Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is pleased to announce it has received a $300,000 grant from the Vanguard Community Stewardship program. This partnership funds the expansion of existing Smart Start evidence based programs designed to support the healthy development of children and to ensure kindergarten readiness. Specifically the grant expands YMCA's Parents as Teachers, Reach Out & Read and Smart Start Healthy Families.
"Vanguard's support tangibly demonstrates their commitment to being a community partner. Their generous gift will enable these three programs to better serve children in ways that enhance their chances of full and successful lives" says Robert McCarter, Interim Executive Director at Smart Start of Mecklenburg County.
The Vanguard Community Stewardship program helps provide a strong start for young children in communities near each of the investment company's U.S. sites. More than 1,500 of Vanguard's 15,000 global crew (employees) are based in Charlotte. This initiative for young children is funded through a combination of Vanguard corporate gifts and Vanguard crew gifts from the company's annual giving campaign.
This partnership fully aligns with Smarts Starts Mission to facilitate the delivery of a high quality, collaborative, accountable system of care, family support, health services and education for every child beginning with birth.