Special to Iredell Free News
Twenty-five years ago, the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children (ICPYC) was created as the local Smart Start initiative to ensure that children from birth to age five are getting what they need early in life to thrive.
Guided by a commitment to lift children to better beginnings, ICPYC embarked on a journey to provide services focused on raising the quality of early care and education, supporting families, advancing child health, and expanding early literacy.
In honor of this milestone anniversary, the agency held a fundraising luncheon last Wednesday. The Change the First Five Years Investment Luncheon, presented by Raymer Oil Company, was a celebration of the agency’s accomplishments over the past 25 years and a recommitment to ensure that all young children are healthy, learning, and thriving in families that are supported by services and resources essential for success in school and life.
The event was held at the Statesville Civic Center. Nearly 300 people attended the luncheon to show their support for the agency’s mission. Attendees watched a video highlighting the partnership’s services and impact on the community.
“A quarter century of championing quality services for children, families, and the early childhood workforce has impacted hundreds of thousands of Iredell County residents, resulting in positive outcomes and meaningful change,” Program Director Lisa Pullis, who has been with the agency for nearly 19 years, said.
Guests also heard a personal story from Executive Director Lisa Familo, who utilized Smart Start services as a young mom. She ended her speech with a quote from the second video titled “Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything”: “If we invest in programs that support families and promote learning beginning at birth, the statistics will change, the stories will change, the future will change.”
The Change the First Five Years Investment Luncheon raised $25,000 to support local programs and services for children and families. Event sponsors included Raymer Oil Company, Randy Marion of Statesville, Big Oh Balloons, First Citizens Bank, Gunter Grading, HPB Insurance, Integrity Computers Inc., Iredell Health System, Knox Roofing & Restoration LLC, Legacy Motor Club (RPAC Racing LLC), Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Print Path LLC, Red Buffalo Brewing Co., Sir Speedy Print, Signs, Marketing, and TC Leasing LLC.
“We are so grateful for the community’s support of the Partnership. Gifts and sponsorships in honor of our 25th anniversary helped us reach our goal of raising $25,000, enabling us to provide critical services for another 25 years,” said Familo.
About ICPYC
The Iredell County Partnership for Young Children is a 501 (c)(3), public/private organization dedicated to measurably increasing learning and healthy development of children birth to age five in Iredell County. ICPYC provides services focused on raising the quality of early care and education, supporting families, advancing child health, and expanding literacy. For more information, call (704) 878-9980 or visit http://www.iredellsmartstart.org/. ICPYC is located at 734 Salisbury Road in Statesville.