First Steps is a nonprofit investing in the future of South Carolina through programs and services that help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We’re in the home, helping new parents learn the skills they need to build a bright future for their little ones. We’re in child care centers, making sure every child has access to the best early learning opportunities. We’re in pediatric clinics, helping spot and address concerns early before they hold children back. We’re in your community. With a First Steps nonprofit affiliate in every county in the state, we’re local people meeting local needs. From providing cleaning supplies for childcares to food boxes for families in need, our local partnerships went above and beyond this year, stretching their resources to help more families in more ways than ever. Thank you for joining us in making Celebrate Community a night to remember and a big success for our state’s young
children!GEORGIAExecutiveMJARTANDirector
At South Carolina First Steps we know that raising children isn’t easy. This last year had been particularly tough for parents and their little ones. That’s why community is so important. Because for parents to be the best moms and dads they can be, sometimes they need a little extra help. At First Steps, we mobilize a community of caring individuals like you, to come alongside families. To make sure they have what they need to raise healthy, thriving children who start school ready for success.
SCAN THE QR CODE
Sponsorship Levels Presenting Sponsor $15,000 Family $5,000 Friends $2,500 Neighbor $1,000
Who We Are
We’ve been helping families and businesses make more of their finances for more than 120 years. We’ve shared their dreams, helped make budgets work harder and built financial plans to last them the rest of their lives. And in that time, we’ve built a solid track record of service, stability and reliability.
Supporting Our Communities
In our line of work, people come first. That’s why we’re proud to lend our support to causes that help people in need. As a company, we work with organizations in the areas we serve to help them make our communities stronger. Our employees also donate hundreds of volunteer hours every year to causes close to their hearts.
Presenting Sponsor
26% increase
Last year, First Steps partnerships directly served 26% more children than the previous year
$1 million
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Our partnership structure gives local leaders the ability to operate in a way that best meets the needs of local families. Because each community is different, each First Steps partnership tailors its programs and activities based on a local determination of needs
Local Impact
Across the state in every county, First Steps works to ensure that every child has the opportunity to benefit from quality early childhood programs.
In 2020, we invested over $1 million in competitive grant funding to support families with young children.
IN 100%2020-21: of children served intensibely had at least one risk factor 91% had two or more risk factors 44% had three or more risk factors
PROVEN RESULTS
Children who received First Steps services 74% more likely to score at the Highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Asseement 34% less likely to be chronically absent in kindergartenCommitment to Quality Targeted Investments TIYHW m staer
Dave and Cheryl Morley
When we invest in young children, in their health and safety, the families and communities in which they live, and the environments in which they learn, we produce meaningful and measurable results, now and in the future.
Family
Early childhood matters because early experiences shape the architecture of the developing brain, establishing a foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. It matter to South Carolina. It matters to me.
Canright-Keller Family
https://www.cws.com/
Family
Capital Waste Services is a Columbia based waste services company that provides Residential, Commercial and Industrial waste collection, disposal and recycling services in South Carolina. Our services are deeply rooted in communities and this opportunity will further extend our reach to the children of South Carolina.
We believe technology was created for people to simplify things. By focusing on craftsmanship rather than sheer execution, we are able to create elegant solutions. We’re excited to extend our support and join First Steps by investing in South Carolina’s young children.https://www.37gears.com/
Family Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and advocacy efforts, Boeing supports community partnerships and programs. Boeing works to create opportunities that inspire our future, empower our heroes and strengthen our homes.
https://www.boeing.com/
We help with the nuts and bolts of tax and audit needs. We also help people understand what’s going on and make sure they have what they need to make the business run better. SC First Steps’ local partnerships help our communities run better and we’re honored to stand beside them.
https://www.37gears.com/
Paul Mitchell
We believe donating our time, talent and resources is equally important as the monetary support we provide each year. To further promote strong, healthy, safe and vibrant communities, we have set corporate responsibility guidelines to ensure we impact our areas of service fairly and in the best interest of all of our members.
https://www.foundersfcu.com/
Friends
The first five years of life are a time of intellectual, social, and emotional growth. The experiences children have during this time have the power to shape their health and well-being. Programs and policies reaching young children in need benefit them, their families, and—in the long run—their communities.
Rhodes Branding is a group of creative thinkers and problem-solvers that help bring brands to life and give students the best possible experience. We empower schools nationwide to change their narrative. We also strive to support local initiatives, such as SC First Steps, which is actively uplifting the communities of South Carolina.
Neighbors
Brookland Academy Child Development Center S. Holt ScottGeorgiaJesicaCompanyMackeyandDominikMjartanBethandBrianMooreDebbieandMarkRobertsonandCompanyAccountingFirmDr.andMrs.AaronWynkoop
Additional Contributors
McClary, Audrey Dr. Pruitt, Angela
Sponsorships and Ticket Sales
Mjartan, Robertson,Priester,Kellett,Mjartan,Mackey,Wynkoop,Morley,Canright,GeorgiaShelleyDaveNicoleJesicaGeorgiaCindyDorothyDebbie (chair)
Entertainment, Theme and Activities
Gardiner, Betty (chair) Richard, Chelsea Cordan, Kerry Beebe, Stoudemire,Gina Nancy McConnell, Jennifer Doherty, Marcy Priest, Hazelett,Triplett,Engle,Rabon,MichelleGeniseAmyValerieLinda
Baker, Laura (chair)
Clyburn, Jabari Thompson, Philicia
Richard, Chelsea
Cordan, Kerry
Jones, Hazelett,LexiLinda
Singleton, Heather
Logistics, Hosting and Planning
Decorations and Lighting
Cordan, Kerry (chair)
Other Simmer, Edward
Communications
Tobin, Bernice
Siuba, Justina (chair)
Fitzgerald, Kathy
