History

1993-94 : A Pioneering Spirit

• On July 9, Smart Start’s authorizing legislation is ratified.
• On July 29, request for Smart Start application is released. Application due September 15. 88 counties submits application.
• Governor Hunt announces the selection of Cumberland County as one of 12 "pioneer." The first 12 programs selected were: Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Cumberland, Davidson, Halifax, Hertford, Jones, Mecklenburg, Orange, Stanley and Region A (comprised of 7 counties in the western part of the state - Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain - plus the Qualla Boundary Cherokee Indian Reservation).
• partnerships to implement the SMART START initiative.
• United Way visionaries, Ann Nimocks and Danny Highsmith, knew the community was positioned to pursue SMART START initiative.
• Partnership for Children of Cumberland County (PFC) is officially organized as a local non-profit.
• PFC receives $1.8 million appropriation (1/94 to 6/94)
• Projects funded: 8
• BRIDGES Family Resource Center
• Head Start
• Dorothy Spainhour Center
• Improving access to mental health services
• United Celebral Palsy Center
• Day Care Incentive Grants - "Children First"
• Day Care Funds
• Child Care Resource and Referral Center
• Rosemarie Bullard becomes the first Executive Director.
• First SMART START grants are awarded to child care facilities to improve quality.
• The State Needs and Resource Assessment is conducted to review the needs of children and families in each county and to determine what resources already existed to meet those needs.

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