2008 Champions of Children Awards

Chesterfield County First Steps presented its Champion of Children Awards on December 1 during an annual meeting. Pictured from left is board member Drusilla Carter, award recipients Todd Shifflet, Margaret Mitchell, and Ann Huntley and Executive Director Karen Odom. Not pictured is Phil Ingram of Wal-Mart who received an award in absentia for contributions made to CCFS.

First Steps recognizes Champions of Children

By: Elizabeth Dutton/The Link, Cheraw

The Chesterfield County First Steps Board took time to congratulate other entities that put children first by presenting the Champion of Children awards in its Annual Meeting on Dec.1 in Chesterfield.

Board member Drusilla Carter acknowledged four recipients with plaques and words detailing their dedication to the young children of Chesterfield County.

The Chesterfield County Coordinating Council was recognized for its partnership with First Steps on the Jumpstart to Good Health Program, a community based program aimed at curbing childhood obesity through better nutrition and physical activity.  Margaret Mitchell, CCCC Coordinator was on hand to accept the award.

“Thank you very much, on behalf of everyone involved, for this recognition,” Mitchell said.

Todd Shifflet, Community Development Director for CareSouth Carolina and First Steps board member was presented with a gift basket in gratitude for his work preparing the grant proposal for the Jumpstart program.  “It’s a good program that shows that a lot of agencies can work together and improve outcomes for young children,” Shifflet said.

Ann Huntley with Chesterfield County School District was congratulated for helping First Steps provide books to young children through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  “We’re just glad that we were able to help,” said Huntley. 

Phil Ingram of Wal-Mart Distribution Center also received an award, in absentia for contributions made to CCFS.

Other business addressed at the meeting include a review of the annual report and a presentation of the 2008-13 strategic plan.  Karen Odom, executive director of CCFS, presented the plan and called for increased initiative in this difficult economic climate.

“Public funding is grossly inadequate in comparison to the complexity of the need.  Additionally, as the economic conditions continue to worsen across our state and nation, the organization faces funding cuts and many tough decisions ahead.  The intent of this plan is to guide the board and partners in prioritizing where they spend their energy and resources,” said Odom.|

The strategic plan is a blueprint for action, sets priorities for programs and encourages parental involvement with all initiatives.  All CCFS activities work toward the same goal, the statement that is the organization’s vision: Every child in Chesterfield County will enter school healthy and ready to learn.  Board members are confident this goal can be reached.

“Our collective efforts must not cease until every child in the county enters school ready to succeed and reaches their full potential.” Odom said.

Click here to view the Strategic Plan in pdf format.