community Health Alignment. This year, our Community Health Manager co - facilitated community listening sessions and a research project titled, Enhancing Equity in CrossSector Alignment through Meaningful Community Engagement. The goal of the project was to learn how to promote meaningful community engagement, learn what works and what does not, learn about challenges and barriers, and how to engage authentically.

The findings from the listening sessions were shared with those who participated in the project and other interested stakeholders. The Center for Community Health Alignment will continue with this work and are committed to working with organizations and communities as facilitators of the process.

HEALTH SERVICES

Our Community Work Group (CWG) members are instrumental in all the work we have been able to carry out and helped us tremendously with the research project. The CWG assists with family connections, partnering with community leaders and local organizations.

HEALTH SERVICES BY THE NUMBERS 2021 - 2022

2,599

families served

10,607 materials

distributed

Our partnership with Darlington County First Steps has been an instrumental and productive relationship. The team at Darlington County First Steps is always wonderful to work with. Together, they are tactfully creative in their education in a manner that engages the community to learn essential reproductive and contraceptive care. They not only provide the education to guide the community, but they also provide condoms free of charge. It is through their diligence that we can provide these services and supplies to our college community.

NICOLE FLOYD, REGISTERED NURSE AT COKER UNIVERSITY

PUBLIC AWARENESS, COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Our public awareness and community education and outreach strategies help us engage with children and families, as well as connect with community members and organizations throughout the county. Strategies include the creation and distribution of print materials, participation in community outreach events, hosting virtual events in partnership with community organizations, and sharing resources and information about program services via our website, Facebook, Instagram, E - Newsletter, and YouTube.

Virtual community outreach event, highlighting Habitat for Humanity and its services in Darlington County.

A participant of a community outreach event where we distributed educational and household materials.

Young people who received resources and information about our sexual and reproductive health program services.

IN - KIND SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT

Our annual report reflects the impact we have had the opportunity to make in the lives of families across the county, largely because of funding support from South Carolina First Steps; Fact Forward; Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville; South Carolina Cancer Alliance; and United Way of Hartsville. In - Kind Support has been equally important to our service delivery and support of children and families as well.

For the past 12 years, Darlington County School District has offered their building space, at no charge, to our team members to work, families to meet and receive services, and in previous years, a space for part - day childcare for Adult - Education students and families enrolled in our programs. By providing space free of charge to our organization, families, and community members, we have expanded and enhanced the quality of our service delivery to children and families over the years. Thank you, Darlington County School District, for your consistent support! You all made it possible for us to work and serve with excellence.

Since 2021, the Save the Children Foundation has overwhelmed us with gracious donations for family households. This year alone, Save the Children donated 2,367 brandnew Carter’s brand children’s clothing, 480 Hand Sanitizers, 4,900 Highlight activity books for children, 1,080 bottles of hand soap, 578 Scholastic children’s books, 12,999 household supplies including bug spray, multipurpose cleaner, and room spray, and 60 fragrant candles. That’s a total of 22,464 items that we were able to give to families in Darlington County! We are extremely grateful for the magnitude of generosity Save the Children Foundation has and for allowing us to be a part of their giving!

See the next page for additional In - Kind Supporters

helped propel our work!

who

Our Executive Director, Darnell Byrd McPherson, distributing items provided by Save the Children Foundation at a Community Outreach event in Lamar, SC.

Darlington First Steps and South Carolina First Steps Team Members gathered in front of the Darlington County School District Building.

Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Darlington County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.

FUNDING SUPPORT

Children’s Trust of South Carolina: $10,970 Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville: $10,000 Fact Forward: $58,951 South Carolina Cancer Alliance: $13,500 United Way of Hartsville: $5,000 Mrs. and Dr. Alfred Burris: $500

IN - KIND SUPPORT

Carolina Kids

Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center

Child & Family Resource Center

Community Members: Jerry Ayers, Francis Hicks, Ricky Brisbon, Timothy Dargan, Queen B. Brailey

Darlington County School District

Darlington County Community Action

Agency - Head Start

Darlington County Habitat for Humanity

Darlington Library System

Darlington Community Foundation Fact Forward

Florence County First Steps Genesis Health Care, Inc.

Gospel in the Park Lee County First Steps Lowe’s Heroes

Macedonia Family Life Skills Center

Reach Out & Read Carolinas

Save the Children Foundation Second Baptist Church The Byerly Foundation

JOIN US

For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at darlingtoncountyfirststeps.org/give.

Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for child care providers, Darlington County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Darlington County begin school ready to succeed.

We serve as a:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diane McIver, Head Start Designee, Board Chair

Lucretia Bellamy, Vice Chair, Family Education, Training & Support

Linda George, Healthcare Provider, Secretary

Brittney Scott, DHEC Representative

Shaunya Miller Bright, DSS Designee

Lakisa Joye - Price, Parent Representative

Thomasena Davis, Child Care Provider Rep. Dr. Lilkenya Jenkins, School District Rep.

Howard Nettles, Local Government Rep.

Thomas “T.C.” Sawyer, Philanthropic Community

Robert Stucks , Esq., Business Community

STAFF

Darnell Byrd McPherson, Executive Director

Brenda H. Ayers, Grants Manager

Britney Brisbon, Lead Parent Educator

Whitney Davis, Community Health Manager

Linda Bright - Edwards, Motheread / Fatheread Facilitator & Data Clerk

Jerline Lowry, Motheread / Fatheread Facilitator

Adell McCoy, Parent Educator

Felisa Rangel, Bilingual Community Outreach Worker & Parent Educator

Patricia Sullivan - Steward, Communications Manager

SNO Services

CONTACT US

Office Locations: 204 East Pearl Street, Lamar, SC 29069 & 437 West Carolina Avenue, Bldg. 1, Hartsville, SC 29550 | Mailing Address: P.O. Box 363, Lamar, SC 29069 | 843.861.8866 | darlingtoncountyfirststeps.org