News

ParentChild+, the organization that helps America’s most vulnerable families prepare their young children for a lifetime of success, has deepened its bench of talent. Angela Drakeford, an experienced human-services professional based in Charlotte, has been hired as North Carolina Director, a new role in the organization.

Drakeford will be responsible for overseeing the establishment and expansion of ParentChild+ in Charlotte and across the state.  In response to a 2015 study that ranked Charlotte last among major U.S. cities in economic mobility and an in depth community needs assessment, GreenLight Fund Charlotte identified ParentChild+ as a model that filled a critical gap, supporting families in building their children’s social-emotional skills and preparing children for school success.  GreenLight Fund is awarding six hundred thousand dollars over four years to seed the growth of the program in Charlotte and surrounding communities. They have already been joined by Vanguard, Brighthouse, and the Charlotte Housing Authority (now INLIVIAN) in supporting the start-up of the program.

Drakeford will join a network of state and regional directors who work with the ParentChild+ national staff to build local partnerships that advance the organization’s core mission. She will also provide training, technical assistance, and quality assurance to support implementation by local partner organizations. The first two local partners in Charlotte are the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool and the Charlotte Housing Authority, both of which will work with 50 families in 2019.

“Angela is exactly the right person for this position. She has deep roots in Charlotte and has worked with the Housing Authority, with city and county government, and in the healthcare and social service sectors for many years,” said Sarah E. Walzer, J.D., CEO of ParentChild+. “She has a great reputation in the community and a passion for children and families that is apparent whenever she talks about improving their access to education and school success. She will be a tremendous advocate for ParentChild+ and its partners as we work to provide Charlotte families equal opportunities from the start.”

“I am thrilled that ParentChild+ has brought on local leader and advocate Angela Drakeford to direct this important work in partnership with Charlotte families,” said Carrie Cook, Executive Director, Greenlight Fund Charlotte. “GreenLight’s investment in ParentChild+ supports a proven, community centered approach to strengthen early childhood development where it all starts – in the home. I look forward to working with Angela who is deeply rooted in our community, and has experience leading operations in both the public and private sector.”

“I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity to leverage my business background and passion for early childhood success in this new role,” said Angela Drakeford. “I look forward to working with all our partners to make a meaningful impact on the lives of some of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community.”

ParentChild+ is a non-profit organization that fights for social equity through early childhood education. By the time the children furthest from opportunity enter kindergarten, too many are already falling behind, setting the stage for a lifetime of missed opportunities. ParentChild+ aims to break this cycle of poverty by intervening before America’s most vulnerable children enter school (when it is already too late). ParentChild+’s proven model meets families where they are, offering support in their home language so all children have the chance to meet their full potential.

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Media inquiries please contact:

Courtney Inman

ParentChild+

Development + Events Director

cinman@parentchildplus.org