OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
As another fiscal year comes to a close, our dedication at Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) to supporting our community's prenatal-to-five-year-olds remains unwavering. Last year marked a significant milestone – the 30th anniversary of Smart Start! Through events like the Partner Powered Conference, the 30th Anniversary Reception, and ongoing community engagements, we took the opportunity to celebrate as often as we could. We are so proud of the many programs and projects we have engaged with over the past thirty years, providing much-needed care and support to young children and their families.
Throughout this journey, partnerships have been the cornerstone of our success. It would be impossible to fulfil our mandate of ensuring all children turn five ready to thrive without our many partners. Operating collaboratively, SSMC also thrives thanks to the invaluable contributions of our staff, board, service providers, grant recipients, funders, volunteers, and community organizations & leaders. This collective effort has established a robust network of care, nurturing Mecklenburg's early childhood community.
Our gratitude to our many partners cannot be overstated. Your unwavering support has been integral to our impact. Thank you for standing alongside Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and for your dedication in shaping a better future for our children. We look forward to our continued work together!
Warm regards,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Financial Report
Innovation Grants
Health Programs
Health Programs Highlight: GPS
Family Support Programs
Family Support Highlight: The Basics Mecklenburg
Early Care & Education Programs
Early Care & Education Highlight: MECK Pre-K
Literacy Programs
Literacy Programs Highlight: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Invest Highlight: Funded Partners
Collaborate & Convene Highlight: Partner Powered Conference
Innovate Highlight: Families Forward NC
Community Engagement & Funders
Early Care & Education Highlight
MECK Pre-K centers increased by 2% from FY21-22 to FY22-23, from 46 to 47. This expands high-quality, free -pre-k access to more families across Mecklenburg County.
After the successful trial of the A2i program in 10 MECK Pre-K classrooms during the 2022-23 school year, the organization is set to scale its impact on early literacy by implementing the program in 30 classrooms during the upcoming 2023-24 school year.
Literacy Highlight
During FY22-23, a total 370,303 books were mailed to enrolled families within Mecklenburg County (an average of 31,000 books per month).
68% of families report reading daily with their child since enrolling in the program
69% of families have used reading tips provided by the program.
For 30 years, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County has worked as a network of agencies across North Carolina, allocating funding for programs that positively influence early childhood development and adult opportunity.
In FY22, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County allocated $37 million in state, county, and private funds to (20) organizations, providing (25) activities to families and children ages birth to five. Our four-tiered strategy includes the following points: