Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children celebrated young learners and their advocates at its annual meeting on June 28. Over 50 supporters of the organization attended the annual meeting.

The Partnership works to build better brains in children from birth to age 5 by providing programs and support for families as well as trainings and support for early educators.

Althea Carboni and Michelle Cahoon were honored for their volunteer work with PAT-a-Cake Playgroups with the Wendy Rollins Award.  “Ms. Althea and Michele are always so helpful and willing to take on any task,” said Family Support Supervisor Jackie Boyd. “They bring joy and energy to our weekly playgroups and I am thankful to have such dedicated volunteers.”

Kimberly Grimes, crime prevention and community outreach manager for the Washington Police Department, received the Emma W. Howard Children’s Service Award for her work in the community.  Family Support Specialist Jewell Gardner, in presenting the award, said, “Kimberly exemplifies the meaning of community and service to Beaufort County with her selfless acts of kindness and generosity.”

In addition to the recognition of service award winners, Executive Director Lisa Woolard recognized childcare providers, board members, staff and community partners for their support of young children and commitment to making early years learning years. Each attendee received a children’s book from the organization’s gently used book drive, and Woolard challenged the group to plant the seed to read by giving books to local families with encouragement to read aloud every day.

The event also included testimonials from parents, early educators and community partners sharing personal stories about services received and experiences in collaborative work with the Partnership team.

Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children offers a wide range of services and resources to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and in life.