Hello Family Highlights
Year 2: October 2022-September 2023
As an early investor in Hello Family, the Mary Black Foundation is thrilled to see the successes that are being achieved through the initiative. As Hello Family begins its third year of implementation, I hope you will take a moment to celebrate the tremendous impact seen during the past year. In the 2022-2023 annual report, you will be able to review data and read stories from the front-line workers who continue to shape a brighter future for our youngest residents. The report highlights Family Connects' path to accreditation and BirthMatters' success in supporting mothers to nurture stronger, healthier babies. Quality Counts remains a beacon in our state, spotlighting the remarkable efforts of Early Care and Education teachers, while Triple P acts as a bridge to connect parents with important support services. A special acknowledgment goes out to these partner organizations who are dedicated to serving Spartanburg's families with excellence.
As you delve into the data, stories, and insights within the report, we hope you will recognize the significance of your role in launching Hello Family. Your unwavering partnership and support have proven to be a pivotal catalyst. We eagerly anticipate the unfolding of new success stories as we expand Hello Family to serve families throughout all of Spartanburg County through our partnership with the Spartanburg Academic Movement and Movement 2030. Together, through our collaborative efforts, we have the opportunity to ensure the children and families of Spartanburg can thrive here!
Warm regards,
Molly Talbot-Metz,
President and CEO, Mary Black Foundation
Raising a Family in Spartanburg Has Its Perks
In Spartanburg, our goal is to provide services and resources that help children grow + thrive. With support from Hello Family, local providers work with families to improve the following outcomes and to connect parents and caregivers with the resources they are looking for. With a focus on prenatal care through age five, Hello Family is building on a child's early years when brain development is critical. Keep scrolling to learn more about each provider and see their work from the year!
Improve Birth Outcomes
BirthMatters believes in the power of support, and their doulas empower expectant mothers with information and knowledge needed to raise healthy and thriving babies.
Increase School Readiness
Higher quality equals better outcomes. Spartanburg County First Steps' Quality Counts program works with child development centers to enhance learning opportunities.
Reduce Avoidable ER Visits
Family Connects supports parents after the birth of a child to increase knowledge around maternal and infant health, in turn decreasing avoidable hospital visits.
Reduce Abuse + Neglect
Raising kids is hard. Raising them without Triple P is harder. Triple P partners with parents and caregivers to offer the support they need, in the way they want it, when they want it.
The Difference of Doulas
"BirthMatters has the most caring, knowledgeable and welcoming doulas. I had the best experience ever and I would definitely recommend all expecting mothers work with a doula!"
This year, BirthMatters trained eleven doulas and one doulo. Eboni Williams, lead trainer, shared, "Some of us came into the space just meeting one another and we were able to laugh, cry, heal, and share like we've known each other for years. This was a non-judgemental space that felt safe for everyone. We are excited that we have added four of the doulas to our staff. They are excited to be part of the change in our community!"
Hear more from the trainees!
"I loved the hands-on approach of the training. I felt like we were guided in doing the work while we were learning."
Auriel Washington
"The training was very informative. I loved the fact that we had different speakers each week. Our trainers were the best!"
Teaira Jefferson
"I liked the culture and the atmosphere during training. I love the life long bonds that I built with my new doula and doulo sisters & brother."
Krystal Foster
“When I had my first visit after going through my traumatic experience during giving birth, there were so many concerns about my mental & health that needed to be addressed. My nurse voiced her concerns to my doctor and got me the help that I needed. For that, I’m forever grateful.”
Q+A with Quality Counts Participant Pamela Wallace
Program Manager at Piedmont Community Action Child Development Center
Tell us about the program you lead.
We provide quality child care services for children ages 2-5, with a focus on serving low-income families, single parents, and guardians. Our program’s certified teaching staff and administrative support form a child-friendly environment that benefits the whole family. Our main objective is to prioritize the children and provide them with a solid foundation for their future.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
I find great joy in serving families and providing quality service to the community. Watching children reach their classroom milestones inspires me and I am committed to being available to families, assisting them with needed resources, and helping their little ones succeed. Above all, I believe in providing quality education for children, especially for single parents who may face challenges. It is a privilege to be able to assist them and to provide a service that makes a positive impact on their future.
What do you want people to know about PCA Child Development Center?
Our team provides a safe learning environment where every child can thrive and we are committed to fostering a high-quality atmosphere, with the well-being of the children being first. Together, we create a family-like atmosphere that enables children to flourish in everything they do. Our team knows we can achieve great things by working collaboratively, attending training, and delivering 100% quality service to our families for the ultimate reward.
What impact has Quality Counts had on your program?
Our program has successfully reached several goals by implementing coaching strategies from Quality Counts. Our teachers have improved in areas such as classroom management, behavioral strategies, transitional activities, and engaging children in teacher-child dialogues to develop their conversation skills. We are grateful to Quality Counts for all they have done for our center, and as a result of their help, we have been awarded a 4-star child development program rating.
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