Contact:
Adam Muhlendorf, Longleaf Strategies; adam@longleafstrategies.com; (334) 625-0175
Samuetta Nesbitt, United Way of Central Alabama; snesbitt@uwca.org; (205) 613-5373
On Thursday, August 1 at 11 a.m., at Trinity Love Center (1905 8th Avenue N., Bessemer, Ala. 35020), pre-k advocates from across Central Alabama will announce the expansion of a local initiative to help area child care providers receive pre-k funding from the state. The advocates will make the announcement following a tour of the new high-quality,
state-funded First Class Pre-K classroom being installed at the Trinity Love Center.
Before receiving a $120,000 state grant to add a First Class Pre-K program this year, the Trinity Love Center received major program and curriculum upgrades through United Way’s Success By 6 initiative and participated in the Bold Goals Early Learning Action Network’s Expanding Public Pre-K project. The projects help prepare private child care centers to become Alabama First Class Pre-K providers. Since the project was launched 3 years ago, 11 child care facilities in Jefferson County have received state-funded First Class Pre-K grants.
Media is invited to attend Thursday’s briefing and hard hat tour, and coverage is welcome. Photo, video and interview opportunities will be available.
Thursday’s briefing and tour was organized by advocates from the Alabama School Readiness Alliance (ASRA) and The Bold Goals Coalition of Central Alabama. ASRA and its Pre-K Task Force are leading a ten-year initiative, now in its seventh year, to fully fund Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program by the 2022-2023 school year.
Who:
· LaTonya Bender, Owner and Director, Trinity Love Center
· Drew Langloh, President & CEO United Way of Central Alabama; ASRA Pre K task Force member
· Joan Wright, Chair, Bold Goals Early Learning Action Network, Member, ASRA Pre-K Task Force and Executive Director, Childcare Resources
· Allison Muhlendorf, Executive Director, Alabama School Readiness Alliance
· State Senator Priscilla Dunn (Invited)
· State Representative Louise Alexander (Invited)
Where:
Trinity Love Center
1905 8th Avenue N.
Bessemer, Ala. 35020
When:
Thursday, August 1, 2019
11:00 a.m.
The Alabama School Readiness Alliance advocates for the expansion of high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten. ASRA works to ensure that pre-k is a continuing priority for Alabama’s children, parents, community leaders, legislators and governing officials. ASRA is a collaborative effort of A+ Education Partnership, Alabama Giving, Alabama Partnership for Children and VOICES for Alabama’s Children. Visit alabamaschoolreadiness.org to learn more.
The Bold Goals Coalition is 200 organizations solving big community problems by aligning partners, resources and agendas. We’ve been advocating and implementing the power of collective impact since 2014, and have been focused on advancing the health, education and financial stability of all people in Central Alabama. Most of our work happens in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties. Many organizations play leadership roles in our work. United Way of Central Alabama provides the primary staff and organizational support for the Bold Goals Coalition. Learn more at www.boldgoals.org.