GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Partnership for Children of Wayne County (PFCW) celebrated a year of accomplishments, community partnerships, and continued efforts to support young children and families during its 2025–2026 Annual Meeting. The event featured a $25,000 funding presentation from the North Carolina General Assembly, a keynote address highlighting the importance of early childhood literacy, and special recognition of two longtime leaders.
State Representative John Bell presented a ceremonial check for $25,000 from the North Carolina General Assembly to PFCW Board Chair Selena Bennett and Executive Director Valerie Wallace.
During his remarks, Bell emphasized the connection between early childhood education, workforce development, public schools, and economic growth in Wayne County.
“We’ve had some big announcements here in Wayne County, the City of Goldsboro, and more to come, which directly benefit everything that we’re doing here,” Bell said.
Bell also praised the progress being made within Wayne County Public Schools, recognizing the leadership of the school board and improvements in student performance.
He noted that conversations about moving Wayne County forward have often centered on strengthening the public school system. Bell encouraged community members to recognize the progress being made and emphasized the importance of quality education in attracting new businesses and supporting economic development.
Turning his attention to early childhood education, Bell credited Wallace with consistently advocating for the needs of Wayne County’s youngest residents.
“And when we get to early childhood, Valerie has never let me forget how important that is here in Wayne County,” Bell said.
He added that child care and early childhood development have become increasingly important topics in discussions about workforce development and economic growth.
Bell emphasized that ensuring working families have access to dependable child care is essential to building strong communities and supporting local businesses.
Partnership Highlights a Year of Progress
PFCW Executive Director Valerie Wallace welcomed attendees and reflected on the organization’s accomplishments during the 2025–2026 year.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, thank you for joining us to celebrate another year of service, partnership, and progress for the children and families of Wayne County,” Wallace said.
Wallace recognized the educators, business partners, donors, volunteers, and advocates who support the organization’s mission.
“Our name, the Partnership for Children, reflects how we carry out our mission. Meaningful progress happens when people come together around a shared purpose,” Wallace said.
She highlighted several accomplishments, including supporting families, strengthening community partnerships, assisting early childhood educators, and helping children prepare for kindergarten.
Through its workforce academies, the Partnership has helped individuals pursue careers in early childhood education. Its literacy initiatives have also encouraged families to incorporate books and shared reading into their daily routines.
Wallace announced that the organization’s fundraising efforts exceeded their goal for the year, crediting the generosity of the community and its continued support.
Despite those successes, Wallace acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly the need for affordable and dependable child care and additional support for early childhood educators.
“At the center of that work is a simple belief: Every child deserves a strong beginning,” Wallace said.
Keynote Speaker Emphasizes Early Literacy and the Importance of Reading
The meeting’s keynote speaker was Dr. Laura Bilbro-Berry, Literacy Manager with the North Carolina Partnership for Children, who discussed the critical role early literacy plays in a child’s development.
Bilbro-Berry, a former North Carolina Teacher of the Year, encouraged attendees to remember their favorite childhood books and the experiences of reading with parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
“Literacy, learning to read, begins in the lap of parents and caregivers,” Bilbro-Berry said.
She explained that the first five years of a child’s life are especially important for developing vocabulary, listening comprehension, language skills, and other foundations necessary for reading success.
Bilbro-Berry emphasized that reading with children is one of the simplest and most affordable ways families can help prepare them for school.
She also highlighted the importance of providing children with age-appropriate books and encouraging parents to engage in conversations, ask questions, and discuss stories while reading together.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Delivers Millions of Books
A major focus of the keynote address was Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth until their fifth birthday.
Bilbro-Berry reported that more than 28 million books have been delivered to North Carolina children since the program expanded statewide in 2017.
She explained that the program costs approximately $2.60 per child each month, or about $32 annually.
According to Bilbro-Berry, the North Carolina General Assembly provided a total of $13 million in funding for the program, including $8 million in recurring funds and $5 million in nonrecurring funds that can be used through 2032.
The additional funding allowed the program to resume accepting new registrations following a temporary pause caused by demand exceeding available resources.
Bilbro-Berry said approximately 260,000 children across North Carolina are now receiving books each month, including about 220,000 supported by state funding and another 40,000 supported through private contributions.
She also shared results from a survey of approximately 17,000 participating families.
According to the survey, 44% of parents reported reading to their children daily before receiving books through the program. That number increased to 67% after enrollment.
Additionally, 43% of responding families indicated they would not have been able to afford the books without the program.
Bilbro-Berry emphasized that providing books helps families establish daily reading habits while strengthening the bonds between children and their caregivers.
New Literacy Initiative Coming to Wayne County
Bilbro-Berry also announced an upcoming partnership involving PFCW, Book Harvest, and a local hospital to expand access to books for newborns and their families.
Through the Book Harvest initiative, participating families will receive a box containing 10 books while at the hospital.
Parents will also have the opportunity to enroll their children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, allowing them to receive an additional book each month until their fifth birthday.
The initiative will also introduce families to Basics Insights, a free text-messaging program that provides weekly information about child development and suggested activities parents can do with their children.
Bilbro-Berry explained that the goal is not only to provide books but also to help families understand how to use reading and everyday interactions to encourage healthy development.
The program will complement existing literacy efforts, including books provided to children during pediatric wellness visits.
Wayne County will be the third participating community in the Book Harvest initiative, with implementation expected to begin soon.
Bilbro-Berry concluded her presentation by encouraging everyone to make reading with children a priority.
“I also hope whenever you get a chance that you can read to a child,” she said. “Because remember, learning to read begins in the lap of a caregiver.”
Longtime Finance Officer Honored Ahead of Retirement
The Annual Meeting also included a special recognition of Amanda Atkinson, Finance Officer for the Partnership for Children of Wayne County, who will retire at the end of December after 26 years of service.
Wallace praised Atkinson for her dedication, financial leadership, and commitment to ensuring the organization remained accountable and prepared to fulfill its mission.
“For 26 years, Amanda has worked behind the scenes to ensure that the Partnership remained financially responsible, accountable, and prepared to carry out our mission,” Wallace said.
Throughout her career, Atkinson has helped the organization navigate changing funding requirements, grants, audits, budgets, contracts, and numerous financial responsibilities.
Wallace noted that Atkinson’s contributions extend well beyond financial management.
She also recognized Atkinson’s sense of humor and her ability to bring laughter to the workplace, even during challenging times.
“What she’s contributed to the Partnership simply cannot be measured in budgets and spreadsheets, or even years of service,” Wallace said.
Wallace became emotional while thanking Atkinson on behalf of the board, staff, community partners, and the countless children and families who have benefited from her work.
“You helped us build a strong foundation for this organization, and your contributions will remain part of our story long after you leave,” Wallace said.
Selena Bennett Receives Champion for Children Award
Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the to PFCW Board Chair Selena Bennett.
PFCW Board Treasurer Bill Batts presented the award in recognition of Bennett’s faithful service on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2013.
Bennett was recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and longstanding commitment to strengthening the community and improving the lives of Wayne County children and families.
Throughout her years of service, Bennett has been a supportive leader and trusted advocate for the Partnership’s mission.
Her dedication and continued involvement have helped ensure that Wayne County’s youngest children have access to opportunities, services, and resources that support their development and future success.
Continuing the Mission
The Annual Meeting served as both a celebration of the Partnership’s accomplishments and a reminder of the continued need for community collaboration.
From expanding access to books and strengthening early childhood education to supporting working families and recognizing dedicated community leaders, the Partnership for Children of Wayne County continues working toward its mission of helping every child receive a strong start in life.
As Wallace reminded attendees, meaningful progress requires the collective efforts of the entire community.
“No single organization in this room or in our community can meet every need, but together we can help children and families find the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
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