About Us

About Partnership For Children

In 1993, then North Carolina governor Jim Hunt proposed a state-wide, early childhood initiative called Smart Start which would use state funds to provide services for early childhood development. The legislation was ratified and “Partnerships for Children” were established to serve all 100 North Carolina Counties by managing and distributing Smart Start funds to local early childhood initiatives.

The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties, established in 1994, is one of those partnerships and works to develop today’s children to become tomorrow’s leaders. The Partnership accomplishes this mission by providing and supporting a variety of programs and services that target children and their families.

Our Vision

“A community that nurtures and supports children and families in a safe and healthy environment through accessible quality childcare and family services.”

Staff Directory

Taylor Bowen

Professional Development Coordinator

April Fields

Finance Director

Jennelle Lewis

Early Literacy/Outreach Coordinator

Julissa Lopez

Program Coordinator

Steve Roman

Triple P Coordinator

Stephanie Sullivan

Technical Assistance Coordinator

Edward Chisolm

Executive Director

Kerry Heath

Program Specialist

Briana Andrews

Child Care Health Consultant

Stacie Parrish

Program Specialist

Board of Directors

  • Nicky Sheppard
  • Amanda Smith
  • Angela Bates
  • Antonio Blow
  • Bethany McKissick
  • Frank Creech
  • Jane Gridley
  • Jeremy Jones
  • Lauren Tucker
  • Natasha Sutton
  • Sheila Perry
  • Estefany Eing
  • Tristan Bruner

Get Involved

The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties wants you to get involved! Please see the opportunities below.

  • Our most pressing need is your donation so that we can effectively serve as many families in Lenoir and Greene Counties as possible. 100% of your donation to the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties will go to funding local programs and services for young children and their families. No private donation dollars are used on administrative expenses. That means that your contribution goes further. The Partnership for Children is a 501(c)3 organization so your contribution is tax deductible. Your donation, no matter what the amount, will help us meet the needs of families in our community.
  • We are always in need of families to advocate our cause to our local legislators. Each year there is a risk of funding cuts to Smart Start and other state funds directed toward young children. Community members are encouraged to write to their local legislators as well as visit them to encourage the legislator’s support of early childhood initiatives.

If you would like to volunteer your time at the Partnership, please call us and we will let you know about current volunteer opportunities.

Annual Reports

NAVIGATION