2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
“Every child in Dillon County is important and should experience a loving, stimulating, healthy, and safe environment ensured by a supportive family and community.”
Increase the number of children enrolled in high intensity programs funded by first steps.
Increase the availability of high - quality early care and education opportunities offered by first steps.
The years of early childhood are a critical window of development during which much of human potential is shaped.
The years of early childhood are a critical window of development during which much of human potential is shaped.
To recruit at least three Hispanic families to participate in programs through Dillon County First Steps.
Partner with childcare programs in the Latta Community to implement the Early Childcare Quality Enhancement program.
Decrease waiting list by expanding families served in parenting program .
Street, City SC 00000 | 000-000-0000 | website OR scfirststeps.org/county
926 Perry Avenue, Dillon, SC 29536 | 843-774-0061| www.dillonfirststeps.com
FIRST
IS HERE
Last year, because of Dillon County First Steps: 74% more likely to score at the highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment 34% less likely to be chronically absent in kindergarten PROVEN RESULTS A 2019 study found that children who received First Steps local partnership services were: $1 = $1.99 Dillon County First Steps leveraged $198,962 from sources outside of state government, providing a match of $0.99 for every state dollar invested 49 educators participated in First Steps training and professional development, benefitting 500+ children 119 parents & caregivers received services and support to be their child’s first and most important teacher 208 children directly served in Dillon County
STEPS
MESSAGE
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shirleen D. Lewis, Ed.S. Executive Director Dillon County First Steps
The work we do is critical, and it takes the support of so many people to make the difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Gifts of every size add up to collectively add into the success of Dillon County First Steps (DCFS). You are an essential piece of that plan.
DCFS is well positioned and will continue to build upon its great legacy, working alongside our board members, stellar staff and community partners, and pursuing our major goals. We are even more excited that we were able to extend the services we provide in this fiscal year through our Nurturing Parenting Program. We are off to an amazing start of working more directly with families in our weekly Nurturing Parenting Groups and Nurturing Father’s Programs and are amazed at how we are seeing family’s bond and apply the weekly lessons to their lives.
We will continue to aim to build our capacity and work with our partners to meet the needs of this county. Thank you all for your dedication to this organization, and we look forward to partnering with you in our future endeavors.
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Kenneth L. Smith Chair Dillon County First Steps Board of Trustees
We are living through an unprecedented moment in time, but what gives me hope is our equally unprecedented commitment to responding to the needs of Dillon County. While the needs and the incredible potential of our county’s residents have never been greater, every day we see the impact of our donors' generosity and investments. The lasting impactful change we want to see will take time, but the Dillon County First Steps Partnership Board and Staff are dedicated to working to see that change here in our county.
To all our donors, nonprofit partners, sponsors and others who have let us share in their generosity, and on behalf of our dedicated and talented Board, I offer my sincere gratitude.
Thank you for inspiring us and for joining us in building and impacting lives of children and their families daily.
Sincerely, Kenneth Smith
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Every Dillon County child will be prepared for success in school.
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76 90
Ja'Novice Richardson, Child Care Provider and Child Care Quality Enhancement participant receiving PPE supplies for childcare.
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As a parent in the Nurturing Parenting Program, I realized the importance of working with my baby. In doing so, I am laying a foundation for his educational success. Now as an employee of Dillon County First Steps, I am able to share the useful knowledge, activities and experiences that I received within my community.
SHANNON HARGROVE, PAREN & STAFF NURTUTING PARENTING HOME VISITATION
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The Nurturing Parenting Group classes are a great way to get a better understanding of your kids and your own life. It helps you to become a better person and helps you look at a lot of things around you differently. You learn more than you thought you knew about being an amazing parent and a better person for yourself.
LAVETTA EWINGS, MOTHER NURTURING PARENTING GROUP
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When the Nurturing Father's Program started, none of us knew what we were in store for. We knew that this was something new, something that none of us had been a part of before, but we were committed to doing something to help the state of our community. From the very first meeting, we knew that this program was something Special.
SHAMAREE AARON, FATHER NURTURING FATHER’S PROGRAM
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Parents of 4K students stated they were excited about the Raising A Reader Program. Older and younger siblings enjoyed hearing their parents read the books. One mother told me that her 3rd grade student looked forward to the new books coming and wanted to be the one to read to the 4K student! Families are spending more together time through story time! The Raising A Reader Program is helping to get our parents engaged and more involved in the education of their children.
SANDY WEBSTER, TITLE 1 FACILITATOR
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PUBLIC AWARENESS
Dillon County First Steps staff and Board Members promote literacy throughout the county on Hallow - Read Day by dressing up as characters and reading in early childhood classrooms. We read to children both in the public and private sector with the hopes that we can bring awareness to the importance of literacy. HALLOW - READ BY THE NUMBERS 2021 - 2022
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702 materials distributed 10 providers served 672 total event attendance
Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for childcare providers, Dillon County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Dillon County begin school ready to succeed. We serve as a:
Thank you! Dillon County First Steps Partners and Sponsors for your love and support of Dillon County First Steps' youngest learners. You make it possible to ensure children are ready for school.
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43 Community Partners and Sponsors $185,199 Donations through fundraising, community partners, and grants
Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Dillon County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.
FUNDING SUPPORT
Elementary and Secondary School Emergent Relief III (ESSER) Grant: $82,785
Preschool Development Expansion Grant Nurturing Parenting: $40,000
Preschool Development Capacity Building Grant: $25,500
Preschool Development Quality Enhancement Technical Assistance Expansion Grant: $25,000
South Carolina Endeavors Grant: $2,000
Dillon County Board of Education: $1,000
Elliott Realty Charitable Community Fund: $1,000
Kid's Limited Development Center, LLC: $1,000
Preschool Development Comprehensive Plan Grant: $1,000
South Carolina Ports Authority Grant: $1,000
Board Members/Staff Campaign: $769
Fresh Beginnings Christian Church: $500
RALLI: $500
Rev. Dr. W. Franklin Blue: $500
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FUNDING SUPPORT
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church: $250
Dillon County United Way: $200
First Citizens Bank: $200
Thomas Florist & Gifts: $200
First Baptist Church Dillon: $150
Ark of Safety House of Prayer: $100
Bartell Funeral Home: $100
Dawn Arnette: $100
Del Sol Restaurant: $100
Dillon Internal Medicine: $100
Fred's Tire & Auto: $100
Hazy Grove Missionary Baptist Church: $100
Herald Office Supply, Inc.: $100
J'Dae Early Learning Academy: $100
McLeod Health – Dillon: $100
Second Chance Ministries Outreach - Chesterfield: $100
Nina Bradley: $75
A.R.S. Marketing: $50
ACE Hardware of Dillon: $50
Betty Williams: $50
Dillon Branch NO. 5513 NAACP: $50
Family Sports Center: $50
Mr. & Mrs. Moses Heyward: $50
Terry & Shantel McRae: $50
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FUNDING SUPPORT
Teresa Smith: $40
Telisha Tee's: $25
The Honorable James E. Lockemy : $25
Mamie Legette: $20
Teresa Hough: $10
IN - KIND SUPPORT
ABC Quality Program
Child Care Resources & Referral
City of Dillon Fire Department
City of Dillon Wellness Center
Dillon School District Four Kaplan Early Learning Company
SC Child Care Inclusion Collaborative
JOIN US
For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at dillonfirststeps.com
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State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding In-Kind Contributions Total Nurturing Parents $76,344 $122,887 $4,026 $3,673 $206,930 Child Care Quality Enhancement $50,969 $51,470 $2,354 $3,704 $108,497 Child Care Training $25,341 $ $2,127 $1,670 $29,138 Raising A Reader $23,852 $ $409 $1,550 $25,811 Partnerships & Community Education $19,398 $3,674 $4,171 $1,550 $28,793 Administrative Support $23,131 $ $2,047 $1,610 $26,788 Total Expenses $219,035 $178,031 $15,134 $13,757 $425,957 Since inception, Dillon County First Steps has leveraged $1,454,403 from sources outside of state government. That’s $0.26 for every state dollar. 18 Expenditures of State Funds by Program Type
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kenneth L. Smith, Chair
Dr. Michael McRae, Vice Chair
Preston Greene, III, Secretary
Millie Odom, Assistant Secretary
Tierney L. Alford
Lisa Armstrong
STAFF
Shirleen Lewis, Executive Director
Beryl Collington
Karen English
Chevella German
Akeesha Leggette
Dollie R. Morrell
Angela S. Rogers
Shantel McRae, Parenting Programs Supervisor
Angela Coward, Finance Manager
Geraldine Ellis, Parent Educator
Shannon Hargrove, Parent Educator
Tyneisha George, Parent Educator
Rashawn Aaron, Nurturing Father's Facilitator
Cory Wilson, Wellness Coach
Annie Smith, Nurturing Parenting Groups Facilitator
P.O. Box 295, Dillon, SC 29536 | (843) 774 - 0061 | www.dillonfirststeps.com
CONTACT US
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Total number of documents printed: 14. Cost per unit: $16.63. Total printing cost: $232.86.
