A local nonprofit that works to provide services to young children and families as well as the professionals who serve them will receive the Carol S. Fox Making Kids Count award from the Voices for Virginia’s Children advocacy group at an Oct. 15 ceremony in Richmond.
The award, which is being presented to Child Development Resources, recognizes efforts to improve lives of Virginia children, according to a news release announcing the award.
“We were thrilled to learn that CDR was named a recipient of this important award. At CDR, we ensure that all children, no matter their challenges or disabilities, reach their full potential,” Paul Scott, CDR’s executive director, said in the release. “This award recognizes the commitment and dedication of our therapists, family consultants, nurses, teachers, aids and volunteers who work everyday on behalf of the babies, toddlers and families CDR serves.”
The award is named after Carol Spaulding Fox who gathered with other Virginians in 1994 to create the Action Alliance for Virginia’s Children and Youth, now known as Voices for Virginia’s Children. CDR was founded in 1966 and now serves about 1,000 children and their families in the area.
CDR has several programs, including an early Head Start program that gives health screenings, development screenings and support for families facing poverty or other serious challenges; an infant parent program, which provides individualized physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with disabilities and development delays; and the First Step Child Care & Development Centers, which provides full-day childcare for children from low-income families whose parents are working, in school or in job training.
With offices in Norge, York County and James City County, CDR is able to reach families throughout the Historic Triangle and beyond. Scott said much of the work the group does happens in the homes of area families who require services. That allows families who can’t afford transportation — or who don’t live near public transportation — to be able to receive services.
“The research is clear that investing in early childhood really ensures the children have all the skills they need to be successful in school,” Scott said. “When they have educational success, they tend to have occupational and career success.”
CDR derives its funding from contracts with federal, state and local governments as well as donations from individuals, corporations and other nonprofit groups. The award nomination came from Vicki Sprigg, a James City County employee and a member of CDR’s board of directors.
The award will be presented to CDR on Oct. 15 at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond. For more information on CDR, visit their website here.
