Children & Family Resource Center Awarded $25,000 Grant from Community Foundation of Henderson County

The Children & Family Resource Center (CFRC) has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Community Foundation of Henderson County to support its Preschoolers Reaching Educational Potential (PREP) program, Emily Balcken, Executive Director, announced today.

According to Balcken, the grant will help ensure that Henderson County children ages 3 to 5 receive early developmental screenings and intervention services that prepare them for success in school. PREP focuses on the early detection of developmental delays through screenings of motor and concept skills, language development, vision, and hearing. Children identified as needing additional support receive individualized follow-up plans, progress monitoring, and re-screening to help them reach key developmental milestones before entering kindergarten.

“Early identification and intervention can make a lifelong difference for a child,” said Balcken. “We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Henderson County for investing in our youngest learners. This grant will allow us to expand access to developmental screenings, provide individualized follow-up support for children showing signs of delay, and help more families connect with the resources their children need to enter school ready to learn and thrive.”

Each year, CFRC’s trained educators screen more than 1,100 Henderson County children through the PREP program, helping families identify developmental concerns early and connect with appropriate support and services. Grant funding will be used to support screening activities, educational materials, follow-up interventions, and family engagement efforts that strengthen school readiness outcomes for local children.

The Children & Family Resource Center was founded in 1999 and has served Henderson County families for more than 27 years. CFRC’s mission is to nurture the development of children by building a strong foundation of family and community. Through programs focused on early childhood education, parenting support, family stability, and child well-being, the organization directly serves thousands of residents each year. Emily Balcken serves as Executive Director of the Children & Family Resource Center.

The Community Foundation of Henderson County supports charitable programs in the greater Henderson County area. Founded in 1982, the Community Foundation administers over 500 funds with assets of over $100 million.