Greetings from the Executive Director

Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart is experiencing a very exciting season! I am grateful for the combined efforts of our board of directors, staff, child care providers, and community partners for tireless contribu-tions made on behalf of our children and families. Our success hinges on our capacity to build partner-ships throughout our service area.
Our strategic planning process started months ago with data gathering and meetings. A highlight of this process was our community engagement meeting held at the Masonic Home for Children on August 15th. Thanks to all who participated in this very engaging activity.
We continue to look at ways to enhance our capacity to serve our community. An upgrade of our website is under study and we are seeking to establish a data management system that will allow us to track our progress over time. Planning has begun to have our second Slime Walk (Walk for Children) in 2020. This is an event which allows us to focus on the importance of exercise and healthy living. I must admit we had a tremendous amount of fun in the process.
Please contact us if we can support other activities in the community focused on the well-being of chil-dren ages 0 – 5 and families. We are always willing to support community organizations in their efforts as well. I solicit your continued support. Again, thanks so much for all you have done to support us.


Gratefully,
Tony W. Cozart, Executive Director
Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc.

FGV Smart Start Ducky Derby 2025 Success!

FGV Smart Start Ducky Derby 2025 Success!

This year’s Ducky Derby was dedicated to our child care providers. This is the second time FGV has used this format; the first time was in 2021. The winners of this year’s Ducky Derby are as follows

Apply for Child Care Quality Grants – Orientation Sessions Available

Apply for Child Care Quality Grants – Orientation Sessions Available

Apply for Child Care Quality Grants – Orientation Sessions Available

The Quality Child Care Grant Application Process Orientation will hold one last session on Thursday August 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the FGV Smart Start office for Franklin, Granville & Vance County.

Time Out Tuesday 2025: Thank You!

Time Out Tuesday 2025: Thank You!

Time Out Tuesday was a tremendous success. With the support of our community, we raised over $15,000 to benefit young children and families across Franklin, Granville, and Vance Counties in North Carolina.

The event took place on April 15, 2025, with a special focus on our Franklin County partners. Community members volunteered to be “timed out” at local child care centers, where they reached out to friends, family, and colleagues to raise donations for their release. Each participant aimed to raise at least $250 during their one-hour time out.

Time Out Tuesday 2025 Vance County

Time Out Tuesday 2025 Vance County

We’re excited to share that our Vance County Time Out Tuesday fundraiser was a huge success! Thanks to the generosity of our community and the dedication of our amazing volunteers, we raised $2,000 to support early childhood programs right here in Vance County.

Our volunteers took “Time Out” of their busy schedules to visit local child care centers and shine a light on the incredible work happening every day for children ages 0–5. Each volunteer set out to raise $250—and together, we exceeded our goal!

FGV Smart Start Recognition Banquet

FGV Smart Start Recognition Banquet

What a night to remember! On January 16, 2025, we gathered to honor the incredible dedication, passion, and hard work of early childhood educators at our annual Recognition Banquet. The event was a heartfelt celebration of the individuals who play such a vital role in...