Partnership cites urgency of funding request

SMITHFIELD — Johnston’s Partnership for Children had appeared before County Commissioners in April in support of its funding request.

So Candy Scott, the partnership’s executive director, promised to be brief in a return engagement on June 10. “I will take this opportunity to express the urgency of receiving our total request of $100,000,” she said.

That’s request is up $50,000 from what commissioners gave the partnership for 2023-24.

But COVID-relief dollars are running out for Johnston County’s public schools, which had used some of the money to expand pre-kindergarten.

“This increase of funding … is essential to provide these school-readiness activities and resources to the children who won’t be receiving services through Johnston County Public Schools because of their funding cuts,” Scott said.

COVID relief is running out too for local daycares, some of which are in danger of closing, Scott said.

“So having that full funding is critical for us to be able to reach these children,” she said.

Scott recalled what Maureen McGuinness, head of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, had told commissioners on the group’s behalf in April. “Investing in early childhood programs not only shapes our future workforce but also positively impacts the current workforce and economic development,” she said.

“These programs provide resources for families that allow them to work and contribute to our local economy,” she added.

Scott asked commissioners to “please just show the children of Johnston County that they are valued and give them a reason to stay here in Johnston County.”

“Because they’re going to have children of their own one day, and they’re more likely to stay in a county that values children,” she said.

Scott called this a critical time in child care in Johnston County. “And we want to make sure that we have the tools, the resources and the funding to take care of all of these needs,” she said.

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