Published in the Times-Dispatch: Week of the Young Child

The Week of the Young Child began April 22, and to celebrate, we at United Way and our Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond initiative encourage you to learn more about how you can help children before they enter kindergarten.

First, begin by reading the op/ed piece published by the Richmond Times-Dispatch on April 22. It was written by Dr. Gary Rhodes, president of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and chair of Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond (SBGR), and Barbara Couto Sipe, vice president of community impact at United Way and director of SBGR. Together, they lead the region-wide coalition that is working to ensure that the region’s children enter school  healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Then, take action to make a difference in the life of a young child. Some ideas:

• Join United Way's Women's Leadership Initiative, which harnesses the caring power of almost 900 women from across the region to prepare today's children to become tomorrow's leaders. Activities including new member orientation and visits to childcare centers are coming up this spring and summer.
  
• Thank parents, teachers, and every adult you know who helps young children get a great start.
  
• Support early childhood programs through United Way. When you give to our Community Action Fund, your will contribute to the success of a dozen quality programs that teach and support thousands of at-risk children under the age of 5. They need your help!