The Early Learning Center At Terry Mill, a cornerstone in early childhood education located at the former Terry Mill Elementary in Atlanta, is blossoming into a true community resource. Demonstrating its commitment to holistic family support, the center recently launched a partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. This collaboration kicked off with a successful food pantry event on October 25th, despite inclement weather, marking a significant step in the center’s journey to become a comprehensive “community school.”
Launching a Monthly Food Pantry Program at the Early Learning Center at Terry Mill
Once a month, the early learning center at terry mill will transform into a vital food distribution point. Thanks to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, families connected to the center will receive substantial support, including a large entrée, various canned goods, essential cooking ingredients, fresh produce, and nutritious snacks. These food provisions, delivered in bulk to the facility, are designed to make a tangible difference in the lives of families in the community.
Jon West of the Atlanta Community Food Bank highlights the importance of their partnership with the Early Learning Center at Terry Mill in providing food resources for early childhood education.
A Vision for a Community School at Terry Mill
Dr. Zack Phillips, the Director of the early learning center at terry mill, emphasizes that this food pantry is just the beginning of a broader vision. He envisions the center evolving into a “community school,” a model that proactively addresses the diverse needs of the surrounding community. This approach, championed by Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green, aims to provide “wrap-around” services, creating a supportive ecosystem for families and children alike.
“We’re offering resources directly to our community,” Dr. Phillips stated. “Our ongoing mission is to strengthen the family unit at home and uplift the community as a whole. This initiative is a key part of Dr. Green’s vision to deliver comprehensive ‘wrap-around’ support.”
The monthly food distributions are carefully planned to offer variety and meet ongoing needs. Dr. Phillips explained that the Atlanta Community Food Bank ensures a rotating selection of food items each month, keeping the offerings fresh and relevant. These provisions are intended to provide substantial support, capable of sustaining families from a weekend through a full school week.
Positive Impact on Students and Family Engagement
The early learning center at terry mill’s food pantry initiative has been enthusiastically embraced by the parent community. The inaugural event saw a strong turnout of parent volunteers, who dedicated their time well into the afternoon to ensure that everyone in need received assistance. This level of engagement underscores the community’s commitment to the center and its mission.
“This initiative is genuinely heartfelt and deeply appreciated,” Dr. Phillips noted. “At the Early Learning Center, we are committed to servant leadership in all aspects of our roles. This means not only educating our students but also actively providing for our community. It’s truly inspiring to witness the positive reactions from our parents as they collect food while picking up their children. We are united in our mission and purpose.”
Dr. Phillips highlighted the immediate positive effects of such programs on students. “Students are noticeably more engaged and excited,” he observed. “Nutrition plays a vital role in learning. When children come to school well-nourished and free from the worry of food insecurity, they can better concentrate on their studies and thrive academically.”
Atlanta Community Food Bank: Investing in Early Childhood Development
Jon West, representing the Atlanta Community Food Bank, shared his enthusiasm for this pioneering partnership. He noted that the early learning center at terry mill is the first early childhood education facility the organization has collaborated with, highlighting the significance of reaching families early in a child’s life.
“We commend the DeKalb County School District and the Early Learning Center for demonstrating the unique needs of this setting compared to traditional schools,” West commented. “We are incredibly excited about this partnership, recognizing the critical importance of early intervention during a child’s formative years. We are pleased to provide these essential resources at this crucial stage in a student’s life.”
Expanding Services to Become a Community “One-Stop-Shop”
Looking ahead, the early learning center at terry mill is actively pursuing additional community partnerships to broaden its support network. Discussions are underway with the DeKalb County Health Department and the Division of Family & Children Services to integrate even more comprehensive services for local families.
“We are eager to move forward and offer a wide array of services for our children and their families,” Dr. Phillips concluded. “Our vision is to become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for our parents, where they can confidently access quality education for their children alongside any other support services they may require. We are thrilled to see this vision taking shape.”
