November, 2013 -- United Way of Monroe County's Parent and Community Engagement team (PaCE) is building networks and strengthening collaboration among local social service agencies. We recently hosted local early childhood learning professionals at the inaugural “Developing Communities, Building Families” event on November 5th.
Helping children start school ready to succeed is at the heart of everything PaCE does. PaCE brings together social service providers who interact with families and caregivers. This team finds better ways to help our community increase healthy early childhood intellectual and emotional development.
Developing Communities, Building Families brought together 29 early childhood professionals representing 21 social service agencies to foster connection, exchange ideas, and create a space for learning. Each agency was able to showcase their work and resources they offer to the community. One participant commented, "I learned about several programs I didn't know existed and I have been working in my position for 12 years." Through this collaboration, local agencies will be better able to help families and children connect with the right resources to grow healthy and successful.
Ashley Schoolman, Community Initiatives Assistant Director at United Way, observed "This was a great opportunity to see what family services are offered in the community and where there are gaps. This helps us identify what services are needed for both families and professionals so we can work to make things better." As advocates for early childhood development, our impact becomes stronger when we work together on these issues.