FCR Head Start & Early Head Start

10/21/2026

We had a great time connecting with Durham Public Schools students at ACCELER8 2026! 🎉

Our Families & Communities Rising (FCR) team enjoyed meeting eighth-grade students, answering their questions, and sharing what it looks like to build a career centered around helping children, families, and communities thrive.

It was exciting to see students exploring different career paths, discovering new interests, and thinking about what their futures could hold.

A big thank you to Durham Public Schools for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful experience. We’re grateful for every opportunity to connect with young people and show them the many ways they can make a difference! 💙

Now we want to hear from you! 💬 What advice would you give your eighth-grade self about choosing a career or following your dreams? Share it in the comments! Your words might be just the encouragement a young person needs to dream bigger.

10/21/2026

We had a great time connecting with Durham Public Schools students at ACCELER8 2026! 🎉

Our FCR Head Start & Early Head Start team enjoyed meeting eighth-grade students, answering their questions, and sharing what it looks like to build a career centered around helping children, families, and communities thrive.

It was exciting to see students exploring different career paths, discovering new interests, and thinking about what their futures could hold.

A big thank you to Durham Public Schools and Superintendent Lewis for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful experience. We’re grateful for every opportunity to connect with young people and show them the many ways they can make a difference!

Now we want to hear from you! 💬 What advice would you give your eighth-grade self about choosing a career or following your dreams? Share it in the comments! Your words might be just the encouragement a young person needs to dream bigger.

10/19/2026

Strong communities are built through strong partnerships!

At Families & Communities Rising (FCR), we know that supporting children and families takes more than one organization. It takes community partners who share our commitment to making a difference.

From nutrition and food security to health, safety, and family well-being, our partners help us connect families with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

We’re grateful for the organizations and individuals who continue to show up, work alongside us, and invest in the families we serve.

Hear directly from our incredible community partners as they share why this work matters and how we’re making a difference together.

💬 Watch the video, share it with your network, and tag a community partner who inspires you! Together, we can build stronger communities where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.

10/12/2026

Keeping our children safe starts with the little things that make a big difference! 🚗💙

Our Fairview Head Start/Early Head Start Center recently welcomed a Safe Kids Worldwide car seat safety event, giving families an opportunity to learn more about proper car seat installation and ways to keep their little ones safe on the road.

A special thank you to Anna Stormzand, Safe Kids Coordinator for Orange County, for sharing her knowledge and helping our families make safety a priority.

At Families & Communities Rising, we know that supporting children means supporting the entire family. Through partnerships like these, we’re helping build safer, healthier, and stronger communities!

10/09/2026

Keeping our children safe starts with making sure families have the information and resources they need.

At Families & Communities Rising, that work is happening every day through our Safe Kids Durham County initiative.

Take a moment to hear from Shannon Jackson, Safe Kids Coordinator, as she shares how we’re working with families and community partners to help prevent injuries and keep children safe.

We’re proud of this work and the difference it’s making for children and families across our community!

09/28/2026

When men show up for children, it matters. And when they have a place to connect, learn, and support one another, families grow stronger.

At Families & Communities Rising, our Male Engagement work creates space for fathers and father figures to be present, build relationships, and take an active role in their children’s lives. The moments in this video show what that can look like, from participating in a conversation to simply being there with a child.

To every man making the time to show up: we see you. Your presence makes a difference. 💙

09/22/2026

FCR Head Start & Early Head Start leadership team kicked off the new program year with excitement, energy, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The meeting provided an opportunity to set clear expectations, strengthen our focus, and prepare our leaders for the important work ahead. One thing was made clear: supporting children and strengthening families takes every department and every person working together.

When each of us brings our best, our families are better, our communities are stronger, and our impact is greater. We are excited about what we will accomplish together this year!

09/10/2026

We’re still celebrating the opening of Mathers Academy for Young Learners!

Named in honor of Mike Mathers, the Academy is a special way to carry forward his legacy and the impact he made on Families & Communities Rising and FCR Head Start & Early Head Start, children and families.

Now that legacy will live on through every young learner who walks through these doors, discovers something new, builds confidence and begins to dream about what’s possible.

And this is just the beginning. We’re inviting our entire community to be part of what comes next. Support our young learners, partner with FCR, volunteer, and help us continue creating opportunities for children and families to thrive.

Mike’s legacy continues, and together, we can help build what comes next.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

🌟 FCR Community Partner Spotlight: Northern High School Culinary Arts Program

At Families & Communities Rising and FCR Head Start & Early Head Start, we know that strong communities are built through strong partnerships.

Today, we’re proud to highlight the Northern High School Culinary Arts Program, where Chef and Instructor Johnny Rutt is helping students turn classroom learning into real-world experience.

Through hands-on culinary education and work-based learning, students are developing valuable skills, learning from professional chefs, and gaining experience by catering weddings, special events, and community activities.

What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the connection to community. Former students who are now parents have seen today’s students cater events for their families, bringing the impact of the program full circle across generations.

These experiences are about more than learning to cook. They build confidence, introduce young people to career pathways, promote valuable life skills, and show students what is possible for their futures.

At FCR, we’re grateful for community partners like the Northern High School Culinary Arts Program who help us strengthen families, create opportunities, and build thriving communities.

Partnership in action. Community impact. Opportunities for the next generation.